King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:17 in the King James Version says “To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by m...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 41:17 · King James Version

Context

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

18

And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;

19

So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about.

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure—the phrase bemiddot (בְּמִדּוֹת, by measure) appears repeatedly in Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing that every element of God's dwelling follows divine specification. Nothing is random or arbitrary; all serves God's holy purpose.

This comprehensive measurement 'within and without' demonstrates that God's standards govern both visible external appearance and hidden internal reality—a principle echoed in Jesus's condemnation of Pharisaic externalism (Matthew 23:25-28). True holiness must permeate every dimension of God's people, not merely their public presentation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The meticulous measurements recall the Mosaic tabernacle's precise specifications (Exodus 25-27). Such detail reveals God's character: He is not capricious or disorganized but ordered and purposeful in all things.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your private spiritual life measure against God's standards, not merely your public religious performance?
  2. What does God's attention to comprehensive detail teach about His concern for every aspect of your life?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
עַל1 of 15
H5921

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

מֵעַ֣ל2 of 15
H5921

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

הַפֶּ֡תַח3 of 15

“To that above the door”

H6607

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

וְעַד4 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַבַּיִת֩5 of 15

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

בַּפְּנִימִ֥י6 of 15

“even unto the inner”

H6442

interior

וְלַח֜וּץ7 of 15

“and without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

וְאֶל8 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל9 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַקִּ֨יר10 of 15

“and by all the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

סָבִ֛יב11 of 15

“round about”

H5439

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

סָבִ֛יב12 of 15

“round about”

H5439

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

בַּפְּנִימִ֥י13 of 15

“even unto the inner”

H6442

interior

וּבַחִיצ֖וֹן14 of 15

“and without”

H2435

properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)

מִדּֽוֹת׃15 of 15

“by measure”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

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 41:17 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 41:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 42:15

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