King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:19 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:19 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 41:19 · King James Version

Context

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.

20

From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple.

21

The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other. posts: Heb. post

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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—this carved imagery combines human intelligence, leonine strength, and palm tree vitality. The kephir (כְּפִיר, young lion) represents royal power, while tamar (תָּמָר, palm tree) symbolizes righteous flourishing (Psalm 92:12).

It was made through all the house round about—the repeated pattern throughout the temple emphasized that God's people should combine wisdom, strength, and spiritual fruitfulness. These same four living creatures appear in Ezekiel 1:10 and Revelation 4:7, symbolizing the fullness of creation worshiping God. Christ embodies all these attributes: the perfect Man, the Lion of Judah, and the fruitful Tree of Life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern temples often featured carved cherubim and nature motifs. Israel's use of such imagery was carefully regulated to prevent idolatry—these represented creation's worship, not objects of worship themselves.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you cultivate both strength and wisdom in your spiritual life, not merely one at the expense of the other?
  2. What does the flourishing palm tree imagery teach about the vitality and fruitfulness God desires in His people?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּפְנֵֽי1 of 16

“So that the face”

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

אָדָ֤ם2 of 16

“of a man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַתִּֽמֹרָ֖ה4 of 16

“toward the palm tree”

H8561

(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)

מִפּ֔וֹ5 of 16
H6311

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

וּפְנֵֽי6 of 16

“So that the face”

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

כְפִ֥יר7 of 16

“of a young lion”

H3715

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

אֶל8 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַתִּֽמֹרָ֖ה9 of 16

“toward the palm tree”

H8561

(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)

מִפּ֑וֹ10 of 16
H6311

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

עָשׂ֥וּי11 of 16

“on the other side it was made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶל12 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל13 of 16
H3605

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

הַבַּ֖יִת14 of 16

“through all the house”

H1004

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

סָבִֽיב׃15 of 16

“round about”

H5439

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

סָבִֽיב׃16 of 16

“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 41:19 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 41:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 10:14Ezekiel 1:10

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 41 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes