King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 43:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 43:15 in the King James Version says “So the altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar and upward shall be four horns. the altar (first): Heb. Harel, tha...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 43:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about; and his stairs shall look toward the east.

Read Ezekiel 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So the altar shall be four cubits. The Hebrew hā'ărî'ēl (הָאֲרִיאֵל, "the altar") uses a term meaning "lion of God" or "hearth of God." This designation appears in Isaiah 29:1-2, 7 as a cryptic name for Jerusalem. Here it refers to the altar hearth, the top surface where sacrifices burned—the point of greatest heat and holiest contact between the offering and God. Standing four cubits (approximately 6.8 feet) above the previous ledge, the total height from ground level would be approximately 10 cubits (17 feet).

"And from the altar and upward shall be four horns." The qəranôt (קְרָנוֹת, "horns") projecting from the altar's four corners served multiple purposes: they symbolized power and strength (the horn being a biblical image of might—Psalm 75:4-5, 10), provided places to bind the sacrifice (Psalm 118:27), and served as refuge for those seeking asylum (1 Kings 1:50, 2:28). Blood was applied to the horns during sin offerings (Leviticus 4:7, 25, 30), making them the focal point of atonement.

The horns represent Christ's sacrifice in vivid symbolism. As the bound sacrifice (Genesis 22:9), He was tied to the altar of the cross. As the blood applied to the horns, His blood accomplished eternal atonement (Hebrews 9:12). As the altar of refuge, He is our only safety from judgment (Romans 3:25, "propitiation through faith in his blood"). The four horns facing four directions proclaim that His sacrifice avails for "all nations" (Matthew 28:19)—north, south, east, and west—"whosoever will" may come.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Horned altars are confirmed by archaeology throughout Israel/Palestine, with limestone examples discovered at Beer-sheba, Megiddo, and elsewhere. The practice of grasping the altar horns for sanctuary (Exodus 21:14, 1 Kings 1:50-53, 2:28-34) demonstrated the altar's role as God's throne of mercy. However, refuge was denied to willful murderers (Exodus 21:14), and apostates who defiled the horns were subject to judgment (Amos 3:14). The altar as both refuge and judgment seat perfectly typifies Christ, who is either Savior or Judge depending on one's response to His sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the altar horns as places of refuge illustrate Christ as the only safe haven from God's wrath against sin?
  2. What does grasping the horns (seeking refuge) teach about active faith in Christ's atonement rather than passive acknowledgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וּמֵהָאֲרִאֵ֣יל1 of 7

“So the altar”

H741

the altar of the temple

אַרְבַּֽע׃2 of 7

“shall be four”

H702

four

אַמּ֑וֹת3 of 7

“cubits”

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)

וּמֵהָאֲרִאֵ֣יל4 of 7

“So the altar”

H741

the altar of the temple

וּלְמַ֔עְלָה5 of 7

“and upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

הַקְּרָנ֖וֹת6 of 7

“horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

אַרְבַּֽע׃7 of 7

“shall be four”

H702

four

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 43:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 43:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 27:2Leviticus 9:9Psalms 118:271 Kings 2:28Isaiah 29:7Isaiah 29:1-2

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