Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 42:3
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
This Hebrew word describes something as inner or interior, like the inner part of a person or a building. It is used in Psalm 51:17 to describe a broken spirit.
Definition: inner
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: (with-) in(-ner, -ward). See also: 1 Kings 6:27; Ezekiel 40:27; Ezekiel 46:1.
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
A hot stone or live coal, also describing a decorative pavement, like the ones found in ancient temples.
Definition: pavement
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: live coal, pavement. See also: 2 Chronicles 7:3; Ezekiel 40:17; Isaiah 6:6.
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
This word means outer or external, describing something outside or secular. It is used in Ezekiel 40:5 to describe the outer wall of a building.
Definition: outer, external, outward
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: outer, outward, utter, without. See also: 1 Kings 6:29; Ezekiel 40:37; Ezekiel 46:21.
The Hebrew word for a gallery or porch, referring to a ledge in a building. It appears in the Bible as a architectural feature. In the KJV, it is translated as gallery.
Definition: gallery, porch Another spelling of at.tiq (אַתִּיק "gallery" H0862B)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: gallery. See also: Ezekiel 41:15; Ezekiel 42:3; Ezekiel 42:5.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
The Hebrew word for a gallery or porch, referring to a ledge in a building. It appears in the Bible as a architectural feature. In the KJV, it is translated as gallery.
Definition: gallery, porch Another spelling of at.tiq (אַתִּיק "gallery" H0862B)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: gallery. See also: Ezekiel 41:15; Ezekiel 42:3; Ezekiel 42:5.
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
Context — Chambers for the Priests
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Ezekiel 41:15–16 |
Next he measured the length of the building facing the temple courtyard at the rear of the temple, including its galleries on each side; it was a hundred cubits. The outer sanctuary, the inner sanctuary, and the porticoes facing the court, as well as the thresholds and the beveled windows and the galleries all around with their three levels opposite the threshold, were overlaid with wood on all sides. They were paneled from the ground to the windows, and the windows were covered. |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 41:10 |
and the outer chambers was twenty cubits wide all around the temple. |
| 3 |
Song of Solomon 7:5 |
Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, the hair of your head like purple threads; the king is captured in your tresses. |
| 4 |
Ezekiel 42:5 |
Now the upper chambers were smaller because the galleries took more space from the chambers on the lower and middle floors of the building. |
| 5 |
2 Chronicles 7:3 |
When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” |
| 6 |
Ezekiel 40:17–18 |
Then he brought me into the outer court, and there were chambers and a pavement laid out all around the court. Thirty chambers faced the pavement, which flanked the gateways and corresponded to the length of the gates; this was the lower pavement. |
| 7 |
Song of Solomon 1:17 |
The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are fragrant firs. |
Ezekiel 42:3 Summary
Ezekiel 42:3 describes the galleries or walkways in the temple complex, which were built in three levels. This shows us that God values order and harmony, even in the design of His house of worship. Just as the temple had different areas for different purposes, we can think about how we organize our own lives and priorities to reflect our love for God (see Matthew 6:33 and Luke 12:31). By considering the temple's design, we can learn to approach God with reverence and care, just as the Israelites did when they built the temple according to God's instructions (Exodus 40:16).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the galleries mentioned in Ezekiel 42:3?
The galleries in Ezekiel 42:3 refer to the layered walkways or corridors in the temple complex, as described in the context of Ezekiel 42:1-5, which are part of the chambers opposite the temple courtyard and the outer wall on the north side, similar to the temple design described in 1 Kings 6:5.
What is the significance of the three levels of galleries in Ezekiel 42:3?
The three levels of galleries signify the hierarchical and organized structure of the temple, reflecting the order and harmony that God desires in His house of worship, as seen in the detailed instructions for the tabernacle in Exodus 25:1-31 and the temple in 1 Chronicles 28:11-19.
How do the measurements in Ezekiel 42:3 relate to the rest of the temple complex?
The measurements in Ezekiel 42:3, including the twenty cubits that belonged to the inner court and the pavement that belonged to the outer court, demonstrate the careful planning and precision in the construction of the temple, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 12:32 and Jeremiah 26:2.
What can we learn from the architecture described in Ezekiel 42:3?
The detailed architecture in Ezekiel 42:3 teaches us about the value of order, precision, and beauty in worship, reminding us that our worship should reflect the character of God, as expressed in Psalm 96:9 and Psalm 100:4-5.
