King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 42:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 42:7 in the King James Version says “And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the len...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits.”

Ezekiel 42:7 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits.

8

For the length of the chambers that were in the utter court was fifty cubits: and, lo, before the temple were an hundred cubits.

9

And from under these chambers was the entry on the east side, as one goeth into them from the utter court. from under: or, from the place the entry: or, he that brought me as: or, as he came

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits. The Hebrew gāder (גָּדֵר, "wall") describes a partition or boundary. This exterior wall, over against the chambers (opposite, parallel to them), faced the ḥāṣēr haḥîṣônâ (חָצֵר הַחִיצוֹנָה, "outer court"). The measurement of fifty cubits (approximately 75 feet) provided specific dimensional proportion.

Walls in temple architecture serve theological purposes beyond structural function. They mark boundaries between sacred and common, controlling access and maintaining holiness. The outer wall reminded worshipers that God's presence, while accessible through proper means, remains holy and separate. This balance—accessible yet holy, near yet transcendent—characterizes biblical revelation. Christ tears down walls separating Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14) while maintaining God's holiness. We approach boldly yet reverently (Hebrews 4:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The outer court in Solomon's temple (and later Herod's) accommodated Israelite worshipers, while inner courts and chambers were restricted to priests. The wall described here maintained this separation in Ezekiel's vision. Ancient temples throughout the Near East used walls and gates to create graduated zones of holiness, but Israel's theology uniquely emphasized covenant relationship alongside transcendent holiness. The measurements conveyed that worship requires both intimacy and reverence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain healthy boundaries (walls) between sacred and common in your daily life?
  2. What does the balance of accessibility and separation in temple design teach about approaching God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְגָדֵ֤ר1 of 14

“And the wall”

H1447

a circumvallation; by implication, an inclosure

אֲשֶׁר2 of 14
H834

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

לַחוּץ֙3 of 14

“that was without”

H2351

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

לְעֻמַּ֣ת4 of 14

“over against”

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

הַלְּשָׁכ֑וֹת5 of 14

“of the chambers”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

דֶּ֛רֶךְ6 of 14

“toward”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הֶחָצֵ֥ר7 of 14

“court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַחִֽצוֹנָ֖ה8 of 14

“the utter”

H2435

properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)

אֶל9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פְּנֵ֣י10 of 14

“on the forepart”

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

הַלְּשָׁכ֑וֹת11 of 14

“of the chambers”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

אָרְכּ֖וֹ12 of 14

“the length”

H753

length

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים13 of 14

“thereof was fifty”

H2572

fifty

אַמָּֽה׃14 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)

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 42:7 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 42:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 42:12Ezekiel 42:10

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