Ezekiel 42:6
Ezekiel 42:6 in Multiple Translations
For they were arranged in three stories, and unlike the courts, they had no pillars. So the upper chambers were set back further than the lower and middle floors.
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.
For they were in three stories, and they had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the uppermost was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground.
For they were on three floors, and they had no pillars like the pillars of the outer square; so the highest was narrower than the lowest and middle floors from the earth level.
Since they didn't have pillars like the courtyards, the upper rooms were set farther back than the lower and middle levels.
For they were in three rowes, but had not pillars as the pillars of the court: therefore there was a difference from them beneath and from the middlemost, euen from the ground.
for they [are] threefold, and they have no pillars as the pillars of the court, therefore it hath been kept back — more than the lower and than the middle one — from the ground.
For they were in three stories, and they didn’t have pillars as the pillars of the courts. Therefore the uppermost was set back more than the lowest and the middle from the ground.
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.
For they were of three stories, and had not pillars, as the pillars of the courts: therefore did they appear above out of the lower places, and out of the middle places, fifty cubits from the ground.
The rooms on the upper levels had no pillars to support them like the ones in the courtyard. Instead, each of those row of rooms were supported by the walls of the row of rooms on the level below.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 42:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 42:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
מְשֻׁלָּשׁוֹת֙
הֵ֔נָּה
וְ/אֵ֤ין
לָ/הֶן֙
עַמּוּדִ֔ים
כְּ/עַמּוּדֵ֖י
הַ/חֲצֵר֑וֹת
עַל
כֵּ֣ן
נֶאֱצַ֗ל
מֵ/הַ/תַּחְתּוֹנ֛וֹת
וּ/מֵ/הַ/תִּֽיכֹנ֖וֹת
מֵ/הָ/אָֽרֶץ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מְשֻׁלָּשׁוֹת֙
shâlash
H8027
to do three
V-Pual-Inf-c
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Pron
וְ/אֵ֤ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
לָ/הֶן֙
Prep | Suff
עַמּוּדִ֔ים
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
N-mp
כְּ/עַמּוּדֵ֖י
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
Prep | N-mp
הַ/חֲצֵר֑וֹת
châtsêr
H2691
court
Art | N-cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
נֶאֱצַ֗ל
ʼâtsal
H680
to reserve
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
מֵ/הַ/תַּחְתּוֹנ֛וֹת
tachtôwn
H8481
lower
Prep | Art | Adj
וּ/מֵ/הַ/תִּֽיכֹנ֖וֹת
tîykôwn
H8484
middle
Conj | Prep | Art | Adj
מֵ/הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 42:6
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מְשֻׁלָּשׁוֹת֙
shâlash
H8027
"to do three"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew verb means to do something three times or to divide something into three parts. It is used in the Bible to describe repeating an action or dividing things into thirds.
Definition: 1) to do a third time, do three times, divide in three parts 1a) (Piel) to do a third time, divide into three parts 1b) (Pual) to be three years of age, be threefold
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old). See also: Genesis 15:9; 1 Kings 18:34; Ezekiel 42:6.
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
וְ/אֵ֤ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לָ/הֶן֙
""
Prep | Suff
עַמּוּדִ֔ים
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
כְּ/עַמּוּדֵ֖י
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
הַ/חֲצֵר֑וֹת
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
Art | N-cp
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
נֶאֱצַ֗ל
ʼâtsal
H680
"to reserve"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to set something aside or reserve it for later. It can also mean to select or refuse something. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's actions, such as setting aside a people or a place for a special purpose. The KJV translates it as keep or reserve.
Definition: 1) to lay aside, reserve, withdraw, withhold 1a) (Qal) to reserve, set apart, withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withdrawn 1c) (Hiphil) to withdraw
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: keep, reserve, straiten, take. See also: Genesis 27:36; Numbers 11:25; Ezekiel 42:6.
מֵ/הַ/תַּחְתּוֹנ֛וֹת
tachtôwn
H8481
"lower"
Prep | Art | Adj
Tachtown means lower or bottommost, describing something as the lowest or nethermost part. It is used to describe physical locations or positions.
Definition: lower, lowest, nether
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lower(-est), nether(-most). See also: Joshua 16:3; Isaiah 22:9; Ezekiel 43:14.
וּ/מֵ/הַ/תִּֽיכֹנ֖וֹת
tîykôwn
H8484
"middle"
Conj | Prep | Art | Adj
Tiykon means middle or central, describing something as being in the middle or midst of something else. It is used to describe physical locations or positions.
Definition: middle
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: middle(-most), midst. See also: Exodus 26:28; 1 Kings 6:8; Ezekiel 42:6.
