King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 45:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 45:2 in the King James Version says “Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred in length, with five hundred in breadth, square round about; and f...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 45:2 · 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.

4

The holy portion of the land shall be for the priests the ministers of the sanctuary, which shall come near to minister unto the LORD: and it shall be a place for their houses, and an holy place for the sanctuary.

Read Ezekiel 45 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Of the holy portion, 500 x 500 cubits would be for the sanctuary, with fifty cubits of open space around it. The buffer zone protected sanctuary holiness from common activities. Physical separation illustrated spiritual separation—God's holiness requires distinct space. This principle applies spiritually: maintaining clear boundaries between holy and common.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient temples had sacred precincts with graduated zones of holiness—outer courts, inner courts, holy place, Most Holy Place. These physical separations taught theological truths about God's transcendent holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain 'boundaries' between holy and common in your spiritual life?
  2. What does reverence for God's holiness look like in contemporary Christian experience?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
יִהְיֶ֤ה1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִזֶּה֙2 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ4 of 15

“Of this there shall be for the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בַּחֲמֵ֥שׁ5 of 15

“five”

H2568

five

מֵא֖וֹת6 of 15

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

בַּחֲמֵ֥שׁ7 of 15

“five”

H2568

five

מֵא֖וֹת8 of 15

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

מְרֻבָּ֣ע9 of 15

“in breadth square”

H7251

to be quadrate

סָבִֽיב׃10 of 15

“round about”

H5439

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

וַחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים11 of 15

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

אַמָּ֔ה12 of 15

“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)

מִגְרָ֥שׁ13 of 15

“for the suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

ל֖וֹ14 of 15
H0
סָבִֽיב׃15 of 15

“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 45:2 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 45:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 42:16-20Ezekiel 27:28

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