King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:11 in the King James Version says “And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door towa...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about.”

Ezekiel 41:11 · KJV

Context

9

The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side chambers that were within.

10

And between the chambers was the wideness of twenty cubits round about the house on every side.

11

And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about.

12

Now the building that was before the separate place at the end toward the west was seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building was five cubits thick round about, and the length thereof ninety cubits.

13

So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left—the strategic placement of entrances toward the open space (hannitstsav, הַנִּצָּב, that which was left/reserved) allowed access while maintaining temple sanctity. One door north, another south, created symmetrical access without compromising the east-west orientation toward God's glory.

The breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about—this reserved space provided circulation and light, preventing the claustrophobic darkness that would dishonor God's dwelling. The repeated five-cubit measurement throughout the vision emphasizes divine order and mathematical perfection in God's design.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern temples typically had storage chambers for cultic implements and priestly supplies. The vision's symmetrical north-south orientation differs from Solomon's temple, suggesting eschatological fulfillment beyond mere historical reconstruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the careful balance between accessibility and sanctity in temple design inform how we approach corporate worship?
  2. What does the provision of light and space around God's dwelling teach about His desire for openness rather than obscurity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּפֶ֥תַח1 of 17

“And the doors”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַצֵּלָע֙2 of 17

“of the side chambers”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

הַמֻּנָּ֔ח3 of 17

“that was left”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

וּפֶ֥תַח4 of 17

“And the doors”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֶחָ֖ד5 of 17

“and another”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

דֶּ֣רֶךְ6 of 17

“toward”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַצָּפ֔וֹן7 of 17

“the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וּפֶ֥תַח8 of 17

“And the doors”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֶחָ֖ד9 of 17

“and another”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לַדָּר֑וֹם10 of 17

“toward the south”

H1864

the south; poet. the south wind

וְרֹ֙חַב֙11 of 17

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

מְק֣וֹם12 of 17

“of the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַמֻּנָּ֔ח13 of 17

“that was left”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

חָמֵ֥שׁ14 of 17

“was five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֖וֹת15 of 17

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

סָבִֽיב׃16 of 17

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

סָבִֽיב׃17 of 17

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 41:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 41:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 41:9Ezekiel 42:4

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