Ezekiel 40:21
New International Version
Its alcoves—three on each side—its projecting walls and its portico had the same measurements as those of the first gateway. It was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

New Living Translation
Here, too, there were three guard alcoves on each side, with dividing walls and an entry room. All the measurements matched those of the east gateway. The gateway passage was 87 1 / 2 feet long and 43 3 / 4 feet wide between the back walls of facing guard alcoves.

English Standard Version
Its side rooms, three on either side, and its jambs and its vestibule were of the same size as those of the first gate. Its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth twenty-five cubits.

Berean Standard Bible
Its three gate chambers on each side, its side pillars, and its portico all had the same measurements as the first gate: fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

Berean Literal Bible
And its chambers were three on this side and three on this side; and for its side pillars and its porticos it was according to the measure of the first gate—fifty cubits its length, and its width five and twenty by the cubit.

King James Bible
And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

New King James Version
Its gate chambers, three on this side and three on that side, its gateposts and its archways, had the same measurements as the first gate; its length was fifty cubits and its width twenty-five cubits.

New American Standard Bible
It had three guardrooms on each side; and its side pillars and its porches had the same measurement as the first gate. Its length was fifty cubits, and the width twenty-five cubits.

NASB 1995
It had three guardrooms on each side; and its side pillars and its porches had the same measurement as the first gate. Its length was fifty cubits and the width twenty-five cubits.

NASB 1977
And it had three guardrooms on each side; and its side pillars and its porches had the same measurement as the first gate. Its length was fifty cubits, and the width twenty-five cubits.

Legacy Standard Bible
It had three guardrooms on each side; and its side pillars and its porches had the same measurement as the first gate. Its length was fifty cubits and the width twenty-five cubits.

Amplified Bible
Its guardrooms, three on each side, and its side pillars and its porches had the same measurement as the first gate. Its length was fifty cubits and the width was twenty-five cubits.

Berean Annotated Bible
Its three gate chambers on each side, its side pillars, and its portico all had the same measurements as the first gate: fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

Christian Standard Bible
Its three recesses on each side, its jambs, and its portico had the same measurements as the first gate: 87 1 /2 feet long and 43 3 /4 feet wide.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Its three recesses on each side, its pilasters, and its portico had the same measurements as the first gate: 87 1/2 feet long and 43 3/4 feet wide.

American Standard Version
And the lodges thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

Contemporary English Version
This gate also had three guardrooms on each side of a passageway. The measurements of these rooms, the walls between them, and the entrance room at the far end of the passageway were exactly the same as those of the east gate. The north gate was also 25 meters long and 12.5 meters wide,

English Revised Version
And the lodges thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Its three guardrooms, its recessed walls, and its entrance hall were the same size as those in the east gateway. The gateway was 87 1/2 feet long and 44 feet wide.

Good News Translation
The three guardrooms on each side of the passageway, the walls between them, and the entrance room all had the same measurements as those in the east gateway. The total length of the gateway was 84 feet and the width 42 feet.

International Standard Version
It was equipped with three guardhouses on each side. Its side pillars and porches had measurements identical to the first gate: 50 cubits long and 25 cubits wide.

NET Bible
Its alcoves, three on each side, and its jambs and porches had the same measurement as the first gate; 87 1/2 feet long and 43 3/4 feet wide.

New Heart English Bible
And its side-rooms were three on either side, and its jambs and its porches had the same measurement as the first gate; its length was eighty-six feet one inch, and the breadth fourty-three feet one inch.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the little chambers of it were three on this side and three on that side; and its posts and its arches were after the measure of the first gate; its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth five and twenty cubits.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Its three gate chambers on each side, its side pillars, and its portico all had the same measurements as the first gate: fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

World English Bible
The lodges of it were three on this side and three on that side. Its posts and its arches were the same as the measure of the first gate: its length was fifty cubits, and the width twenty-five cubits.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and its little chambers, three on this side and three on that side, and its posts and its arches have been according to the measure of the first gate, its length [is] fifty cubits, and breadth [is] twenty-five by the cubit;

Berean Literal Bible
And its chambers were three on this side and three on this side; and for its side pillars and its porticos it was according to the measure of the first gate—fifty cubits its length, and its width five and twenty by the cubit.

