King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:7 in the King James Version says “And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house we...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 41:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side chambers that were within.

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chambers' expansion—'went still upward' and 'increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst'—created progressively larger space at each level. This engineering provided stability (wider base) while maximizing upper-floor space. The 'midst' (Hebrew מִסַּבַּב, misabbab) suggests circular or surrounding construction. The upward expansion symbolizes spiritual growth—foundation (narrow) supporting increasing fruitfulness (wider). Reformed theology sees sanctification as progressive enlargement—'grow in grace' (2 Peter 3:18), 'increase and abound' (1 Thessalonians 3:12). The structural necessity (wide base, expanding floors) teaches that spiritual growth requires strong foundations supporting increasing capacity for service.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's temple chambers similarly expanded at each level: 'The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad' (1 Kings 6:6). This design reduced wall weight on lower floors while maximizing upper storage. Ancient architecture understood load-bearing principles. The graduated increase provided approximately 120 total increased cubits of width across three floors. The practical construction teaches theological truth: proper development starts narrow/small (foundation) and expands upward (maturity). Jesus' parable of talents (Matthew 25:14-30) shows similar principle—faithfulness with little leads to greater responsibility. Church growth should follow this pattern: solid foundation (doctrine) supporting expanding ministry (service).

Reflection Questions

  1. Is your spiritual life 'going still upward'—progressive growth and increasing capacity—or stagnating?
  2. What solid foundation (narrow lower chamber) supports your expanding upper floors of ministry and service?
  3. How do you ensure that growth builds on proper foundations rather than top-heavy instability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְֽרָחֲבָ֡ה1 of 24

“And there was an enlarging”

H7337

to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)

וְֽנָסְבָה֩2 of 24

“and a winding about”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

לְמָ֑עְלָה3 of 24

“still upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

לְמָ֑עְלָה4 of 24

“still upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

לַצְּלָע֗וֹת5 of 24

“to the side chambers”

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

כִּ֣י6 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֽוּסַב7 of 24

“for the winding about”

H4141

a turn, i.e., circuit (of a building)

לַבַּ֖יִת8 of 24

“of the house”

H1004

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

לְמָ֑עְלָה9 of 24

“still upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

לְמָ֑עְלָה10 of 24

“still upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

סָבִיב֙11 of 24

“round about”

H5439

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

סָבִיב֙12 of 24

“round about”

H5439

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

לַבַּ֖יִת13 of 24

“of the house”

H1004

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

עַל14 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֥ן15 of 24
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

רֹֽחַב16 of 24

“therefore the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

לַבַּ֖יִת17 of 24

“of the house”

H1004

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

לְמָ֑עְלָה18 of 24

“still upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

וְכֵ֧ן19 of 24
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הַתַּחְתּוֹנָ֛ה20 of 24

“from the lowest”

H8481

bottommost

יַעֲלֶ֥ה21 of 24

“and so increased”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל22 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעֶלְיוֹנָ֖ה23 of 24

“chamber to the highest”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

לַתִּיכוֹנָֽה׃24 of 24

“by the midst”

H8484

central

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 41:7 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 41:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:8Hebrews 6:1Matthew 13:32

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