King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:4 in the King James Version says “So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said unto me...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 41:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.

6

And the side chambers were three, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which was of the house for the side chambers round about, that they might have hold, but they had not hold in the wall of the house. one: Heb. side chamber over side chamber thirty: or, three and thirty times, or, foot have hold: Heb. be holden

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) measured twenty cubits square—a perfect cube, symbolizing completeness and perfection. This is where God's glory would dwell. The perfect symmetry reveals divine perfection and holiness. New Jerusalem shares this cubic design (Revelation 21:16), showing continuity between temple and eternal state.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's temple had identical Most Holy Place dimensions (1 Kings 6:20). This continuity with previous temple emphasizes restoration and fulfillment of covenant promises. God's dwelling place specifications don't change because His character doesn't change.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the cubic symmetry of God's dwelling place symbolize His perfect holiness?
  2. What does it mean that you are a temple where God's Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 6:19)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיָּ֨מָד1 of 16

“So he measured”

H4058

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

אֶת2 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָרְכּ֜וֹ3 of 16

“the length”

H753

length

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים4 of 16

“thereof twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אַמָּ֖ה5 of 16

“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)

וְרֹ֛חַב6 of 16

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים7 of 16

“thereof twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אַמָּ֖ה8 of 16

“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)

אֶל9 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פְּנֵ֣י10 of 16

“before”

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

הַֽהֵיכָ֑ל11 of 16

“the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר12 of 16

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י13 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זֶ֖ה14 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃15 of 16

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃16 of 16

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 41:4 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 41:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:20Hebrews 9:3-82 Chronicles 3:8Exodus 26:33-341 Kings 6:51 Kings 6:16

Places in This Verse

Most Holy Place 2Altar · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E24 verses across 7 books
View all places in Ezekiel 41 →

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