Young's Literal Translation
and its little chambers, three on this side, and three on that side, and its posts and its arches have been according to the measure of the first gate, fifty cubits its length, and the breadth five and twenty by the cubit;

Smith's Literal Translation
And its chamber, three from hence; and three from thence; and its post and its porch was as the measure of the first gate: fifty cubits its length, and its breadth five and twenty by the cubit.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the little chambers thereof three on this side, and three on that side: and the front thereof, and the porch thereof according to the measure of the former gate, fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And its chambers were three from one side to the other. And its front and its vestibule, in accord with the measure of the former gate, were fifty cubits in its length and twenty-five cubits in width.

New American Bible
Its cells, three on each side, its posts, and its vestibule had the same measurements as those of the first gate, fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

New Revised Standard Version
Its recesses, three on either side, and its pilasters and its vestibule were of the same size as those of the first gate; its depth was fifty cubits, and its width twenty-five cubits.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And its small rooms were three on this side and three on that side; and its posts and its arches had the same measurements as those of the first gate; its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth twenty-five cubits.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And its measurement, three from here and three from there, like the measurement of the first door, fifty cubits in its length, and its width, twenty cubits and five
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the cells thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate; the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and the chambers, three on this side and three on that; and the posts, and the porches, and the palm-trees thereof: and they were according to the measures of the gate that looks eastward: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth thereof was twenty-five cubits.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The North Gate
20He also measured the length and width of the gateway of the outer court facing north. 21Its three gate chambers on each side, its side pillars, and its portico all had the same measurements as the first gate: fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide. 22Its windows, portico, and palm trees had the same measurements as those of the gate facing east. Seven steps led up to it, with its portico opposite them.…

Cross References
Its three gate chambers on each side,

Ezekiel 41:5-6
Next he measured the wall of the temple to be six cubits thick, and the width of each side room around the temple was four cubits. / 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.

1 Kings 6:5-6
Against the walls of the temple and the inner sanctuary, Solomon built a chambered structure around the temple, in which he constructed the side rooms. / The bottom floor was five cubits wide, the middle floor six cubits, and the third floor seven cubits. He also placed offset ledges around the outside of the temple, so that nothing would be inserted into its walls.

Revelation 21:13
There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west.
its side pillars,

Ezekiel 41:21
The outer sanctuary had a rectangular doorframe, and the doorframe of the sanctuary was similar.

1 Kings 7:15-22
He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference. / He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars, each capital five cubits high. / For the capitals on top of the pillars he made a network of lattice, with wreaths of chainwork, seven for each capital. …

2 Chronicles 3:17
Then he set up the pillars in front of the temple, one on the south and one on the north. The pillar on the south he named Jachin, and the pillar on the north he named Boaz.
and its portico

1 Kings 6:3
The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple was twenty cubits long, extending across the width of the temple and projecting out ten cubits in front of the temple.

2 Chronicles 3:4
The portico at the front, extending across the width of the temple, was twenty cubits long and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold.

Ezekiel 41:25-26
Cherubim and palm trees like those on the walls were carved on the doors of the outer sanctuary, and there was a wooden canopy outside, on the front of the portico. / There were beveled windows and palm trees on the sidewalls of the portico. The side rooms of the temple also had canopies.
all had the same measurements as the first gate:

Ezekiel 43:10-12
As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities. Let them measure the plan, / and if they are ashamed of all they have done, then make known to them the design of the temple—its arrangement and its exits and entrances—its whole design along with all its statutes, forms, and laws. Write it down in their sight, so that they may keep its complete design and all its statutes and may carry them out. / This is the law of the temple: All its surrounding territory on top of the mountain will be most holy. Yes, this is the law of the temple.

Exodus 25:40
See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

Hebrews 8:5
The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”
fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

Exodus 27:18
The entire courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely spun linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases.

Ezekiel 42:2
The building with the door facing north was a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide.

1 Kings 6:2
The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high.
Ezekiel 40:6-16
Then he came to the gate facing east and climbed its steps. He measured the threshold of the gate to be one rod deep. / Each gate chamber was one rod long and one rod wide, and there were five cubits between the gate chambers. The inner threshold of the gate by the portico facing inward was one rod deep. / Then he measured the portico of the gateway inside; …


Treasury of Scripture

And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

the little

Ezekiel 40:7,10-16,29,30,36,37
And every little chamber was one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers were five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within was one reed…

arches.

