Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 41:16
This word refers to a threshold, like a door sill, or a container for holding liquids. It can also mean a gate or post. The KJV translates it as threshold or bason.
Definition: 1) a spreading out, basin, goblet, bowl 1a) basin, goblet
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bason, bowl, cup, door (post), gate, post, threshold. See also: Exodus 12:22; 2 Chronicles 34:9; Isaiah 6:4.
A window in ancient times was a hole in the wall, as described in the Bible. The Hebrew word for window is used in the story of Jezebel's death in 2 Kings 9:30-33. Windows were also mentioned in the Song of Solomon.
Definition: window (piercing of the wall)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: window. See also: Genesis 8:6; Proverbs 7:6; Jeremiah 9:20.
This Hebrew word means to shut or close something, like lips or ears, and is used to describe stopping or blocking something, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to shut, shut up, close 1a) (Qal) to shut, stop (of lips) 1b) (Hiphil) of the wicked stopping their ears (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: narrow, shut, stop. See also: 1 Kings 6:4; Isaiah 33:15; Psalms 58:5.
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 word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
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 refers to a threshold, like a door sill, or a container for holding liquids. It can also mean a gate or post. The KJV translates it as threshold or bason.
Definition: 1) a spreading out, basin, goblet, bowl 1a) basin, goblet
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bason, bowl, cup, door (post), gate, post, threshold. See also: Exodus 12:22; 2 Chronicles 34:9; Isaiah 6:4.
This word describes something paneled or wainscotted with wood, often used in architecture. It is used in the Bible to describe the interior of buildings, like the Temple in 1 Kings 6:15.
Definition: adj 1) panelled or wainscotted with wood 1a) meaning doubtful n 2) a wainscot of wood 2a) meaning doubtful
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cieled with. See also: Ezekiel 41:16.
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
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.
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
A window in ancient times was a hole in the wall, as described in the Bible. The Hebrew word for window is used in the story of Jezebel's death in 2 Kings 9:30-33. Windows were also mentioned in the Song of Solomon.
Definition: window (piercing of the wall)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: window. See also: Genesis 8:6; Proverbs 7:6; Jeremiah 9:20.
A window in ancient times was a hole in the wall, as described in the Bible. The Hebrew word for window is used in the story of Jezebel's death in 2 Kings 9:30-33. Windows were also mentioned in the Song of Solomon.
Definition: window (piercing of the wall)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: window. See also: Genesis 8:6; Proverbs 7:6; Jeremiah 9:20.
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
Context — The Interior Structures
14The width of the temple courtyard on the east, including the front of the temple, was a hundred cubits.
15Next 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,
16as 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.
17In the space above the outside of the entrance to the inner sanctuary on all the walls, spaced evenly around the inner and outer sanctuary,
18were alternating carved cherubim and palm trees. Each cherub had two faces:
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
1 Kings 6:4 |
He also had narrow windows framed high in the temple. |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 40:25 |
Both the gateway and its portico had windows all around, like the other windows. It was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide. |
| 3 |
Ezekiel 40:16 |
The gate chambers and their side pillars had beveled windows all around the inside of the gateway. The porticos also had windows all around on the inside. Each side pillar was decorated with palm trees. |
| 4 |
1 Kings 6:15 |
He lined the interior walls with cedar paneling from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and he covered the floor with cypress boards. |
| 5 |
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. |
| 6 |
1 Corinthians 13:12 |
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. |
| 7 |
Haggai 1:4 |
“Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” |
| 8 |
2 Chronicles 3:5 |
He paneled the main room with cypress, which he overlaid with fine gold and decorated with palm trees and chains. |
| 9 |
Isaiah 6:4 |
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke. |
| 10 |
Ezekiel 42:3 |
Gallery faced gallery in three levels opposite the twenty cubits that belonged to the inner court and opposite the pavement that belonged to the outer court. |
Ezekiel 41:16 Summary
[Ezekiel 41:16 describes the beautiful and intricate details of God's temple, including beveled windows and wooden panels, which symbolize the richness and glory of God's presence. This verse reminds us that God is a God of beauty and order, as seen in Psalm 96:6, where it says that 'majesty and splendor are before Him, strength and glory are in His sanctuary.' As we read about the temple's architecture, we are invited to reverence and worship God, who is the Master Builder of the universe. By reflecting on the beauty of God's temple, we can deepen our understanding of His character and nature, and be inspired to live a life that reflects His glory, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the beveled windows in Ezekiel 41:16?
The beveled windows in Ezekiel 41:16 symbolize the beauty and craftsmanship of God's temple, as seen in other biblical structures like Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 6:4, where windows were also a notable feature.
Why were the thresholds and galleries overlaid with wood?
The overlay of wood on the thresholds and galleries, as mentioned in Ezekiel 41:16, signifies the richness and splendor of God's house, much like the wooden decorations in the temple described in 1 Kings 6:15-16.
What is the purpose of the three levels of galleries opposite the threshold?
The three levels of galleries in Ezekiel 41:16 may represent the progressive revelation of God's glory, similar to the three divisions of the tabernacle in Exodus 25:8, where each section had its own level of access and sanctity.
How does this verse relate to the overall description of the temple?
Ezekiel 41:16 provides a detailed description of the temple's architectural features, emphasizing its grandeur and beauty, which is consistent with the overall theme of the book of Ezekiel, highlighting God's glory and presence in the midst of His people, as seen in Ezekiel 43:1-5.
Reflection Questions
- As I meditate on the beauty of God's temple in Ezekiel 41:16, how can I apply the principles of excellence and craftsmanship to my own life and service to God?
- In what ways can I, like the wooden panels in the temple, be a reflection of God's splendor and glory to those around me?
- How does the description of the temple's architecture in Ezekiel 41:16 inspire me to reverence and worship God, who is the Master Builder of the universe?
