King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 45:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 45:3 in the King James Version says “And of this measure shalt thou measure the length of five and twenty thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand: and in i...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 45:3 · 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.

5

And the five and twenty thousand of length, and the ten thousand of breadth, shall also the Levites, the ministers of the house, have for themselves, for a possession for twenty chambers.

Read Ezekiel 45 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The measured portion (25,000 x 10,000) contained both sanctuary and priests' dwelling. Those who served God's house lived on sacred land, supported by consecrated resources. This teaches that ministry support comes from God's provision through His people's worship. Those who serve the altar share in the altar (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical cities (Numbers 35) similarly provided for priests and Levites through dedicated land allocations. This vision expands the concept, ensuring adequate provision for those serving God's house.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the church support those called to full-time ministry?
  2. What does it mean that 'the laborer deserves his wages' (Luke 10:7) in Christian service?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּמִן1 of 16
H4480

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

הַמִּדָּ֤ה2 of 16

“And of this measure”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

הַזֹּאת֙3 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תָּמ֔וֹד4 of 16

“shalt thou measure”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

אֹ֗רֶךְ5 of 16

“the length”

H753

length

חֲמִשָּׁ֤6 of 16

“of five”

H2568

five

וְעֶשְׂרִים֙7 of 16

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אֲלָפִ֑ים8 of 16

“thousand”

H505

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

וְרֹ֖חַב9 of 16

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת10 of 16

“of ten”

H6235

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

אֲלָפִ֑ים11 of 16

“thousand”

H505

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

וּבֽוֹ12 of 16
H0
יִהְיֶ֥ה13 of 16
H1961

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

הַמִּקְדָּ֖שׁ14 of 16

“and in it shall be the sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

קָדָשִֽׁים׃15 of 16

“and the most”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָדָשִֽׁים׃16 of 16

“and the most”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 45:3 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 45:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 48:10

Places in This Verse

Most Holy Place 2Altar · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E24 verses across 7 books
View all places in Ezekiel 45 →

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