Ezekiel 40:8,10,13,15,25,29
He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed…

Jump to Previous
Alcoves Arches Breadth Cells Chambers Cubits Either Fifty First Five Gate Gateway Guardrooms Jambs Length Lodges Measure Measurement Measurements Pillars Porches Portico Posts Projecting Rooms Side Size Thereof Three Twenty Twenty-Five Vestibule Walls Wide Width
Jump to Next
Alcoves Arches Breadth Cells Chambers Cubits Either Fifty First Five Gate Gateway Guardrooms Jambs Length Lodges Measure Measurement Measurements Pillars Porches Portico Posts Projecting Rooms Side Size Thereof Three Twenty Twenty-Five Vestibule Walls Wide Width
Ezekiel 40
1. The time, manner, and end of the vision of the city and temple
6. The description of the east gate of the outer court
20. of the north gate
24. of the south gate
27. of the south gate of the inner court
32. of the east gate
35. and of the north gate
39. Eight tables
44. The chambers
48. The porch of the house












Its three gate chambers on each side
The description of the gate chambers reflects the detailed architectural plans given to Ezekiel for the temple. The number three may symbolize completeness or divine perfection, often seen in biblical numerology. The chambers likely served as guardrooms or waiting areas, emphasizing the order and security of the temple. This structure mirrors the gates of Solomon's temple, suggesting continuity in divine worship practices.

its side pillars
The side pillars, or posts, are significant in ancient architecture, often representing strength and stability. In the context of the temple, they may symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. Pillars are frequently mentioned in the Bible, such as the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, in Solomon's temple, which also carried symbolic meaning.

and its portico
The portico, or porch, served as an entranceway, providing a transition from the outer court to the inner sanctum. It signifies the approach to holiness and the reverence required when entering God's presence. The portico's inclusion in the vision underscores the importance of preparation and purification before worship.

all had the same measurements as the first gate
The uniformity in measurements indicates a divine order and precision in God's design. This consistency reflects God's unchanging nature and the equality of access to His presence for all who enter. It also suggests that the standards of holiness and worship are the same for everyone.

fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide
The specific dimensions highlight the grandeur and majesty of the temple structure. A cubit, roughly 18 inches, makes the gate approximately 75 feet long and 37.5 feet wide, indicating a significant and imposing entrance. These measurements may also have symbolic meanings, with the number fifty often associated with jubilee and freedom, and twenty-five representing grace upon grace.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book. He receives visions from God, including the detailed vision of the new temple in chapters 40-48.

2. The Temple
The vision in Ezekiel 40 describes a future temple, often referred to as the "Third Temple," which is a symbol of God's presence and restoration for Israel.

3. Guardrooms
These are rooms within the temple gate structure, possibly used by temple guards or for storage, indicating order and security in the temple.

4. Gateposts and Portico
Architectural elements of the temple gate, symbolizing strength and the welcoming of worshippers into God's presence.

5. Measurements
The specific dimensions (fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide) emphasize precision and divine order in God's design for worship.
Teaching Points
Divine Order and Precision
God's instructions for the temple's measurements reflect His nature of order and precision. This teaches us to approach worship and our lives with intentionality and reverence.

Symbolism of Security and Welcome
The guardrooms and gateposts symbolize both security and welcome. In our spiritual lives, we should create environments that are secure in faith yet welcoming to others.

Hope and Restoration
Ezekiel's vision of the temple serves as a promise of hope and restoration. In times of personal exile or difficulty, we can trust in God's plan for renewal and His presence with us.

Continuity of God's Presence
The temple vision connects to the broader biblical account of God's desire to dwell with His people. This encourages us to seek His presence daily and recognize His work throughout history.

Preparation for Worship
The detailed preparation of the temple space reminds us of the importance of preparing our hearts and minds for worship, ensuring that we honor God with our best.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 40:21?

2. How does Ezekiel 40:21's gate design reflect God's order and precision?

3. What significance do the "three gate chambers" hold in biblical temple symbolism?

4. How does Ezekiel 40:21 connect with Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 6?

5. How can we apply the temple's detailed design to our spiritual lives today?

6. What does the temple's structure teach about God's holiness and our worship practices?

7. What is the significance of the measurements in Ezekiel 40:21 for biblical prophecy?

8. How does Ezekiel 40:21 relate to the concept of a future temple?

9. Why are the architectural details in Ezekiel 40:21 important for understanding God's plan?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 40?

