Ezekiel 43 14

Ezekiel 43:14 kjv

And from the bottom upon the ground even to the lower settle shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser settle even to the greater settle shall be four cubits, and the breadth one cubit.

Ezekiel 43:14 nkjv

from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits; the width of the ledge, one cubit; from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits; and the width of the ledge, one cubit.

Ezekiel 43:14 niv

From the gutter on the ground up to the lower ledge that goes around the altar it is two cubits high, and the ledge is a cubit wide. From this lower ledge to the upper ledge that goes around the altar it is four cubits high, and that ledge is also a cubit wide.

Ezekiel 43:14 esv

from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; and from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits, with a breadth of one cubit;

Ezekiel 43:14 nlt

From the gutter the altar rises 3 1?2 feet to a lower ledge that surrounds the altar and is 21 inches wide. From the lower ledge the altar rises 7 feet to the upper ledge that is also 21 inches wide.

Ezekiel 43 verses

Ezekiel 43 14 meaning

The verse meticulously details the initial dimensions of the great altar of burnt offering within Ezekiel's visionary temple. It specifies the height and width of two projecting platforms or ledges that form the base of the altar's structure. The first section, measured "from the base upon the ground to the lower ledge," is to be two cubits in height and one cubit in breadth. The subsequent section, extending "from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge," measures four cubits in height and also maintains a one-cubit breadth. These precise measurements highlight the divine blueprint for constructing a sacred structure for holy worship.

Ezekiel 43 14 Context

Ezekiel 43:14 is an integral part of Ezekiel's extensive vision (chapters 40-48) received while in exile in Babylon. This vision, following the destruction of Solomon's Temple, presents a detailed blueprint of a new temple, its priesthood, rituals, and the reordering of the land of Israel. Chapter 43 begins with the glorious return of the Lord's presence to this visionary temple, after which God directs Ezekiel to observe and convey the "law of the temple" (Ezek 43:12). Immediately following this, the specific dimensions of the great altar of burnt offering are provided (Ezek 43:13-17). This passage details the ascending ledges of the altar, underscoring its pivotal role in the re-establishment of holy worship, pure atonement, and the conditions necessary for God's holy presence to dwell among His people, offering both a stark rebuke for past defilement and a profound hope for future spiritual restoration.

Ezekiel 43 14 Word analysis

• And from the base (וּמֵהַחֵיק - u'mehachik): Literally means "from the bosom" or "from the hollow." In this architectural context, it refers to the lowest foundational element of the structure, implying the ground level or foundation of the altar. It signifies the absolute starting point.
• upon the ground (מִן הָאָרֶץ - min ha'aretz): Directly confirms the measurement begins at the surface of the earth. This stresses the earthly grounding of a structure designed for heavenly encounter.
• to the lower ledge (עַד הָעֲזָרָה הַתַּחְתּוֹנָה - ad ha'azarah hattachtonah):
  • עֲזָרָה (azarah) refers to a projecting "ledge," "platform," or "terrace" on the side of the altar. These likely provided support or facilitated access for priests.
  • הַתַּחְתּוֹנָה (hattachtonah) means "the lower one," indicating the first or lowest of these tiered platforms in the altar's ascent.
• shall be two cubits (שְׁתַּיִם אַמָּה - shtayim ammah): Specifies the height of this initial section of the altar. The "cubit" (Hebrew אַמָּה - ammah) is the longer cubit mentioned in Ezek 40:5 (approx. 20.67 inches), signifying precise, divine measurement. The number two often implies emphasis or a defined boundary.
• and the breadth (רֹחַב - rochav): Denotes the horizontal width of the projecting ledge, distinct from the main body of the altar.
• one cubit (אֶחָת - echath): Specifies the uniform width of this platform. The singular cubit for breadth emphasizes consistency and precise proportion in the design.
• and from the lesser ledge (וּמֵהָעֲזָרָה הַקְּטַנָּה - u'meha'azarah ha'ketannah): Refers to the first ledge, now termed "lesser" (קְטַנָּה - ketannah, meaning "small" or "inferior") to distinguish it from the subsequent, higher platform. This implies an ascending scale.
• to the greater ledge (עַד הָעֲזָרָה הַגְּדוֹלָה - ad ha'azarah ha'gedolah): This is the next elevated tier of the altar structure. גְּדוֹלָה (gedolah) means "great" or "greater," marking a significant step higher and closer to the main altar hearth.
• shall be four cubits (אַרְבַּע אַמּוֹת - arba' ammot): The height of this second, higher section. The number four can symbolically represent the four corners of the earth, signifying completeness or universality in the altar's purpose of reconciliation.
• and the breadth one cubit (רֹחַב הָאַמָּה אֶחָת - rochav ha'ammah echath): Reaffirms the consistent one-cubit width for the projection of this upper ledge, ensuring symmetrical and precise construction according to divine decree.

Words-group analysis

• "And from the base upon the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits": This initial clause defines the first stage of the altar's construction, marking a precise vertical rise from the most fundamental earthly point. It signifies the commencement of the holy structure, distinct from common ground. The "two cubits" as the initial height emphasizes a measurable, intentional elevation towards sacredness.
• "and the breadth one cubit" (repeated): This phrase, repeated for both defined levels, highlights the uniform projection and stability of these ledges. It underlines the meticulous consistency in the divine design, where specific dimensions contribute to the overall balance and structural integrity, crucial for the sacred work performed upon it.
• "from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge shall be four cubits": This passage describes the subsequent, more substantial vertical ascent, building upon the initial platform. The use of "lesser" and "greater" highlights the clear hierarchical progression towards the ultimate sacrificial area. The four cubits signify a more significant elevation, preparing for the most holy acts of atonement to follow.

Ezekiel 43 14 Bonus section

The recurring number "one" for the breadth of the ledges signifies consistency in design and perhaps represents the singularity and unity of the divine way of atonement. The meticulous details given for the altar immediately after the return of God's glory (Ezek 43:1-5) establish a clear link between God's presence and the purity required for His dwelling place. This architectural description is also given as a form of divine pedagogy, to make the exiled people "ashamed of their iniquities" (Ezek 43:10) by comparing their past defiled altars with God's perfect standard, thereby calling them to repentance and faithful observance. The use of ledges (azarah) also implicitly suggests practicality for priests performing rituals, showing that God's holy design is both architecturally sound and functionally perfect.

Ezekiel 43 14 Commentary

Ezekiel 43:14, with its intricate architectural measurements for the altar's lower tiers, serves as more than just a blueprint. It's a profound theological statement. The divine instruction for such precise dimensions (in specific "long cubits") underscores God's absolute holiness, demonstrating that all approach to Him must conform to His perfect standard, not human whim. These ascending ledges visually convey a structured, reverent progression towards God's presence, indicating that worship and atonement are governed by divine order and precision. The altar, central to atonement, foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as every cubit of this visionary altar points to divine exactitude, Christ's sacrifice is a flawless, singular, and final act that perfectly fulfills God's plan for reconciling humanity to His holy presence, providing access through His established means.