King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:15 in the King James Version says “And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which was behind it, and the galleries thereo...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which was behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court; galleries: or, several walks, or, walks with pillars”

Ezekiel 41:15 · KJV

Context

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;

14

Also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, an hundred cubits.

15

And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which was behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court; galleries: or, several walks, or, walks with pillars

16

The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows were covered; cieled: Heb. cieling of wood and from: or, and the ground unto the windows

17

To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure. measure: Heb. measures

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The building's galleries (Hebrew אַתִּיקִים, attiqim—possibly terraces or side chambers) on both sides, measuring another hundred cubits, expand the temple complex. The phrase 'with the inner temple, and the porches of the court' indicates comprehensive measurement including all associated structures. This expansiveness contrasts with the cramped, improvised worship spaces exiles knew in Babylon. God's house is spacious, well-ordered, and beautiful—reflecting His character. The galleries may have provided storage, priestly quarters, or teaching spaces, showing that true worship involves more than ritual—it requires infrastructure for instruction, fellowship, and service. Reformed theology emphasizes the church as God's temple must be architecturally beautiful (reflecting God's glory) and functionally organized (supporting worship, teaching, and fellowship). The hundred-cubit measurement repeated throughout chapter 41 hammers home the point: completeness and perfection characterize God's dwelling.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's temple had three-story side chambers around the sanctuary (1 Kings 6:5-10) for storing vessels, priestly garments, and temple treasures. These chambers grew wider at each successive level (1 Kings 6:6), accessed by winding stairs. Archaeological excavations of temples at Beth-Shean and Arad show similar auxiliary chambers. The galleries in Ezekiel's vision likely served comparable purposes while expanding capacity. Ancient temples functioned as economic centers—receiving tithes, storing grain, housing treasuries. The temple's porches provided shaded areas for gathering and instruction (cf. Solomon's Porch in John 10:23, Acts 3:11). For the exiles, who remembered the temple as center of national life—economic, judicial, religious—this vision promised comprehensive restoration of covenantal community life centered on God's presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your local church building facilitate comprehensive ministry—worship, teaching, fellowship, service—or merely provide minimal functional space?
  2. What does the temple's expansive galleries teach about the generous provision God makes for His people's varied needs?
  3. In what ways does architectural beauty in worship spaces honor God versus mere utilitarianism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וּמָדַ֣ד1 of 18

“And he measured”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

אֹֽרֶךְ2 of 18

“the length”

H753

length

הַ֠בִּנְיָן3 of 18

“of the building”

H1146

an edifice

אֶל4 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פְּנֵ֨י5 of 18

“over against”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַגִּזְרָ֜ה6 of 18

“the separate place”

H1508

the figure or person (as if cut out); also an inclosure (as separated)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל8 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַחֲרֶ֧יהָ9 of 18

“which was behind”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְאַתִּוקֶ֛יהָא10 of 18

“it and the galleries”

H862

a ledge or offset in a building

מִפּ֥וֹ11 of 18
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

וּמִפּ֖וֹ12 of 18
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

מֵאָ֣ה13 of 18

“thereof on the one side and on the other side an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אַמָּ֑ה14 of 18

“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)

וְהַֽהֵיכָל֙15 of 18

“temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

הַפְּנִימִ֔י16 of 18

“with the inner”

H6442

interior

וְאֻֽלַמֵּ֖י17 of 18

“and the porches”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

הֶחָצֵֽר׃18 of 18

“of the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

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 41:15 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 41:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 42:3Ezekiel 42:1Ezekiel 42:5Ezekiel 41:12Song of Solomon 7:5Ezekiel 41:17

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