Reflection Questions
- How can I reflect the order and harmony of God's temple in my own life and worship?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my reverence for God through the way I approach worship and spiritual disciplines, just as the temple's design showed reverence for God?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of careful planning and precision in my own spiritual growth, just as the temple's construction was carefully planned?
- How can the description of the temple's galleries and chambers inspire me to think about the 'inner courts' of my own heart and the 'outer courts' of my interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 42:3
Over against the twenty cubits which were for the inner court,.... Starckius thinks that the breadth of the chambers being fifty cubits, is here parted, and disposed of, and accounted for.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 42:3
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:3
The twenty cubits’ space of the inner court, or court of the temple, faced the south front of this row of chambers, their southern lights looked into this space, and to the north of the temple: The pavement, which was in the priests’ court, and on the north side of this building, into which pavement the north windows looked. Gallery against gallery; that is, a gallery on the south part toward the inner court, and a gallery toward the pavement northward, and between the backs of these galleries were chambers. In three stories; either in height, or else in three ranks, as now placed, two galleries on the sides, and a chamber in the midst; or two rows of chambers, and one long gallery in the middle.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:3
Ezekiel 42:3 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].Ver. 3. Which were for the inner court,] viz., Of the temple. This was a figure of the Church invisible, as the outward court, described in this chapter, was of the visible and external. The pavement which was for the utter court.] Which might signify that those who would enter into heaven must keep themselves unspotted of the world, "undefiled in the way."
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:3
(3) Over against the twenty.—See under Ezekiel 42:1. This was the space of twenty cubits (I [Ezekiel 40:44-49]) to the west of the western Temple chambers. The pavement.—There is but one pavement mentioned in the outer court, that which ran along the inside of the wall. The chamber in question was opposite to the pavement on the north side, as it was opposite to the separate place, &c., on the south—i.e., its length was parallel to both, or east and west. “Utter” again means outer.Gallery against gallery.—The expression is a difficult one in the original. “Against” is literally, unto the face of, or in front of, and stories is altogether wanting. The meaning seems to be that in each chamber building, on the north and on the south, there was a gallery in the third storey, so placed on the south side of the north building and the north side of the south building that they faced each other.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 42:3
3. The breadth of the block having been mentioned in Ezekiel 42:2, Ezekiel 42:3 adds in what directions this breadth extended or lay on either hand (N. and S.), viz. towards the 20 cubits of the separate place (Fig. 3, H) on the S., and toward the pavement running round the wall of the outer court (Ezekiel 40:17) on the N. (cf. Ezekiel 42:1), Fig. 3, B. The term “gallery” is obscure, but here it seems to mean a passage running round the chambers, in front of them, and so taking away from their area. in three stories] More naturally: in the third story, lit. in the thirds, i.e. third chambers (Genesis 6:16). What is meant by “gallery over against gallery” is rather obscure. Most naturally the galleries or gangways round the highest story would be supposed to lie towards the interior of both wings, i.e. on the “walk” of so cubits running between the wings (Fig. 3, O), because if they lay toward the outside of the wings respectively it is difficult to see how they could be said to lie “over against” or to face one another, for in that case both wings of the chambers in the third story would lie between them. It is altogether unnatural to suppose that by the second “gallery” any galleries in the chambers of the outer court on the one side, or any galleries in the structure of the house proper on the other, are referred to. 4–6 may be read: “And before the chambers was a walk of 10 cubits breadth inward, with a length of 100 cubits; and their doors were toward the north. 5 Now the upper chambers were shorter; for the galleries took away from them compared with the lower and middle (chambers) in room. 6 For they were in three stories, and they had not pillars like the pillars of those in the outer court; therefore” &c.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 42:3
These “chambers” (compare Ezekiel 46:19) did not reach to the western wall; between it and them lay a court for cooking (M), probably forty cubits by thirty; such court with its approaches filled up
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:3
1-3. Toy renders: “Then he took me out to the outer court on the north and thence led me to the chamber building which faced the temple court on the south and the hall building on the north.
Sermons on Ezekiel 42:3
| Sermon | Description |
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The Worshiping of Jesus
by M.P. Hayden
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M.P. Hayden preaches about presenting Jesus as an object of worship, focusing on Jesus the Nazarene, the Galilean prophet, who received divine homage from His disciples while on ea |
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The Purpose of Revival
by Colin Peckham
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Colin Peckham preaches on the purpose of revival, emphasizing that it is not for our own glory, the salvation of souls, or the blessing of Christians, but for the glory of God. Rev |