מֵ/הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 42:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 42:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 42:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 42:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:6
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 42:6
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 42:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:6
Context — Chambers for the Priests
4In front of the chambers was an inner walkway ten cubits wide and a hundred cubits long. Their doors were on the north.
5Now the upper chambers were smaller because the galleries took more space from the chambers on the lower and middle floors of the building.
6For they were arranged in three stories, and unlike the courts, they had no pillars. So the upper chambers were set back further than the lower and middle floors.
7An outer wall in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long and ran parallel to the chambers and the outer court. 8For the chambers on the outer court were fifty cubits long, while those facing the temple were a hundred cubits long.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 41:6 | The side rooms were arranged one above another in three levels of thirty rooms each. There were ledges all around the wall of the temple to serve as supports for the side rooms, so that the supports would not be fastened into the wall of the temple itself. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 6:8 | The entrance to the bottom floor was on the south side of the temple. A stairway led up to the middle level, and from there to the third floor. |
Ezekiel 42:6 Summary
[This verse describes the chambers in the temple, which were arranged in three stories with no pillars, and the upper chambers were set back further than the lower ones. This unique design shows God's attention to detail and care for the temple's layout, similar to how He carefully designed the tabernacle in Exodus 25:1-22. The set-back upper chambers also remind us of the importance of humility, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28, where Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others. By studying this verse, we can learn about God's character and how we can apply these principles to our own lives and worship.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the upper chambers were set back further than the lower and middle floors?
This refers to the design of the temple chambers in Ezekiel 42:6, where the upper floors were smaller and set back due to the galleries taking up space, similar to the design seen in Exodus 26:15-30 where the tabernacle's construction also considered spatial arrangements.
Why were there no pillars in these chambers, unlike the courts?
The absence of pillars in Ezekiel 42:6 may have been for structural or aesthetic reasons, but it highlights the unique design of these chambers, which is distinct from other parts of the temple, such as those described in 1 Kings 7:6 where pillars were a notable feature.
How does the arrangement of these chambers reflect the overall design of the temple?
The arrangement of the chambers in Ezekiel 42:6, with their three stories and set-back design, reflects the careful planning and attention to detail seen throughout the temple's design, echoing the precision and order found in Solomon's temple as described in 1 Kings 6:1-38.
What can we learn from the specific measurements and layouts described in this verse?
The specific measurements in Ezekiel 42:6, such as the lack of pillars and the set-back upper chambers, demonstrate God's attention to detail and order, reminding us of His precision in creation as seen in Genesis 1:1 and His concern for the specifics of worship as outlined in Leviticus 1:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- How does the attention to detail in the temple's design reflect God's character, and what does this teach us about our own approach to worship and service?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of careful planning and attention to detail seen in Ezekiel 42:6 to our own lives and ministries?
- What does the set-back design of the upper chambers suggest about the importance of humility and surrender in our walk with God, as also seen in Matthew 20:26-28?
- How does the unique design of these chambers contribute to the overall sense of reverence and awe in the temple, and what can we learn from this about creating spaces for worship in our own communities?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 42:6
For they were in three stories,.... Not only the galleries or posts, but the chambers; they were one over another; there were the lowermost, middlemost, and uppermost; which, as before, may denote
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 42:6
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:6
In three stories; built high one over another. As the pillars of the courts; as thick and strong as those were, but of the slenderer and weaker make. The building, the highest room of the building, was straitened; was laid at nearer distance than the middlemost from the lowest, or than the roof of the lowest from the ground.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:6
Ezekiel 42:6 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.Ver. 6. Therefore the building was straitened.] As the rules of architecture direct, and as right reason required, lest the building should shrink under its own burden. Ne structura pondere dissiliret.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:6
(6) As the pillars of the courts.—This statement is introduced to show that as there was no external support for the galleries, they must have been taken from the width of the chambers; but it gives incidentally the interesting information that there were pillars in the courts. These could not have been the ornamental pillars at the entrance of the various porches, for the connection implies that they supported something. It is quite likely, therefore, that there were cloisters around the inside of the wall of the courts (on the pavement), as in the later Temple.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 42:6
6. the pillars of the courts] LXX. reads: pillars of the outer ones, i.e. the chambers in the outer court. Probably there is a transcriptional error here, cf. Ezekiel 41:15. was straitened] lit. there was (room) taken away from the lowest … from the ground. The last words seem in apposition with “lowest,” and refer to the ground area. The verse indicates that the chambers in the outer court had pillars, and that the three stories were all of the same dimensions.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 42:6
The front of the higher stories was not supported on pillars, but there was a narrowing from “the lowest” (chambers) “and” from “the middlemost” (chambers) “from the ground.”
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:6
4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north.