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 precisely defines the dimensions of a specific holy subdivision within the greater "holy portion" (terumah) of the land, detailing a perfectly square area. Each of its four sides – north, south, east, and west – is to measure four thousand and five hundred (4,500) reeds. This meticulously measured space is generally understood to be the designated residential area for the priests, adjacent to the temple itself, emphasizing divine order, symmetry, and exact provision for those dedicated to God's service.

Ezekiel 48 16 Context

Verse Context: Ezekiel 48:16 specifies the precise square dimensions of 4,500 reeds on each side. This measurement details a portion within the larger "holy oblation" (terumah) of land designated for sacred purposes, as described in Ezekiel 48:8-22. It follows the general description of the division of the entire land among the tribes and precedes further details regarding the surrounding Levitical and common lands, all centralized around the sanctuary. The measurements likely describe the priestly residences.

Chapter Context: Chapter 48 concludes Ezekiel's extended vision of the new temple and the renewed land, which began in chapter 40. This final chapter meticulously outlines the tribal boundaries and, most importantly for this verse, the arrangement of the "holy oblation" (a 25,000 x 25,000 reed square) situated at the geographical and spiritual heart of the land. Within this central oblation, portions are specifically allocated for the priests (which includes the sanctuary), the Levites, and the city. The chapter culminates in the naming of the rebuilt city, "The Lord Is There" (Jehovah Shammah), signifying God's permanent presence.

Historical Context: Ezekiel's prophecies were delivered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). The exiles had witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple due to Israel's idolatry and rebellion. Their return to the land and the reconstruction of the Temple were central hopes. This detailed, divinely mandated blueprint of a perfectly ordered land and sanctuary stood in stark contrast to the chaos, defilement, and unfaithfulness that led to the exile. It served as a visionary promise of a future, ideal Israel under God's righteous rule, where every detail reflected divine perfection and provision, ensuring proper worship and the presence of God among His people.

Ezekiel 48 16 Word analysis

• These (אֵ֣לֶּה, ’elleh): A demonstrative pronoun, referring to the specified dimensions that are to follow. It implicitly links back to the immediately preceding discussions in Ezekiel 48:10-12, where the portion for the priests, containing the sanctuary, is described as a "most holy place" and "most holy portion." Therefore, "these" refers to the precise measures of this particularly sacred subdivision meant for priestly dwelling.
• shall be (יִֽהְי֖וּ, yihyu): Third person plural imperfect of hayah (הָיָה), meaning "to be" or "to become." It indicates a definitive, unalterable future state—a divine decree rather than a suggestion. It signifies certainty and establishment according to God's will.
• the measures (מִדּוֹתֶ֑יהָ, mîdôtêhā): From maddah (מַדָּה), meaning "measure," "dimension," or "extent." The plural suggests the multiple boundaries being specified (four sides). The suffix –êhā is a feminine possessive, referring to the "portion" or "oblation" for the priests. This word emphasizes precise, exact, and calculated divine specification, contrasting with human estimations.
• thereof: Possessive suffix referring to the specific square holy portion whose dimensions are being detailed, likely the residential area for the priests (within their broader 25,000 x 10,000 reed allotment) or the specific ground allocated to their sanctuary presence, as contextually detailed in Ezek 48:10-12.
• the north side (לִפְאַ֤ת צָפוֹן, lif’at tsafon): Tsafon (צָפוֹן) denotes the cardinal direction "north." Lif'at means "to the side of." It meticulously outlines the geographical boundary of this sacred area.
• four thousand and five hundred (אַרְבַּע֩תּ אֲלָפִ֨ים וַחֲמֵשׁ־מֵא֜וֹת, ’arba‘t ’alafim wa-hames-me’ot): Direct Hebrew enumeration. The unit of measure, "reeds," is understood from Ezekiel 40:5 (a reed = six "long cubits," approx. 3.14 meters). Thus, 4,500 reeds amounts to a considerable length, approximately 14.1 kilometers (8.8 miles), indicating a substantial, meticulously allocated sacred space.
• and the south side (וְלִפְאַת־נֶ֙גֶב֙, wə-lif’at-negev): Negev (נֶּגֶב) is "south," also referencing a specific geographic side.
• and on the east side (וְלִפְאַת־קֵ֥דְמָה, wə-lif’at-qēdmah): Qedmah (קֵדְמָה) means "east," providing another cardinal boundary.
• and the west side (וְלִפְאַת־יָֽמָּה, wə-lif’at-yāmmah): Yammah (יָמָּה) means "west."

Words-group analysis

• "These shall be the measures thereof": This phrase functions as an authoritative introduction, a divine declaration, confirming that the following numbers are not suggestions but immutable, God-ordained specifications for a designated holy segment of land.
• "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": The exact numerical repetition for all four cardinal directions intensely emphasizes the absolute symmetry, perfect squareness, and balanced order of this sacred priestly dwelling area. This signifies divine completeness, equity, and the absence of imperfection or bias in God's ideal arrangements.

Ezekiel 48 16 Bonus section

• Symbolism of the Square: The perfectly square shape is deeply significant in biblical thought. It represents completeness, stability, equality, and unchangeable truth. In Revelation 21:16, the New Jerusalem is described as a perfect cube, echoing this emphasis on divine perfection and full manifestation of God's presence. Here in Ezekiel, it solidifies the perfect order of God's plan for the priestly living, mirroring the ordered nature of the divine.
• Distinction and Holiness: This specifically measured area serves to further demarcate levels of holiness within the broader holy district. Just as the Tabernacle and Temple had concentric courts of increasing holiness, so too does this detailed land division. The priestly dwellings are a step removed from common land, requiring distinct boundaries to maintain the sanctity required for those who serve at the altar.
• Divine Blueprint: The sheer detail of the measurements across Ezekiel 40-48 indicates that this is not a general vision but a divine architectural and geographical blueprint. It served to inspire hope in the exiles that God's restoration would be complete, orderly, and even more glorious than their past, a future planned down to every reed and cubit.

Ezekiel 48 16 Commentary

Ezekiel 48:16, while seemingly a straightforward enumeration of dimensions, holds profound significance within Ezekiel's visionary blueprint for the restored land and temple. This verse precisely defines a specific inner square of 4,500 reeds per side, understood to be the area designated for the priests' dwelling within their larger holy portion. The identical measurement for all four sides signifies perfection, divine balance, and absolute order, standing as a polemic against the chaotic and defiled worship of pre-exilic Israel. It underscores that in God's ultimate plan, all arrangements, particularly for sacred space and those who serve Him, are meticulously ordained. This geometric precision ensures that the sacred area reflects the holiness, stability, and unchanging nature of the God who dwells there, providing both a physical boundary for the sacred and a visual testament to divine meticulousness in preparing a proper habitation for His presence among His people.