Ezekiel 43 16

Ezekiel 43:16 kjv

And the altar shall be twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof.

Ezekiel 43:16 nkjv

The altar hearth is twelve cubits long, twelve wide, square at its four corners;

Ezekiel 43:16 niv

The altar hearth is square, twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide.

Ezekiel 43:16 esv

The altar hearth shall be square, twelve cubits long by twelve broad.

Ezekiel 43:16 nlt

The top of the altar is square, measuring 21 feet by 21 feet.

Ezekiel 43 verses

Ezekiel 43 16 meaning

Ezekiel 43:16 precisely defines the dimensions of the "altar hearth" (Hebrew: ari'el), which is the uppermost and central surface of the visionary altar where offerings were to be consumed. This sacred offering surface is depicted as a perfect square, measuring twelve cubits in length and twelve cubits in width. The verse also mentions a surrounding border on its four sides, though the exact measurement of this border varies among translations, contributing to the detailed and complex architectural specifications of Ezekiel's prophetic temple. The meticulous description of these measurements highlights the absolute sanctity, order, and divine design required for future worship in God's restored presence among His people.

Ezekiel 43 16 Context

This verse is situated in Ezekiel chapters 40-48, which provide a detailed vision of a future temple revealed to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (593-571 BC). This divine blueprint aimed to give hope and assure the exiled Israelites of God's future restoration, encompassing their land, their temple, and their proper worship. Chapter 43 specifically details the majestic return of God's glory (Kavod Yahweh) to this new temple, establishing His rightful presence. Following this, the Lord dictates the precise architectural specifications for the altar of burnt offering, beginning from verse 13. The meticulously described dimensions, including the altar hearth's measurements in verse 16, underscore the immense sanctity and perfect order demanded by God for worship in this restored era. The emphasis on a specific 'cubit' (a cubit plus a handbreadth, as per Ezek 40:5) further highlights that this temple operates under a uniquely divine and exalted standard of holiness, distinguishing it from past earthly constructions and emphasizing its profound theological significance.

Ezekiel 43 16 Word analysis

• The altar hearth: (Hebrew: הָאֲרִיאֵל - ha-ari'el). Meaning: "the hearth of God" or "the lion of God." This unique term in Ezekiel signifies the topmost, sacred burning platform. It embodies the focal point of divine communion through sacrifice, symbolizing both the consuming power of God's holiness and His acceptance of atonement.
• shall be: (Implied by context). The Hebrew language often describes states of being or existence without an explicit verb "to be," directly stating the measurement as a fact.
• twelve cubits long: (Hebrew: שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה אֹרֶךְ - shteym 'esreh 'orekh). Meaning: "twelve length." The number twelve is deeply symbolic in biblical contexts, representing divine perfection, governmental order, and the totality of God's people (twelve tribes of Israel), pointing to universal and complete worship.
• by twelve cubits wide: (Hebrew: וּשְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה רֹחַב - u-shteym 'esreh rochav). Meaning: "and twelve width." This measurement, combined with the length, specifies the hearth's foundational size.
• square: (Hebrew: רָבוּעַ - ravua'). Meaning: "square, foursquare." This geometric perfection symbolizes stability, completeness, balance, and a divinely ordained cosmic order. It evokes concepts of integrity and perfect form, fitting for sacred spaces (e.g., the Most Holy Place, the New Jerusalem).
• and its border: (Hebrew: וְהַגְּבוּל - v'ha-gevul). Meaning: "and the boundary/edge/fringe." This refers to a demarcation that sets apart the immediate area of the altar hearth, further defining its sacred space and structure.
• on all four sides: (Hebrew: אֶל־אַרְבַּעַת רְבָעָיו - el-'arba'at reva'ayv). Meaning: "to its four quarters/sides." This reinforces the altar hearth's symmetrical square design and the encompassing nature of the border.
• shall be fourteen cubits length: (Hebrew: אַרְבַּע עֶשְׂרֵה אֹֽרֶךְ - arba 'esreh 'orekh). Meaning: "fourteen length." According to the Masoretic Text, this is the explicit dimension for the border. This figure (14 cubits) corresponds to the dimension of an upper ledge (implicitly detailed through combined textual understanding from surrounding verses such as Ezek 43:15 by commentators), upon which the 12x12 cubit ari'el (altar hearth) is placed. It describes the specific size of an adjacent structural component that forms part of the boundary system for the hearth. Some prominent English translations (like ESV, NIV) read "twenty-four cubits," while the KJV reads "twenty cubits." These translation discrepancies likely stem from variations in ancient textual traditions, scribal challenges in transmitting numbers, or different interpretive attempts to reconcile the complex architectural details within Ezekiel's altar structure. Adhering to the most widely accepted Hebrew text, "fourteen cubits length" indicates a precise, divinely intended structural element framing or defining the area of the sacred hearth.

Words-group analysis:

• "The altar hearth shall be twelve cubits long by twelve cubits wide—square—": This phrase precisely delineates the central burning surface of the altar. The identical "twelve cubits" for length and width signifies ideal and perfected dimensions. Its "square" shape underscores the attributes of stability, wholeness, balance, and symmetrical divine design, communicating the requirement for perfect order and righteousness in worship.
• "and its border on all four sides shall be fourteen cubits length" (based on MT): This clause specifies a surrounding element or dimension relevant to the 12x12 cubit altar hearth. Interpreted as referring to the total measurement or length of the framing component (such as the upper ledge or its surrounding element) that supports or encompasses the 12x12 cubit hearth, it highlights meticulous, divinely ordained boundaries. These specific measures emphasize a separation and holiness that governs access to the sacred burning surface, ensuring worship occurs according to God's strict divine standards.

Ezekiel 43 16 Bonus section

The "cubit" utilized throughout Ezekiel's visionary temple (Ezek 40:5, 43:13) is explicitly stated to be "a cubit and a handbreadth"—a larger measure than the standard cubit. This "great cubit," roughly equivalent to 20.67 inches (52.5 cm), immediately elevates the entire temple and its components to a divine standard, implying a scale of holiness and perfection beyond human capability or expectation. The structure of the altar, including the hearth, involves a series of progressively ascending, diminishing squares (from base to hearth), symbolizing a focused ascent towards God's immediate presence. The meticulous attention to "square" dimensions across the altar's layers and within other sacred spaces (e.g., the Holy of Holies in Solomon's Temple) fundamentally links physical form to divine order and perfection, implying that proper worship must align with God's complete and unchanging character. The sheer scale and precision of this visionary altar highlight the profound importance of atonement and God's renewed covenant presence among His people, transcending historical temple practices.

Ezekiel 43 16 Commentary

Ezekiel 43:16 serves as a key detail in God's architectural blueprint for a renewed temple, emphasizing the holiness and divine precision required for worship. The "altar hearth" (ari'el), possibly suggesting both God's powerful presence (lion) and His consuming holiness (hearth), represents the sacred ground where fellowship with God is established through acceptable sacrifice. The dimensions of "twelve cubits long by twelve cubits wide," forming a perfect "square," symbolize completeness, divine order, and stability. The number twelve is richly symbolic of Israel's wholeness, signifying a restored nation offering worship according to God's ideal standards. While the precise measurement of "its border" varies in translations, the core message remains the establishment of distinct, sacred boundaries. This meticulous detail underscores that future worship will be pure, divinely ordered, and set apart, culminating in Christ's perfect sacrifice, which fully satisfies God's righteous demands and enables true spiritual worship from all believers.