King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 42:4 Mean?
“And before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors toward the north.”
Context
2
Before the length of an hundred cubits was the north door, and the breadth was fifty cubits.
3
Over against the twenty cubits which were for the inner court, and over against the pavement which was for the utter court, was gallery against gallery in three stories.
4
And before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors toward the north.
5
Now the upper chambers were shorter: for the galleries were higher than these, than the lower, and than the middlemost of the building. were higher: or, did eat of these than the lower: or, and the building consisted of the lower and the middlemost
6
For they were in three stories, but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the building was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **A walk of ten cubits breadth inward.**—The meaning of this clause depends upon that of the next, “a way of one cubit.” There is every reason *to* suppose here an error of the text, and that *one cubit* should be *one hundred,* as it reads in the Greek. The change requires only a transposition of the first letters in one word, and a consequent alteration of one letter in the other. Exactly the same transposition has occurred in Ezekiel 42:16, where it is corrected in the margin of the Hebrew, and properly translated “five hundred” instead of “five cubits.” One cannot conceive of a walk or an entrance of one cubit (twenty inches) serving any useful purpose. Assuming this change, the meaning will be that a walk (see Plan II., K [Ezekiel 40:44-49]) of 10 cubits wide and 100 long led to the entrance of the chambers. That this was on the north is plain from its being expressly said that the door was on the north. It may seem surprising that this should have been in the outer court, but a glance at the plan in connection with what is said below will explain the reason of the arrangement. The length of the walk, 100 cubits, just reaches to the steps of the north gate of the inner court. It will be remembered that in Ezekiel 40:39-43 this was described as the place for killing and preparing the sacrifices. Now, only the fat and kidneys of the sin and trespass and peace offerings were burnt upon the altar; the whole of the former (ordinarily) and the priests’ portion of the latter were to be carried to this chamber (Ezekiel 42:13). The walk was therefore placed in the best possible situation.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 42:4 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 42:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge