Ezekiel 43 13

Ezekiel 43:13 kjv

And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about shall be a span: and this shall be the higher place of the altar.

Ezekiel 43:13 nkjv

"These are the measurements of the altar in cubits (the cubit is one cubit and a handbreadth): the base one cubit high and one cubit wide, with a rim all around its edge of one span. This is the height of the altar:

Ezekiel 43:13 niv

"These are the measurements of the altar in long cubits, that cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth: Its gutter is a cubit deep and a cubit wide, with a rim of one span around the edge. And this is the height of the altar:

Ezekiel 43:13 esv

"These are the measurements of the altar by cubits (the cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth): its base shall be one cubit high and one cubit broad, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this shall be the height of the altar:

Ezekiel 43:13 nlt

"These are the measurements of the altar : There is a gutter all around the altar 21 inches deep and 21 inches wide, with a curb 9 inches wide around its edge. And this is the height of the altar:

Ezekiel 43 verses

Ezekiel 43 13 meaning

Ezekiel 43:13 establishes the precise foundational specifications for the visionary temple altar. It first defines the standard unit of measurement, known as the "long cubit," which is a standard cubit extended by one handbreadth. The verse then details the dimensions of the altar's lowest structure, termed the "base" or "trough." This foundational level is to be one long cubit high and one long cubit broad, and around its top edge, it is to feature a distinct rim or border, measuring one span in width. This entire description constitutes the initial and essential blueprint for the altar's foundation.

Ezekiel 43 13 Context

Ezekiel 43:13 is part of Ezekiel's extensive vision of a new, restored temple (Ezek 40-48), given to him while in Babylonian exile. This chapter immediately follows the detailed measurements of the temple's outer and inner courts, its gates, and various rooms (Ezek 40-42). Chapter 43 begins dramatically with the return of the glory of the Lord, entering the temple from the east gate, filling it entirely (Ezek 43:1-5). God then speaks directly to Ezekiel, establishing the permanent dwelling of His name among the people and condemning their past idolatry and defilement of His holy place (Ezek 43:6-9). The prophet is commanded to explain the temple's design and "the law of the temple" to Israel, that they may be shamed by their iniquities (Ezek 43:10-12). Following the declaration in verse 12 that "the whole territory around on the top of the mountain shall be most holy," verse 13 immediately launches into the precise measurements of the sacrificial altar, signaling its crucial importance as the center of atonement within this supremely holy space. This historical context highlights the hope for a future restoration and an era of uncompromising divine holiness following Israel's spiritual failings.

