Ezekiel 45 2

Ezekiel 45:2 kjv

Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred in length, with five hundred in breadth, square round about; and fifty cubits round about for the suburbs thereof.

Ezekiel 45:2 nkjv

Of this there shall be a square plot for the sanctuary, five hundred by five hundred rods, with fifty cubits around it for an open space.

Ezekiel 45:2 niv

Of this, a section 500 cubits square is to be for the sanctuary, with 50 cubits around it for open land.

Ezekiel 45:2 esv

Of this a square plot of 500 by 500 cubits shall be for the sanctuary, with fifty cubits for an open space around it.

Ezekiel 45:2 nlt

A section of this land, measuring 875 feet by 875 feet, will be set aside for the Temple. An additional strip of land 87 1?2 feet wide is to be left empty all around it.

Ezekiel 45 verses

Ezekiel 45 2 Meaning

This verse describes a specific measurement for the sanctuary in Jerusalem, dedicating a portion of the land as holy to the LORD. It designates a sacred area for the priests who serve in the sanctuary.

Ezekiel 45 2 Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's vision of a restored temple and city in Jerusalem, described in detail from chapter 40 onwards. This vision occurs after the Babylonian exile, providing hope for the exiles by outlining God's future dwelling place among them and the re-establishment of His worship and order. Chapter 45 focuses on the measurements and allocations of land, specifically delineating sacred areas for the temple, priests, Levites, and the city itself, ensuring a clear separation between the holy and the common. This precise allocation reflects the meticulous order of worship and the holiness required in God's presence. The reference to the "sanctuary's portion" implies that a significant area within the land allocated for the city and the temple complex is set aside for its exclusive use.

Ezekiel 45 2 Word Analysis

• And from it (וְמִמֶּנָּה - wə·mim·mê·nāh):
  • "And" (וְ - wə): A common conjunctive particle, linking this verse to the preceding measurements and land divisions.
  • "from" (מִן - min): Indicates a portion taken out of a larger whole, signifying a selection from the described land.
  • "it" (מֶמֶּנָּה - mê·nāh): Refers to the portion of land described in the preceding verses, likely a significant central allotment.
• shall be (יִהְיֶה - yih·yeh): Future tense verb indicating a state of being or existence.
• the sanctuary’s (מִקְדָּשׁ - miq·dāš): A holy place, a sanctuary. Emphasizes the sacred nature of this portion. The root word קֹדֶשׁ (qōdesh) means holiness.
• portion (חֵלֶק - ḥê·leq): A part, a share, an inheritance. This portion is specifically designated and consecrated.
• holy (קֹדֶשׁ - qō·deš): Set apart, sacred, consecrated to God. Reinforces the nature of this land.
• to the LORD (לַיהוָה - lay·hō·wāh): Dedicated specifically to Yahweh, the LORD.
• from the territory (מִתּוֹךְ־ - mit·tōḵ -ū):
  • "from" (מִתּוֹךְ - mit·tōḵ): From within, out of the midst of. Specifies its location.
  • "the territory" (חֻקַּת - ḥuq·qaṯ): An enactment, a statute, a division. Refers to the lawful partition of land, as decreed.
• of the land (הָאָרֶץ - hā·'ā·reṣ): The land of Israel.
• five and twenty thousand (עֶשְׂרִים וְחָמֵשׁ - `eś·rîm · wə·ḥā·meš): Specifies the dimension, twenty-five thousand units (likely cubits, as per previous verses).
• by five and twenty thousand (וְחָמֵשׁ וְעֶשְׂרִים - · wə·ḥā·meš · wə·`eś·rîm): A square measurement of land, twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand units.
• in measurement (בַּמִדָּה - ba·mîd·dāh): A standard measurement. The unit of measurement is typically implied by the context of Ezekiel’s measurements.
• its length (אֹרֶךְ־ - ’ō·reḵ): The dimension of length.
• shall be (וְיִהְיֶה - · wə·yih·yeh): Future tense verb.
• its width (רֹחַב־ - rō·ḥap): The dimension of width.
• its breadth (וְרֹחַב — —: Repetition for emphasis or completeness of the square area.
• for the sanctuary (לַמִקְדָּשׁ — —): Specifically for the use and purpose of the sanctuary.
• most holy (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים — —): Holiest of holies. This denotes the highest degree of sacredness, an area reserved for the most sacred functions and persons.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "the sanctuary’s portion holy to the LORD": This phrase establishes a clear designation of land set apart for God's dwelling and worship, highlighting its absolute sacredness. It signifies a piece of earth that is exclusively for divine inhabitation and service.
• "twenty-five thousand in measurement by twenty-five thousand in measurement": This establishes a square perimeter, emphasizing precision and completeness in the sacred allocation. The substantial size indicates a grander scale for the sanctuary than possibly in earlier periods, reflecting the renewed divine presence.
• "its length shall be its width": This reinforces the perfect square, symbolizing completeness, divine order, and a balance in the sacred space. It speaks of symmetry and uninterrupted holiness.
• "for the sanctuary, most holy": This reiterates the extreme sanctity of this area, indicating it is not merely holy but supremely holy, reserved for God's immediate presence and the highest functions of His consecrated ministers.

Ezekiel 45 2 Bonus Section

The specific measurements provided in Ezekiel (e.g., 25,000 cubits) are often subject to interpretive debate regarding the precise unit of measurement and the exact dimensions of the vision. However, the theological point remains consistent: God's sanctuary must be set apart and designated as holy. The distinction between "holy" and "most holy" is significant, with the latter implying a higher degree of sanctity, reserved for the innermost sanctuary where God's glory resides, or for specific sacred functions and individuals as described in other parts of Ezekiel's vision and the Law. This precise allocation reflects God's commitment to His people and His desire for order in His worship, even in the aftermath of judgment and exile. The concept of the priestly portion echoes the Levites' inheritance in the Old Testament, ensuring they had a dedicated sustenance and responsibility related to the sanctuary.

Ezekiel 45 2 Commentary

Ezekiel 45:2 delineates a prime parcel of land, a significant square of 25,000 x 25,000 units, set aside as "most holy" for the sanctuary. This consecrated space is central to God's dwelling and worship in the envisioned restored Jerusalem. It’s not just for general priestly use, but specifically for the sanctuary itself, signifying the unparalleled sanctity of the place where God's presence will be manifest. The precise measurements underscore the divine order and the absolute necessity of maintaining purity and separation in God's house. This section of the vision emphasizes that God's presence requires a holy environment, and this designated portion represents that inviolable space. This concept extends beyond the physical temple to the spiritual, as believers, when gathered or individually, are called to be holy, reflecting God’s indwelling presence. The holiness of the sanctuary’s portion is absolute ("most holy"), setting a precedent for the separation of the sacred from the profane in all aspects of worship and life.