King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:21 in the King James Version says “The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 41:21 · King James Version

Context

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

22

The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.

23

And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors.

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The temple entrance had 'posts were squared'—straight, perpendicular, perfectly ordered. The phrase 'the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other' emphasizes symmetry and order. God's dwelling reflects His character—orderly, not chaotic. Creation order, moral order, and architectural order all reflect the Creator's nature.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient temples often featured elaborate entrances marking transition from common to holy space. The straight, ordered design emphasized approaching God properly with reverence and according to His prescribed patterns.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does order in God's dwelling place reflect His character and purposes?
  2. What does approaching God 'properly' mean in terms of reverence and obedience?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הַֽהֵיכָ֖ל1 of 7

“of the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

מְזוּזַ֣ת2 of 7

“The posts”

H4201

a door-post (as prominent)

רְבֻעָ֑ה3 of 7

“were squared”

H7251

to be quadrate

וּפְנֵ֣י4 of 7

“and 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

הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ5 of 7

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כַּמַּרְאֶֽה׃6 of 7

“of the one as the appearance”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

כַּמַּרְאֶֽה׃7 of 7

“of the one as the appearance”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

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 41:21 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 41:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 41:11 Kings 6:33Ezekiel 40:14

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 2Room · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E23 verses across 8 books
View all places in Ezekiel 41 →

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