King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:16 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:16 in the King James Version says “And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.”

Ezekiel 48:16 · KJV

Context

And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD.

And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane place for the city, for dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.

16

And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.

And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.

And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy portion shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy portion; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

These shall be the measures thereof—the city forms a perfect square (4,500 cubits per side), echoing the symmetry of the New Jerusalem which is also foursquare (Revelation 21:16). The repetition across north...south...east...west emphasizes completeness and divine order extending to all four directions, symbolizing universal scope.

The precise measurements contrast with the ruined, asymmetrical Jerusalem Ezekiel's audience knew. Mathematical precision reflects theological truth: God's restoration is not haphazard but architecturally perfect, geometrically expressing divine attributes of order, beauty, and unchanging purpose. The squared city shape may also represent stability—unlike circular cities (Babylon) associated with pagan cosmology, the square signifies Yahweh's sovereign design.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cities typically grew organically without geometric planning, though some Mesopotamian cities attempted sacred geometry. Jerusalem's topography prevented perfect symmetry—it sprawled across hills with irregular walls. Ezekiel's idealized vision presents eschatological rather than merely practical architecture, anticipating the geometrically perfect eternal city.

Reflection Questions

How does God's attention to precise measurements in sacred things challenge sloppy approaches to worship and obedience?
What does the foursquare city pointing to Revelation 21 teach about continuity between Old Testament promises and New Testament fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words

וְאֵלֶּה֮1 of 27

these or those

מִדּוֹתֶיהָ֒2 of 27

“And these shall be the measures”

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

וּפְאַת3 of 27

“side”

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

צָפ֗וֹן4 of 27

“thereof the north”

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

חֲמֵ֥שׁ5 of 27

“and five”

five

מֵא֖וֹת6 of 27

“hundred”

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְאַרְבַּ֥עַת7 of 27

“four”

four

אֲלָפִֽים׃8 of 27

“thousand”

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

וּפְאַת9 of 27

“side”

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

נֶ֕גֶב10 of 27

“and the south”

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

חֲמֵ֥שׁ11 of 27

“and five”

five

חֲמֵ֥שׁ12 of 27

“and five”

five

מֵא֖וֹת13 of 27

“hundred”

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְאַרְבַּ֥עַת14 of 27

“four”

four

אֲלָפִֽים׃15 of 27

“thousand”

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

וּפְאַת16 of 27

“side”

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

קָדִ֗ים17 of 27

“and on the east”

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

חֲמֵ֥שׁ18 of 27

“and five”

five

מֵא֖וֹת19 of 27

“hundred”

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְאַרְבַּ֥עַת20 of 27

“four”

four

אֲלָפִֽים׃21 of 27

“thousand”

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

וּפְאַת22 of 27

“side”

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

יָ֕מָּה23 of 27

“and the west”

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

חֲמֵ֥שׁ24 of 27

“and five”

five

מֵא֖וֹת25 of 27

“hundred”

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְאַרְבַּ֥עַת26 of 27

“four”

four

אֲלָפִֽים׃27 of 27

“thousand”

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

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 48:16 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 48:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 21:16

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