Ezekiel 48 10

Ezekiel 48:10 kjv

And for them, even for the priests, shall be this holy oblation; toward the north five and twenty thousand in length, and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 48:10 nkjv

To these?to the priests?the holy district shall belong: on the north twenty-five thousand cubits in length, on the west ten thousand in width, on the east ten thousand in width, and on the south twenty-five thousand in length. The sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the center.

Ezekiel 48:10 niv

This will be the sacred portion for the priests. It will be 25,000 cubits long on the north side, 10,000 cubits wide on the west side, 10,000 cubits wide on the east side and 25,000 cubits long on the south side. In the center of it will be the sanctuary of the LORD.

Ezekiel 48:10 esv

These shall be the allotments of the holy portion: the priests shall have an allotment measuring 25,000 cubits on the northern side, 10,000 cubits in breadth on the western side, 10,000 in breadth on the eastern side, and 25,000 in length on the southern side, with the sanctuary of the LORD in the midst of it.

Ezekiel 48:10 nlt

For the priests there will be a strip of land measuring 8 1?3 miles long by 3 1?3 miles wide, with the LORD's Temple at the center.

Ezekiel 48 verses

Ezekiel 48 10 meaning

Ezekiel 48:10 describes the exact dimensions and spatial arrangement of the land allocated to the priests within the overarching holy district envisioned for the restored nation of Israel. This portion, spanning 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 cubits in width, is explicitly reserved for the priests who are dedicated to ministering before the Lord. Furthermore, a consistent buffer zone, referred to as an "open space" or "suburb," measuring 250 cubits, is to surround this priestly inheritance on all four cardinal sides, ensuring clear boundaries and reinforcing the sanctity of this designated area.

Ezekiel 48 10 Context

Ezekiel 48 concludes the extensive vision that began in chapter 40, which outlines the detailed blueprint for a new temple, a reorganized priestly service, and a complete re-allotment of the land to a restored Israel. Chapters 45-47 describe the sacred portion, known as the "holy contribution" (terumah), which is centrally located and set aside for the temple, priests, Levites, and the prince. Chapter 48 then meticulously distributes the land to the twelve tribes, emphasizing an orderly, perfect, and geographically balanced arrangement around this central holy territory. Verse 10 specifically hones in on the division of the holy contribution that is consecrated solely for the priests. This intricate divine plan underscores a radical departure from the pre-exilic abuses, idolatry, and neglect of sacred duties that had led to the destruction of the first temple and Israel's subsequent exile to Babylon. The vision as a whole represents God's promise of future restoration, holiness, and uninterrupted communion with His people.

Ezekiel 48 10 Word analysis

• The sacred district: Original Hebrew הַקֹּדֶשׁ (haqōḏeš), meaning "the holy" or "the sanctuary." This refers to the larger holy contribution (terumah) from which the priestly portion is carved out, signifying an area fully consecrated and separated unto God. Its holiness is intrinsic and non-negotiable.
• shall be: Expresses an assured, certain future reality. It's a divine decree for what will be, not merely a suggestion.
• 25,000 cubits long: In Hebrew, a cubit (אמה, ammah) is roughly 18-20 inches (45-50 cm). This makes the length approximately 11.25 to 12.5 miles (18-20 km). Such a massive, precisely stated dimension suggests an ideal or symbolic perfection rather than solely a literal building specification for human construction. It speaks to divine order and grandeur.
• and 10,000 cubits wide: This width, approximately 4.5 to 5 miles (7.2-8 km), together with the length, defines a substantial rectangular sacred space. The numbers here often hold symbolic weight (e.g., 5 representing grace, 10 representing divine law/order, 25,000 and 10,000 are significant round numbers indicating vastness and exactness).
• for the priests: לַכֹּהֲנִים (lakkōhănîm). This phrase specifies the beneficiaries of this land portion. In Ezekiel's vision, this designation is clarified to mean "the sons of Zadok" (Eze 44:15, 48:11), the faithful priestly line whose descendants alone maintained integrity during previous periods of apostasy, thereby earning the right to serve in this purified temple.
• and it shall have its open space: וּלְמִגְרָשׁ הָיָה לָהּ (ūləmigrāš hāyâ lāh). The word מִגְרָשׁ (migrash) translates to "pasture land," "common ground," or "suburb." Here, it functions as a defined buffer zone or perimeter. It is not for cultivation but serves to create a clear boundary, physically separating the consecrated priestly habitations from other areas and ensuring ritual purity, much like the pasturelands for Levitical cities in the Law of Moses.
• to the north 250 cubits: מָאתַיִם וַחֲמִשִּׁים (mā'tayim vakhămishshîm) meaning "two hundred and fifty." This is a smaller but precisely measured, consistent buffer zone on one side.
• and to the west 250 cubits: This repetition underscores the uniformity and completeness of the buffer zone. It signifies an intentional and equal separation on all sides.
• and to the south 250 cubits: Reinforces the comprehensive and balanced demarcation of the holy area.
• and to the east 250 cubits: Completes the four-sided perimeter. This exact and uniform demarcation ensures that the priestly portion, though sacred, is enveloped by an additional protective zone on all sides, symbolizing comprehensive holiness and separation.

Ezekiel 48 10 Bonus section

The "holy contribution" (terumah) is a central concept in Ezekiel's vision of the land division. The priestly portion described in this verse is not merely for sustenance but is part of the terumah, designated "most holy" (Eze 48:12) specifically for the Zadokite priests. This elevation of their portion above a mere tribal allotment or Levitical pastureland emphasizes their exalted position and direct connection to the sanctuary services, which were to be of unparalleled purity. The numerical symbolism further resonates with the order of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, suggesting an ideal divine standard that transcends any earthly structure alone, pointing to an eschatological reality of God's perfect dwelling with His people.

Ezekiel 48 10 Commentary

Ezekiel 48:10 intricately lays out the physical and symbolic parameters for the priestly domain within the visionary temple complex. The colossal dimensions of the main portion and the uniformly measured 250-cubit "open space" surrounding it speak volumes beyond mere architecture. These measurements articulate divine perfection, order, and the non-negotiable nature of holiness in the future. This land is irrevocably for the faithful Zadokite priests, emphasizing their integral and privileged role in a pure, restored worship system. The designated open space functions as a clear buffer, visually and ritually distinguishing the sacred, ensuring against any encroachment or defilement, and thus affirming God's demand for absolute consecration for those who draw near to Him in service. It sets a standard of meticulous separation and purity contrasting sharply with Israel's past failures.