King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 45:1 Mean?

Ezekiel 45:1 in the King James Version says “Moreover, when ye shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, ye shall offer an oblation unto the LORD, an holy portio...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover, when ye shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, ye shall offer an oblation unto the LORD, an holy portion of the land: the length shall be the length of five and twenty thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand. This shall be holy in all the borders thereof round about. when: Heb. when ye cause the land to fall an holy: Heb. holiness”

Ezekiel 45:1 · King James Version

Context

1

Moreover, when ye shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, ye shall offer an oblation unto the LORD, an holy portion of the land: the length shall be the length of five and twenty thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand. This shall be holy in all the borders thereof round about. when: Heb. when ye cause the land to fall an holy: Heb. holiness

2

Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred in length, with five hundred in breadth, square round about; and fifty cubits round about for the suburbs thereof. suburbs: or, void places

3

And of this measure shalt thou measure the length of five and twenty thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary and the most holy place.

Read Ezekiel 45 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Land division begins with a 'holy portion' set apart for the LORD—25,000 cubits by 10,000 (approximately 8.3 x 3.3 miles). Prioritizing sacred space teaches that God's dwelling and worship come first in national life. Land allocation reveals priorities. Setting apart the best for God demonstrates that He deserves first place, not leftovers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern temples typically owned surrounding lands for support. This vision expands that concept—substantial territory dedicated exclusively to sacred purposes, demonstrating God's central place in restored Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you prioritize God in your time, resources, and life planning?
  2. What does it mean to give God the 'first fruits' rather than leftovers of your life?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וּבְהַפִּֽילְכֶ֨ם1 of 23

“Moreover when ye shall divide”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

אֶת2 of 23
H853

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

הָאָרֶץ֒3 of 23

“by lot the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּנַחֲלָ֗ה4 of 23

“for inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

תָּרִימוּ֩5 of 23

“ye shall offer”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

תְרוּמָ֨ה6 of 23

“an oblation”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

לַיהוָ֥ה׀7 of 23

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

קֹדֶשׁ8 of 23

“This shall be holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

מִן9 of 23
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאָרֶץ֒10 of 23

“by lot the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֹ֔רֶךְ11 of 23

“shall be the length”

H753

length

חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה12 of 23

“of five”

H2568

five

וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים13 of 23

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אָ֑לֶף14 of 23

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אֹ֔רֶךְ15 of 23

“shall be the length”

H753

length

וְרֹ֖חַב16 of 23

“reeds and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

עֲשָׂ֣רָה17 of 23

“shall be ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אָ֑לֶף18 of 23

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

קֹדֶשׁ19 of 23

“This shall be holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

ה֥וּא20 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְכָל21 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גְּבוּלָ֖הּ22 of 23

“in all the borders”

H1366

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

סָבִֽיב׃23 of 23

“thereof round about”

H5439

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

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 45:1 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 45:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 48:29Numbers 34:13Zechariah 14:20-21Leviticus 25:23Joshua 14:2Ezekiel 48:8-23

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