King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 43:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 43:17 in the King James Version says “And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it sha...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 43:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.

19

And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering.

Read Ezekiel 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof. The 'azārâ (עֲזָרָה, "settle" or "ledge"), the platform below the altar hearth, measures fourteen cubits square—two cubits larger than the hearth above it (12 cubits square). This creates a protruding ledge all around the altar hearth, providing priests space to perform sacrificial duties. The increasing dimensions as one descends (14-cubit ledge, then presumably larger base) create a pyramidal or ziggurat-like structure, rising in stages toward heaven.

"And the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about." The gəbûl (גְּבוּל, "border" or "rim") of half a cubit (about 9 inches) surrounded the ledge, preventing priests from falling and channeling blood appropriately. The ḥêq (חֵיק, "bottom" or "gutter") of one cubit provided drainage for sacrificial blood and water used in cleansing. These practical details reveal God's care for both holiness (proper blood handling) and safety (protecting ministering priests).

"And his stairs shall look toward the east." The eastern orientation is theologically significant throughout Ezekiel's temple vision. God's glory departed eastward (10:18-19, 11:23) and returns from the east (43:1-5). The rising sun in the east symbolizes light, life, and divine presence. East-facing stairs meant priests ascended toward the rising sun while God's glory-cloud filled the temple from the east—visual proclamation that all access to God comes through His initiative, His provision, His presence. Christ, the "dayspring from on high" (Luke 1:78) and "Sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2), is the true eastern orientation—the Light by which we approach the Father.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern temples typically faced east to greet the rising sun, often with pagan solar worship connotations. Israel's east-facing orientation, however, celebrated not sun-worship but the God who created the sun. The tabernacle and Solomon's temple both faced east (Exodus 27:13, 1 Kings 8:22, 2 Chronicles 4:10). The eastern gate's significance intensifies in Ezekiel's vision—shut because the Lord entered through it (44:1-2), reserved exclusively for divine use. Christ fulfills this as the gate/door through whom alone we enter salvation (John 10:7-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the altar's protective borders and drainage system illustrate God's concern for both holiness and the welfare of those who serve Him?
  2. What does the eastern orientation teach about approaching God on His terms and through His provision rather than human initiative?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְהָעֲזָרָ֞ה1 of 22

“And the settle”

H5835

an inclosure; also a border

אַרְבַּ֣עַת2 of 22

“and fourteen”

H702

four

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה3 of 22
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אֹ֗רֶךְ4 of 22

“cubits long”

H753

length

אַרְבַּ֣עַת5 of 22

“and fourteen”

H702

four

עֶשְׂרֵה֙6 of 22
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

רֹ֔חַב7 of 22

“broad”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

אֶ֖ל8 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַרְבַּ֣עַת9 of 22

“and fourteen”

H702

four

רְבָעֶ֑יהָ10 of 22

“squares”

H7253

a fourth (part or side)

וְהַגְּבוּל11 of 22

“thereof and the border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

סָבִ֔יב12 of 22

“about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

אוֹתָ֜הּ13 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֲצִ֣י14 of 22

“it shall be half”

H2677

the half or middle

אַמָּה֙15 of 22

“a 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)

וְהַֽחֵיק16 of 22

“and the bottom”

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

לָ֤הּ17 of 22
H0
אַמָּה֙18 of 22

“a 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)

סָבִ֔יב19 of 22

“about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וּמַעֲלֹתֵ֖הוּ20 of 22

“and his stairs”

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

פְּנ֥וֹת21 of 22

“shall look”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

קָדִֽים׃22 of 22

“toward the east”

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

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 43:17 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 43:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:26Ezekiel 40:61 Kings 6:8Exodus 25:25Nehemiah 9:41 Kings 18:32

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