King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 45:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 45:5 in the King James Version says “And the five and twenty thousand of length, and the ten thousand of breadth, shall also the Levites, the ministers of th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 45:5 · King James Version

Context

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.

6

And ye shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long, over against the oblation of the holy portion: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.

7

And a portion shall be for the prince on the one side and on the other side of the oblation of the holy portion, and of the possession of the city, before the oblation of the holy portion, and before the possession of the city, from the west side westward, and from the east side eastward: and the length shall be over against one of the portions, from the west border unto the east border.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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—this substantial land allocation (approximately 8.3 by 3.3 miles) for the Leviyyim (לְוִיִּם, Levites), described as meshartei habayit (מְשָׁרְתֵי הַבַּיִת, ministers of the house), demonstrates God's provision for those devoted to His service.

For a possession for twenty chambers—the Hebrew lachuzat esrim leshachot (לַאֲחֻזַּת עֶשְׂרִים לְשָׁכֹת, for possession of twenty chambers) indicates permanent inheritance with residential facilities. Unlike the original Levitical system where Levites had no territorial inheritance (Numbers 18:20-24), this eschatological vision provides both land and dwelling places—fulfilled spiritually as believers receive eternal inheritance through Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The original Levitical allotment consisted of scattered cities among other tribes (Joshua 21), not consolidated territory. This vision's generous provision contrasts with pre-exilic neglect of Levites (Nehemiah 13:10-11), showing God's faithfulness to those who faithfully serve Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's generous provision for temple ministers challenge your view of supporting those in full-time ministry?
  2. What does the permanent inheritance given to servants of God teach about the eternal rewards awaiting faithful believers?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַחֲמִשָּׁ֨ה1 of 15

“And the five”

H2568

five

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים2 of 15

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אֲלָפִ֖ים3 of 15

“thousand”

H505

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

אֹ֔רֶךְ4 of 15

“of length”

H753

length

וַעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת5 of 15

“and the ten”

H6235

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

אֲלָפִ֖ים6 of 15

“thousand”

H505

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

רֹ֑חַב7 of 15

“of breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

יְֽהָיָ֡ה8 of 15
H1961

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

לַלְוִיִּם֩9 of 15

“shall also the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מְשָׁרְתֵ֨י10 of 15

“the ministers”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

הַבַּ֧יִת11 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לָהֶ֛ם12 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לַאֲחֻזָּ֖ה13 of 15

“have for themselves for a possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים14 of 15

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

לְשָׁכֹֽת׃15 of 15

“chambers”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

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 45:5 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 45:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 48:131 Chronicles 9:26-33Nehemiah 10:38-39Ezekiel 40:171 Corinthians 9:13-14Ezekiel 48:20

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