Ezekiel 48 16

Ezekiel 48:16 kjv

And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.

Ezekiel 48:16 nkjv

These shall be its measurements: the north side four thousand five hundred cubits, the south side four thousand five hundred, the east side four thousand five hundred, and the west side four thousand five hundred.

Ezekiel 48:16 niv

and will have these measurements: the north side 4,500 cubits, the south side 4,500 cubits, the east side 4,500 cubits, and the west side 4,500 cubits.

Ezekiel 48:16 esv

and these shall be its measurements: the north side 4,500 cubits, the south side 4,500, the east side 4,500, and the west side 4,500.

Ezekiel 48:16 nlt

The city will measure 1 1?2 miles on each side ? north, south, east, and west.

Ezekiel 48 verses

Ezekiel 48 16 Meaning

Ezekiel 48:16 describes the dimensions and placement of the city's gates in the new Jerusalem, specifically detailing the northern side of the city. It states that the city will be square, and its dimensions are established by its gates. The description highlights the organized and orderly nature of God's eternal dwelling place.

Ezekiel 48 16 Context

This verse is part of the concluding chapters of Ezekiel, which detail a visionary, restored Jerusalem and its temple. The preceding chapters meticulously describe the measurements and layout of the new temple complex and the surrounding land, emphasizing God's presence and the holiness of the place. Chapter 48 focuses specifically on the division of the land among the twelve tribes and the placement of the new city. The verse 48:16 fits within this overall vision of an organized, divinely governed community where everything is precisely positioned, reflecting a perfect order mirroring God's attributes. This vision is intended to provide hope and assurance to the exiled Israelites, offering a picture of future restoration and God's abiding presence.

Ezekiel 48 16 Word Analysis

• And (וְ - ve): Conjunction, connecting phrases or clauses, showing continuation and relationship.

• the city (הָעִיר - ha'iyr): "Ha" (הָ) is the definite article "the." "'iyr" (עִיר) means city. Refers to the holy city to be established in the restored land.

• shall be (תִּהְיֶה - tihyeh): Future tense, third person feminine singular verb of "to be." Denotes the existence or state of being.

• eighteen (שְׁמֹנָה עָשָׂר - sh'monah asar): Compound number. Indicates a specific dimension in thousands of cubits.

• thousand (אֶלֶף - 'eleph): Unit of measurement, signifying a large quantity or distance, here in thousands.

• in (בְּ - bə): Preposition, indicating location, manner, or measure.

• measurement (מִדָּה - middah): Noun meaning measure, extent, or dimension. Refers to the size.

• and (וְ - ve): Conjunction.

• the north (הַצָּפוֹן - hatstsapphon): "Ha" (הַ) is the definite article. "Tsapphon" (צָפוֹן) means north. Refers to the northern side.

• side (יָדוֹ - yado): Literally "his hand," but here means "side" or "quarter." Indicates a directional boundary.

• shall be (תִּהְיֶה - tihyeh): Future tense verb.

• eighteen (שְׁמֹנָה עָשָׂר - sh'monah asar): Compound number.

• thousand (אֶלֶף - 'eleph): Unit of measurement.

• in (בְּ - bə): Preposition.

• measurement (מִדָּה - middah): Noun meaning measure.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "eighteen thousand in measurement": This phrase signifies a precise, vast dimension of eighteen thousand units (thousands of cubits) for the city's extent. This scale suggests a grand and divinely proportioned dwelling.
  • "and the north side shall be eighteen thousand in measurement": This specifically assigns that dimension to the northern boundary, completing the square description. It implies symmetry and exactitude in the divine plan for the city's dimensions. The north, often associated with potential threat or the unknown, becomes a defined, orderly border in this new creation.

Ezekiel 48 16 Bonus Section

The concept of eighteen thousand cubits in Ezekiel's vision points to a substantial size, potentially signifying an abundance of space for God's people. Scholars suggest that the repeating unit of "eighteen thousand" emphasizes the fullness and vastness of God's provision for the redeemed. This visionary measurement contrasts with the earthly limitations and confinements experienced by Israel during its history, particularly during the Babylonian exile. The precise measurements in Ezekiel, while difficult to reconcile with earthly geography, highlight the spiritual reality of God's dwelling place—ordered, perfect, and glorious. The vision serves not just as a blueprint for a physical city but as a potent symbol of the perfected kingdom of God, where His presence dwells among His people in unblemished holiness and comprehensive security.

Ezekiel 48 16 Commentary

The verse emphasizes the perfection and completeness of the city, described as a perfect square. The eighteen thousand cubits signify the scale of the eternal city, which is expansive and yet precisely designed. This precision mirrors God's sovereign control and ordered nature. The gates, not explicitly named but implied by the dimensions defining the sides, represent points of access and divine presence within the holy city. The ordered layout contrasts sharply with the chaos and disorder experienced by Israel in exile, pointing to the ultimate restoration and divine perfection that awaits God's people. The square shape itself is symbolic of stability, perfection, and completeness.