King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 43:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 43:20 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it.”

Ezekiel 43:20 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it.

21

Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, without the sanctuary.

22

And on the second day thou shalt offer a kid of the goats without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse it with the bullock.

Read Ezekiel 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The blood application—'thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about'—describes altar consecration. The Hebrew דָּם (dam, 'blood') effects atonement and purification. The four horns (קֶרֶן, qeren) symbolize strength and refuge (Psalm 18:2, 118:27). Applying blood to horns, corners, and border comprehensively consecrates the altar—nothing left untreated. This teaches that atonement must be complete, not partial. Reformed theology sees Christ's blood comprehensively atoning—'the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin' (1 John 1:7). The fourfold application (horns, corners, settle, border) suggests complete coverage for all nations (four corners of earth).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Altar consecration paralleled priesthood consecration—both required blood application (Exodus 29:12, 36-37; Leviticus 8:15). The horns were altar's most sacred parts where blood was applied for sin offerings (Leviticus 4:7, 18, 25, 30, 34). Criminals fleeing to temple could grasp altar horns seeking sanctuary (1 Kings 1:50-51, 2:28). The settle (Hebrew עֲזָרָה, azarah) was a ledge or shelf midway up the altar. The border (גְּבוּל, gevul) defined altar boundaries. This comprehensive blood application sanctified the altar for holy use. Christ's blood sanctifies believers comprehensively—body, soul, spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The altar's one-time consecration parallels Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26-28, 10:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. Has Christ's blood been applied comprehensively to all areas of your life, or do some corners remain untouched?
  2. What 'horns' (places of strength) in your life need blood application—recognizing that even strengths require redemption?
  3. How does altar consecration's completeness challenge partial commitments that reserve areas from God's lordship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְלָקַחְתָּ֣1 of 16

“And thou shalt take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִדָּמ֗וֹ2 of 16

“of the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וְנָ֨תַתָּ֜ה3 of 16

“thereof and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל4 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַרְבַּע֙5 of 16

“it on the four”

H702

four

קַרְנֹתָיו֙6 of 16

“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

וְאֶל7 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַרְבַּע֙8 of 16

“it on the four”

H702

four

פִּנּ֣וֹת9 of 16

“corners”

H6438

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

הָעֲזָרָ֔ה10 of 16

“of the settle”

H5835

an inclosure; also a border

וְאֶֽל11 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַגְּב֖וּל12 of 16

“and upon the border”

H1366

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

סָבִ֑יב13 of 16

“round about”

H5439

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

וְחִטֵּאתָ֥14 of 16

“thus shalt thou cleanse”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אוֹת֖וֹ15 of 16
H853

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

וְכִפַּרְתָּֽהוּ׃16 of 16

“and purge”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

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 43:20 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 43:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 16:19Leviticus 8:15Exodus 29:12Leviticus 9:9Ezekiel 43:22Exodus 29:36

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