11. How should one reconcile the detailed architectural descriptions in Ezekiel 40 with the absence of any clear historical record of its fulfillment?

12. How can the vast space described in Ezekiel 42 be reconciled with the known geographical and historical realities of ancient Jerusalem?

13. How do the measurements in Ezekiel 40:5-16 align with archaeological evidence of any actual Temple structure?

14. Why do the measurements in Ezekiel 42 seem to conflict with earlier temple designs described in 1 Kings 6?
What Does Ezekiel 40:21 Mean
Its three gate chambers on each side

“Three gate chambers on this side and three on that side” (Ezekiel 40:21) pictures intentional order in God’s future temple.

• Repetition of “three” underscores completeness and balance (cf. Revelation 21:13, where the New Jerusalem also has three gates per side).

• In Solomon’s temple the gateways were simpler (1 Kings 6:5–8), but here each approach is carefully measured, stressing that worship in the millennial age will be approached with reverence and structure, not haphazardly.

• God’s people are reminded that He is “not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).


Its side pillars

Side pillars, or posts, support the whole gateway (Exodus 26:37 in the tabernacle; 1 Kings 7:15 in Solomon’s porch).

• Pillars symbolize strength and permanence (Revelation 3:12), assuring worshipers that God’s covenant promises stand firm.

• Their placement points to Christ, “the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20), who stabilizes every entrance to God’s presence.


And its portico

A portico (vestibule) gives a moment of transition from outside to inside, from the common to the holy (cf. 2 Chronicles 29:17).

• It invites reflection before one steps onto consecrated ground, echoing Psalm 24:3–4: “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? … He who has clean hands and a pure heart.”

• In Jesus’ day, Solomon’s Portico became a place of teaching and healing (John 10:23; Acts 3:11), foreshadowing the fellowship anticipated in Ezekiel’s vision.


All had the same measurements as the first gate

Uniformity highlights God’s impartiality. Whether approaching from north, east, or south, every worshiper meets the same standard (Romans 2:11).

• Just as each tribe had equal access to the tabernacle (Numbers 2), so every nation will approach the millennial temple on equal terms (Isaiah 56:7).

• Consistency in measurement assures us that salvation is by one way alone (John 14:6), not multiple, unequal gateways.


Fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide

Exact dimensions (approximately 87 ft × 44 ft) emphasize literal reality; God’s promises are concrete, not symbolic only (Genesis 6:15 for the ark; Revelation 21:16 for the city).

• The doubled ratio (50 by 25) may hint at completeness and half-measure—a full span and a half span—reminding us that while the temple is glorious, it still points beyond itself to the immeasurable glory of God’s eternal dwelling with His people (Revelation 21:22).


summary

Ezekiel 40:21 assures believers that God’s future sanctuary will be ordered, stable, impartial, and tangible. Every element—from the triple guardrooms to the steadfast pillars and precise measurements—declares that approaching the Lord is deliberate and sacred. The verse invites us today to honor His holiness, rely on His unchanging standards, and look forward with confidence to the day when worship will be perfectly structured around His presence.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Its three
שְׁלוֹשָׁ֤ה (šə·lō·wō·šāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

gate chambers
וְתָאָ֗יו (wə·ṯā·’āw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8372: A chamber

on each side,
מִפּוֹ֙ (mip·pōw)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 6311: This place, here

its side pillars,
וְאֵילָ֤יו (wə·’ê·lāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 352: Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong tree

and its portico
וְאֵֽלַמָּיו֙ (wə·’ê·lam·māw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 361: A pillar-space, a pale

all had
הָיָ֔ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the same measurements
כְּמִדַּ֖ת (kə·mid·daṯ)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4060: Extension, height, breadth, a measure, a portion, a vestment, tribute

as the first
הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן (hā·ri·šō·wn)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

gate:
הַשַּׁ֣עַר (haš·ša·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

fifty
חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים (ḥă·miš·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 2572: Fifty

cubits
אַמָּה֙ (’am·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base

long
אָרְכּ֔וֹ (’ā·rə·kōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 753: Length

and twenty-five
וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים (wə·‘eś·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

cubits
בָּאַמָּֽה׃ (bā·’am·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base

wide.
וְרֹ֕חַב (wə·rō·ḥaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7341: Breadth, width


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 40:21 The lodges of it were three (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 40:20
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