And there were three side rooms on either side of the east gate. The three were of the same size, and the jambs on either side were of the same size.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes perfect, identical proportions not just in the chambers themselves, but even in the structural posts, highlighting a profound order and symmetry within this visionary temple. This meticulous uniformity, even down to the smallest details, points to a divine craftsmanship and a deliberate, harmonious design that reflects God's own character.
And there were three side rooms on either side of the east gate. The three were of the same size, and the jambs on either side were of the same size.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel is being shown a vision of a future temple by a divine guide, detailing its intricate measurements and layout. Having already described the chambers and structure of the outer gate, the guide now points out the repeating pattern of three side rooms on each side of the eastern gate's passage, emphasizing their uniform size and the consistent dimensions of the surrounding posts. These chambers likely served as resting places for the priests and Levites ministering there, highlighting the order and purpose within this divinely designed structure.
Why would the prophet be given such precise measurements for a temple, down to the size of side rooms and door posts?
As Ezekiel is shown this magnificent temple, the sheer detail in its construction is astonishing. We see it again and again: 'three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure, and the posts had one measure.' This isn't just architecture; it's a divine blueprint.
Divine Precision
This meticulous detail assures us that God's plans are not vague or arbitrary. There is intentionality and beauty in His design for worship and for life.
Who occupied these 'little chambers' within the gate complex, and what does that tell us about approaching God?
Ask a follow-up
The 'little chambers' mentioned in Ezekiel 40:10 were not just empty rooms; they served a vital function within the temple complex. They were designated spaces for those who served God directly.
Rooms for Service
This highlights that approaching God isn't just a momentary act, but can involve a lifestyle of devotion and readiness, supported by the very structure of His dwelling place.
Ezekiel's detailed vision of a future temple, including specific architectural elements like the side rooms and posts mentioned in chapter 40, was given during the despair of the Babylonian exile. This vision served as a powerful symbol of hope, assuring the exiles that God's presence and divine order would one day be restored, even after the devastation of Jerusalem and its original Temple.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, captures Jerusalem and deports King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of the skilled population, including priests and prophets like Ezekiel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar’s army destroys Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple, further devastating the land and exiling more of the remaining population. This catastrophic event deeply impacts the identity and faith of the Jewish people.
c. 571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Vision of the New Temple
Ezekiel receives a complex vision of a new temple, its dimensions, and its service. This vision is given to a people in exile, far from their homeland and any functioning Temple, offering them hope and a blueprint for future restoration.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus the Great, overthrows the Babylonian Empire. This geopolitical shift paves the way for the eventual return of the exiles to Jerusalem.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return of Exiles
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the return and the subsequent construction of the Second Temple.
This passage describes the construction of Solomon's temple, detailing chambers built into the temple walls, paralleling the detailed measurements and placement of rooms in Ezekiel's vision.
Nehemiah 3:3The rebuilding of the walls under Nehemiah involved specific gates and structures, including guard chambers, which echoes the functional layout described in Ezekiel's vision of a restored temple complex.
Numbers 3:29-30The Levitical families had specific duties and assigned areas within the Tabernacle, suggesting that the chambers in Ezekiel's temple vision were likely designated living and working spaces for priests and Levites during their service.
Exodus 26:15-16The construction of the Tabernacle, with its specific measurements for planks and bars, highlights a consistent theme in Israelite worship structures: meticulous attention to detail and standardized dimensions for divine service.
barnesEzekiel 40:10: "And the little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side."
In front of each guard-chamber were columns, whose "posts" (bases) were each one cubit square.
pooleEzekiel 40:10: "And the little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side."
This is a repetition of what the 7th verse hath already acquainted us with; I only observe, these chambers were for the priests and Levites to lodge in during their ministration, according to their courses in the temple, where they kept watch continually night and day. The whole was framed in v…
The verse emphasizes perfect, identical proportions not just in the chambers themselves, but even in the structural posts, highlighting a profound order and symmetry within this visionary temple. This meticulous uniformity, even down to the smallest details, points to a divine craftsmanship and a deliberate, harmonious design that reflects God's own character.
Ezekiel is being shown a vision of a future temple by a divine guide, detailing its intricate measurements and layout. Having already described the chambers and structure of the outer gate, the guide now points out the repeating pattern of three side rooms on each side of the eastern gate's passage, emphasizing their uniform size and the consistent dimensions of the surrounding posts. These chambers likely served as resting places for the priests and Levites ministering there, highlighting the order and purpose within this divinely designed structure.
Ezekiel is being shown a vision of a future temple by a divine guide, detailing its intricate measurements and layout. Having already described the chambers and structure of the outer gate, the guide now points out the repeating pattern of three side rooms on each side of the eastern gate's passage, emphasizing their uniform size and the consistent dimensions of the surrounding posts. These chambers likely served as resting places for the priests and Levites ministering there, highlighting the order and purpose within this divinely designed structure.
"And there were three side rooms on either side of the east gate. The three were of the same size, and the jambs on either side were of the same size." — The verse emphasizes perfect, identical proportions not just in the chambers themselves, but even in the structural posts, highlighting a profound order and symmetry within this visionary temple. Thi…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026