King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:6 in the King James Version says “And the side chambers were three, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which was of the...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 41:6 · KJV

Context

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

7

And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst. there: Heb. it was made broader, and went round

8

I saw also the height of the house round about: the foundations of the side chambers were a full reed of six great cubits.

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The side chambers—'chamber upon chamber, three, thirty in order'—stacked in three stories with thirty chambers per story (ninety total) demonstrate extensive auxiliary facilities. The Hebrew שָׁלֹשׁ (shalosh, 'three') times שְׁלֹשִׁים (sheloshim, 'thirty') provides ample storage and function space. The phrase 'entered into the wall which was of the house for the side chambers round about' explains structural integration—chambers built into wall thickness, not attached afterward. This engineering solution combined structural strength with functional space. Reformed theology sees comprehensive provision in God's house—nothing lacking for legitimate needs. The ninety chambers picture abundant resources for ministry, requiring good stewardship. God provides generously; His people must manage wisely (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's temple had similar three-story side chambers with increasing width at each level (1 Kings 6:5-10). These housed temple treasuries, priestly garments, tithes, offerings, and equipment (1 Chronicles 9:26-33, Nehemiah 10:37-39). The structural integration prevented weakening main walls while maximizing interior space. Ancient architecture used similar techniques—thick walls with integrated chambers. The ninety chambers (three stories times thirty per floor) provided extensive facilities. Post-exilic temple rebuilders faced limited resources, yet Haggai encouraged them that future glory would exceed past splendor (Haggai 2:9). The chambers' abundance illustrates God's generous provision—He supplies everything needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How well do you steward the 'ninety chambers' (abundant resources) God provides for ministry and service?
  2. What structural integration (built-in spiritual disciplines) supports your life versus hasty additions?
  3. Do you trust God's generous provision or operate from scarcity mentality despite obvious abundance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
לַצְּלָע֛וֹת1 of 21

“And the side”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

לַצְּלָע֛וֹת2 of 21

“And the side”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לַצְּלָע֛וֹת4 of 21

“And the side”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

שָׁל֧וֹשׁ5 of 21

“were three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים6 of 21

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

פְּעָמִ֗ים7 of 21

“in order”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

וּ֠בָאוֹת8 of 21

“and they entered”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּקִ֥יר9 of 21

“in the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

אֲשֶׁר10 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הַבָּֽיִת׃11 of 21

“of the house”

H1004

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

לַצְּלָע֛וֹת12 of 21

“And the side”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

סָבִ֖יב13 of 21

“round about”

H5439

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

סָבִ֖יב14 of 21

“round about”

H5439

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

לִהְי֣וֹת15 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֲחוּזִ֖ים16 of 21

“but they had not hold”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

וְלֹֽא17 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְי֥וּ18 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֲחוּזִ֖ים19 of 21

“but they had not hold”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

בְּקִ֥יר20 of 21

“in the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

הַבָּֽיִת׃21 of 21

“of the house”

H1004

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

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 41:6 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 41:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:101 Peter 1:51 Kings 6:5-6Ezekiel 40:17

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