Ezekiel 43 13 Word analysis

• And these are the measurements (וְאֵ֣לֶּה מִדּ֣וֹת - u'eleh middot): This phrase indicates a precise and divinely ordained set of dimensions, not estimates, underscoring God's meticulous attention to the sacred structure.
• of the altar (הַמִּזְבֵּ֗חַ - hammizbe'ach): Refers specifically to the sacrificial altar, the central piece of equipment for making offerings and atonement for sins, symbolizing access to God.
• by cubits (בָּֽאַמֹּ֑ות - ba'ammot): Designates the specific unit of length to be used for all following dimensions.
• The cubit is a cubit and a handbreadth (הָאַמָּ֗ה אַמָּה֙ וָטֹ֔פַח - ha'ammah ammah vatophach): This defines the specific "long cubit" for this temple, distinguishing it from a common cubit.
  • A cubit (אַמָּה - ammah): An ancient unit of measure, roughly 18 inches or 45 cm (from elbow to fingertip).
  • And a handbreadth (וָטֹ֔פַח - vatophach): A smaller unit, approximately 3 inches or 7.5 cm (the width of four fingers). The total "long cubit" is thus around 21 inches or 52.5 cm, emphasizing a unique and elevated standard of measure for divine purposes.
• the base shall be (וְהַגֵּב֙ - ve'hagev): Refers to the lowest, foundational platform or recessed structure of the altar, crucial for its stability and definition. Some interpret gev as a "trough" or "belly," suggesting a lower recess.
• a cubit high (אַמָּה֙ גֹּ֔בַהּ - ammah govah): Specifies the height of this initial foundational layer as one long cubit.
• and a cubit broad (וְאַמָּ֖ה רֹ֑חַב - ve'ammah rochav): Specifies the breadth or width of this layer, also as one long cubit.
• and its border on its edge all around a span (וּגְבוּלָהּ֩ אֶל־שְׂפָתָ֨הּ סָבִ֜יב לְזֶ֙רֶת֙ - u'gevulah el-sefatah saviv le'zeret): Describes a specific, narrow rim around the top edge of this base.
  • Border (וּגְבוּלָהּ - u'gevulah): A defined boundary or rim.
  • On its edge (אֶל־שְׂפָתָהּ - el-sefatah): Literally "on its lip," referring to the very top rim.
  • A span (לְזֶ֙רֶת֙ - le'zeret): Another unit of measure, approximately 9 inches or 22.5 cm (from tip of thumb to tip of little finger when outstretched). This border signifies a clear delineation, physically separating the sacred space of the altar.
• and this shall be the base of the altar. (וְזֶ֖ה גַּב־הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ - ve'zeh gav hammizbe'ach): This concluding phrase reaffirms and summarizes the description of the initial base layer (gav), indicating it as the starting point and body of the entire altar structure.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The cubit is a cubit and a handbreadth": This defining phrase is pivotal, establishing a divinely specified "long cubit" as the singular, unambiguous, and sacred unit for all temple measurements, setting it apart from common, profane measures. This insistence on a larger, more perfect standard reflects the elevated holiness required for the eschatological temple.
• "the base shall be a cubit high and a cubit broad": This detail provides the concrete dimensions for the foundational layer of the altar. The repetition of "a cubit" emphasizes the substantial and precise nature of this lowest tier, grounding the sacred structure in an ordered, divine blueprint.
• "and its border on its edge all around a span": This adds another layer of meticulous detail, specifying a narrow encircling rim. This border highlights the precise demarcation of the sacred space, reinforcing the idea of boundaries and the separation of the holy from the common.
• "and this shall be the base of the altar": This concluding statement serves as an emphatic summary, reiterating the identity of the described platform as the foundational "base" of the altar, thereby clearly demarcating the beginning of the entire structure of worship.

Ezekiel 43 13 Bonus section

• Symbolism of Divine Measurement: The "long cubit" throughout Ezekiel's vision suggests an eschatological and ideal standard, hinting that the measurements represent divine, perfect proportions not easily achievable by human means, embodying a transcendent reality for a spiritualized community.
• Significance of the Altar's Layers: The description of the altar's "base" is just the beginning. Subsequent verses (Ezek 43:14-17) continue to describe further elevated platforms leading to the hearth. This tiered structure visually ascends towards God, with each layer marked by specific dimensions, symbolizing increasing holiness as one approaches the sacrificial core.
• Contrast to Idolatrous Altars: Implicit in the precision is a polemic against the "high places" and multitude of pagan altars Israel had adopted, often built without divine sanction and used for detestable practices. The detailed, singular, and divinely measured altar in Ezekiel's vision stands as a stark testament to the one true God and the precise way He is to be worshipped.

Ezekiel 43 13 Commentary

Ezekiel 43:13 inaugurates the description of the sacrificial altar, a pivotal element within Ezekiel's visionary temple. By first specifying the "long cubit," a measure comprising a standard cubit plus a handbreadth, the text establishes an exacting and divinely sanctioned standard. This deliberate differentiation from secular measurements underscores the unique sanctity and absolute authority behind the temple's construction; God's standards for His dwelling are higher and more precise. The detailed description of the altar's lowest "base"—one long cubit high and broad, encircled by a one-span rim—emphasizes that holiness extends to every foundational detail. This precision contrasts sharply with the idolatrous, haphazard, and impure worship that characterized Israel's past and led to their exile. The meticulous design conveys a theological message: God's presence demands order, absolute obedience, and the purest forms of worship, from the ground up. While referring to a future physical temple, this vision ultimately points to the ultimate altar—Jesus Christ—whose perfect sacrifice fulfills all previous forms, setting a new, spiritual standard for accessing God.