- What does the emphasis on the temple's design and beauty in Ezekiel 41:16 reveal about God's character and nature, and how can I deepen my understanding of Him through this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 41:16
The door posts and the narrow windows,.... Of the inner temple or holy of holies; for this is what is last mentioned; of the door posts of it, see Ezekiel 41:3, in the holy of holies, both in Moses's
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 41:16
The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 41:16
What are here recounted were all measured by the angel, and with the same reed or measure. The door posts: see ,49. It is likely he means the door posts of every gate, or porch in every court. Windows: see . Galleries: see ,15. Three stories; see ,7; or parts, or buildings; temple, separate place, and on the court walls. The door; the singular for the plural number; the doors, which were ceiled with wood, were measured; this ceiling was with choicest wood. From the ground up to the windows; the height of these windows were taken too. Were covered; had lids or curtains to cover them, and lattices too, say some.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 41:16
Ezekiel 41:16 The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows [were] covered; Ver. 16. And the narrow windows … and the windows were covered.] Here Jerome cries out, "Oh the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" Here be windows, but narrow and covered, which shows that we see not yet, nor can see, into heavenly things but obscurely and obliquely. How little a thing doth man understand of God. The holy place was without windows, only there burned lights perpetually; but in the most holy place there was no light at all.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 41:16
(16) The door posts.—This is the same word as in Ezekiel 40:6-7, &c., and means thresholds. The various particulars mentioned—the thresholds, the windows, and the galleries—are all to be taken in connection with the “he measured” of Ezekiel 41:15, and are details of the three buildings there spoken of, yet they did not all of them necessarily belong to each building. Narrow windows.—Rather, closed windows. (See Note on Ezekiel 40:16.) On their three stories.—“Stories” is not in the original, and introduces a wrong idea. He measured the three buildings (Ezekiel 41:15), and various details about their three (constructions) (Ezekiel 41:16). Over against the door, cieled with wood round about.—This is really a parenthesis, although scarcely intelligible as it stands. Translate, Opposite the thresholds (was) a ceiling of wood round about. The part strictly opposite the threshold was the lintel; but the expression is here broad enough to include also the sides of the doorway. The doorways in the various buildings were all ceiled with wood, and it is afterwards said that this was carved. And from the ground.—After the parenthesic, the construction dependent upon “he measured” is resumed.
As everything else was measured, so also the space between the ground and the windows; then, again, it is mentioned parenthetically that the windows were covered, viz., as in Ezekiel 40:16, by lattices fastened so as not to be opened.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 41:16
16. over against the door] the threshold. It looks as if some words had fallen out of the text here. LXX. reads: and the house and the adjoining parts were wainscotted with wood round about (and the floor). The present Heb. text, even if read, and over against the threshold was a wainscotting of wood, is too short to give the necessary sense—“over against the threshold” would be rather obscure as an expression for the whole interior of the house. The words “over against the threshold” can hardly be regarded as a definition of the locality of the “galleries,” as if these were borders or gangs (dado) going round the foot of the walls (Sm.). Ezekiel 41:16 b seq. The ornamentation of the interior. Here also there is some obscurity: and from the floor unto the windows (and the windows were covered), 17 and unto above the door, and unto the inner house and without, and on all the walls round about in the inner (house) and the outer [were measures and], 18 there were made cherubs and palm-trees, so that, &c. The words in parenthesis “and the windows,” &c., may not be original. The phrase “and without” hardly refers to the porch, rather to the outer house or holy place; because it does not appear that cherubs were carved on the wall of the porch.
The word “measures” is wanting in LXX. If genuine the term “measures” might possibly imply that the wall was panelled into compartments, and that in each of these was carved a cherub and palm. The term is used once of garments (Psalms 133:2) from the meaning to spread out or cover, but could hardly be used of a casing or wainscotting of wood. Boettcher suggested “carvings,” a sense which would add nothing to the general meaning. Ezekiel 41:20 is rather in favour of the omission of the word. Ezekiel 41:18-19. Only the two chief faces of the cherub were represented, that of a man and of a lion.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 41:16
Galleries - The upper story of the side-chambers was probably built in the form of an open gallery.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 41:16
THE EXACT OF THE TEMPLE ARE GIVEN AND ITS , WHICH WERE LIKE THOSE IN SOLOMON’S TEMPLE (1 Kings 6:29), Ezekiel 41:16-26.16.
Sermons on Ezekiel 41:16
| Sermon | Description |
|
The Ark
by D.L. Moody
|
D.L. Moody's sermon 'The Ark' draws parallels between Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing their symbolic representation of Christ's humanity and atoning work. He hi |
|
Humanity of Jesus - Part 2
by A.W. Tozer
|
In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of sending out missionaries. He emphasizes that missionaries are sent to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. |
|
I Made You for Eternity
by K.P. Yohannan
|
In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of missionaries sharing their experiences with the body of Christ. He emphasizes the need for encouragement and chal |
|
The Feast of the Lord
by C.H. Spurgeon
|
In this sermon, Charles Kelch discusses the concept of the feast of Satan and contrasts it with the feast that God has prepared for his people. He describes how Satan offers good w |
|
(Through the Bible) Genesis 24-26
by Chuck Smith
|
In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Isaac and Rebecca from the Bible. The servant of Isaac's father is sent to find a wife for Isaac and he prays to God for guidance |
|
For Judgement I Came Into This World
by John Piper
|
This sermon addresses the crucial decisions facing a church, including succession, church structure, and funding. It emphasizes the need for clarity and seeking God's guidance thro |
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 37:14 - Part 2
by Chuck Smith
|
In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the descendants of Jacob and their journey out of Egypt. He highlights the encounter between Balaam and King Balak, where Balaam |