King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:2 in the King James Version says “And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits. door: or, entrance”

Ezekiel 41:2 · KJV

Context

1

Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.

2

And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits. door: or, entrance

3

Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits.

4

So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said unto me, This is the most holy place.

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The door's dimensions—ten cubits wide with five-cubit sides—create a grand entrance to the Holy Place. The temple proper measures forty cubits long and twenty cubits broad, exactly double the tabernacle's dimensions (Exodus 26:15-25), signifying expansion and fulfillment. This doubling suggests amplification of God's presence and purposes. The ten-cubit door symbolizes completeness (ten = fullness in biblical numerology) while providing generous access. Yet this access remains controlled—the door's specific measurements indicate that approach to God follows divine prescription, not human whim. The forty-cubit length may echo Israel's forty years in wilderness—period of testing and divine provision. Reformed theology emphasizes that Christ is the 'door' (John 10:7, 9) through whom alone we enter God's presence, and His sufficiency is complete (ten) and expansive.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's temple had similar but smaller proportions: thirty cubits long (1 Kings 6:17) versus Ezekiel's forty. This expansion suggests either ideal dimensions or eschatological fulfillment. Ancient Near Eastern temples typically featured progressively restricted spaces—large outer courts, smaller inner sanctums. The measurements' precision reflects ancient Near Eastern building texts (e.g., Gudea Cylinders from Lagash) where temple dimensions carried theological significance. The door's generous width contrasted with narrow passages in fortifications, indicating that God's house welcomes worshipers while maintaining holiness. For the exiles, the expanded dimensions promised greater glory than Solomon's temple—perhaps fulfilled in the second temple's spiritual significance (Haggai 2:9) or ultimately in Christ's body and the church (John 2:19-21, Ephesians 2:19-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the door's generous width (ten cubits) challenge perceptions of God as unapproachable or unwelcoming?
  2. What does the temple's expanded dimensions teach about progressive revelation and God's unfolding redemptive plan?
  3. In what ways is Christ the 'complete door' (ten = fullness) through whom we access the Father?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְרֹ֖חַב1 of 19

“And the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

הַפֶּ֔תַח2 of 19

“of the door”

H6607

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

עֶ֣שֶׂר3 of 19

“was ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אַמָּֽה׃4 of 19

“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)

וְכִתְפ֣וֹת5 of 19

“and the sides”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

הַפֶּ֔תַח6 of 19

“of the door”

H6607

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

וְחָמֵ֥שׁ7 of 19

“on the one side and five”

H2568

five

אַמָּֽה׃8 of 19

“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)

מִפּ֔וֹ9 of 19
H6311

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

וְחָמֵ֥שׁ10 of 19

“on the one side and five”

H2568

five

אַמָּֽה׃11 of 19

“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)

מִפּ֑וֹ12 of 19
H6311

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

וַיָּ֤מָד13 of 19

“on the other side and he measured”

H4058

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

אָרְכּוֹ֙14 of 19

“the length”

H753

length

אַרְבָּעִ֣ים15 of 19

“thereof forty”

H705

forty

אַמָּֽה׃16 of 19

“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)

וְרֹ֖חַב17 of 19

“And the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים18 of 19

“twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אַמָּֽה׃19 of 19

“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)

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 41:2 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 41:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:171 Kings 6:22 Chronicles 3:31 Kings 6:31-35Exodus 26:362 Chronicles 29:7

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