King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 43:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 43:14 in the King James Version says “And from the bottom upon the ground even to the lower settle shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And from the bottom upon the ground even to the lower settle shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser settle even to the greater settle shall be four cubits, and the breadth one cubit.”

Ezekiel 43:14 · KJV

Context

12

This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.

13

And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about shall be a span: and this shall be the higher place of the altar. bottom: Heb. bosom edge: Heb. lip

14

And from the bottom upon the ground even to the lower settle shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser settle even to the greater settle shall be four cubits, and the breadth one cubit.

15

So the altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar and upward shall be four horns. the altar (first): Heb. Harel, that is, the mountain of God the altar (second): Heb. Ariel, that is, the lion of God

16

And the altar shall be twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof.

Read Ezekiel 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And from the bottom upon the ground even to the lower settle shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit. The Hebrew ḥêq (חֵיק, "bottom") refers to the base level, and 'azārâ (עֲזָרָה, "settle" or "ledge") describes a protruding platform encircling the altar at this height. This lower ledge stood two cubits (approximately 3.4 feet) above ground level with a one-cubit (1.7 feet) breadth. The stepped construction created a series of platforms ascending toward heaven, each more restricted in access than the one below—visual theology teaching that approaching God requires progressive consecration.

"And from the lesser settle even to the greater settle shall be four cubits, and the breadth one cubit." A second ledge, four cubits (approximately 6.8 feet) higher than the first, provided a platform for priestly ministry. The terminology "lesser" and "greater" (hā'azārâ haqqəṭannâ and hā'azārâ haggədôlâ) indicates hierarchy and progression. These ledges served practical purposes—allowing priests to reach different parts of the altar—but primarily taught theological truth: access to God's presence has ordained stages, not casual approach.

This structure anticipates Christ's superior priesthood. While Ezekiel's altar required multiple levels for limited priestly access, Christ grants believers direct access to God's throne (Hebrews 4:16, 10:19-22). The external steps and ledges symbolized what Christ's finished work internalized—progressive sanctification and bold entrance into the holy presence through His blood. What required careful physical ascent under the old covenant becomes immediate spiritual reality in the new.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle's bronze altar (Exodus 27:1-8) stood only 3 cubits high with a surrounding ledge. Solomon's altar was larger (2 Chronicles 4:1), but Ezekiel's vision describes an even more massive structure, signifying the greater glory of the eschatological temple. The ascending platforms recall ancient ziggurats (staged towers), but with crucial difference—pagan ziggurats represented human effort to reach heaven, while Israel's altar represented God's provision for sinners to approach Him through substitutionary sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the altar's ascending levels illustrate that true worship requires God-ordained means of approach, not human invention?
  2. What does Christ's elimination of these physical barriers teach about the access believers now have to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וּמֵחֵ֨יק1 of 19

“And from the bottom”

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

הָאָ֜רֶץ2 of 19

“upon the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

עַד3 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעֲזָרָ֤ה4 of 19

“settle”

H5835

an inclosure; also a border

הַתַּחְתּוֹנָה֙5 of 19

“even to the lower”

H8481

bottommost

שְׁתַּ֣יִם6 of 19

“shall be two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הָאַמָּֽה׃7 of 19

“cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וְרֹ֖חַב8 of 19

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

הָאַמָּֽה׃9 of 19

“cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

אֶחָ֑ת10 of 19

“one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הָעֲזָרָ֤ה11 of 19

“settle”

H5835

an inclosure; also a border

הַקְּטַנָּ֜ה12 of 19

“and from the lesser”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

עַד13 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעֲזָרָ֤ה14 of 19

“settle”

H5835

an inclosure; also a border

הַגְּדוֹלָה֙15 of 19

“even to the greater”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

אַרְבַּ֣ע16 of 19

“shall be four”

H702

four

הָאַמָּֽה׃17 of 19

“cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וְרֹ֖חַב18 of 19

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

הָאַמָּֽה׃19 of 19

“cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 43:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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