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 · KJV

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.

Read Ezekiel 45 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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).

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַחֲמִשָּׁ֨ה1 of 15

“And the five”

H2568

five

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים2 of 15

“and twenty”

H6242