King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:9 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:9 in the King James Version says “The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits: and that which was left was the plac...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 41:9 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And between the chambers was the wideness of twenty cubits round about the house on every side.

11

And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits—the Hebrew qir (קִיר, wall) emphasizes structural solidity and separation. The five-cubit thickness (approximately 7.5 feet) denotes substantial strength, suggesting permanence and divine protection surrounding God's dwelling place.

That which was left was the place of the side chambers that were within—these tsela'ot (צְלָעוֹת, side chambers/ribs) provided storage for temple vessels and priests' needs. The architectural precision mirrors Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:5-6) but with eschatological perfection, pointing to the church as God's carefully structured dwelling (Ephesians 2:19-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel prophesied this temple vision around 573 BC during Babylonian exile, fourteen years after Jerusalem's destruction. The detailed architectural specifications served to sustain exilic hope for restoration while describing a temple surpassing Solomon's in glory and permanence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the substantial thickness of God's temple walls reflect His commitment to protecting His dwelling place among His people?
  2. What does the orderly provision of side chambers teach about God's care for the practical needs of those who serve Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
רֹ֣חַב1 of 14

“The thickness”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

הַקִּ֧יר2 of 14

“of the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

אֲֽשֶׁר3 of 14
H834

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

צְלָע֖וֹת4 of 14

“of 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

אֶל5 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַח֖וּץ6 of 14

“without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

חָמֵ֣שׁ7 of 14

“was five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֑וֹת8 of 14

“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)

וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 14
H834

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

מֻנָּ֔ח10 of 14

“and that which was left”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

לַבָּֽיִת׃11 of 14

“that were within”

H1004

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

צְלָע֖וֹת12 of 14

“of 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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 14
H834

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

לַבָּֽיִת׃14 of 14

“that were within”

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 41:9 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 41:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 41:11Ezekiel 42:4Ezekiel 42:1

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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