Ezekiel 48 9

Ezekiel 48:9 kjv

The oblation that ye shall offer unto the LORD shall be of five and twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth.

Ezekiel 48:9 nkjv

"The district that you shall set apart for the LORD shall be twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand in width.

Ezekiel 48:9 niv

"The special portion you are to offer to the LORD will be 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide.

Ezekiel 48:9 esv

The portion that you shall set apart for the LORD shall be 25,000 cubits in length, and 20,000 in breadth.

Ezekiel 48:9 nlt

"The area set aside for the LORD's Temple will be 8 1?3 miles long and 6 2?3 miles wide.

Ezekiel 48 verses

Ezekiel 48 9 meaning

Ezekiel 48:9 details the specific dimensions of a vast plot of land designated as the "holy portion" or "holy contribution" (tᵉrûmāh) in the vision of the restored Israel. This land, described as being twenty-five thousand cubits long and ten thousand cubits wide, is consecrated directly to the LORD. It signifies an immense and distinct area set apart for divine purposes, embodying holiness, order, and God's central dwelling among His people in the future Messianic age or the new creation.

Ezekiel 48 9 Context

Ezekiel 48:9 is part of the climactic vision of the prophet Ezekiel, found in chapters 40-48, which describes a new, idealized temple, its worship, and the ultimate division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, where Israel faced national devastation, loss of their land, and destruction of their first temple. This vision offers profound hope for future restoration, a new covenant, and a perfectly ordered society centered on God's renewed presence. Specifically, verse 9 defines the dimensions of a special land allocation, termed the "holy contribution" (terumah). This area, bordering Judah to the north and Benjamin to the south, is meticulously separated from the tribal allotments, underscoring its unique sanctity and importance. Within this consecrated zone would reside the temple sanctuary, the portions for the priests and Levites, and the city itself, thus emphasizing a future where God's holiness permeates the very geography of His people's existence.

Ezekiel 48 9 Word analysis

• The contribution (Heb. תְּרוּמָה, tᵉrûmāh): This term carries significant theological weight. It denotes something "lifted up," "set apart," or "separated" for God, specifically a "heave offering." In the Mosaic Law, terumah often refers to sacred gifts given to the priests, firstfruits, or portions designated for temple upkeep (e.g., Exod 25:2; Num 18:8, 24). Here, it applies to an entire geographical area, emphasizing that this vast tract of land is not merely an allotment to a tribe but is an offering dedicated solely to YHWH Himself, distinct in its holiness from the tribal inheritances. This contrasts with earlier times where sacred and profane boundaries were often blurred by Israel.
• that you shall present (Heb. אֲשֶׁר תָּרִימוּ, ʾǎšer tārîmû): This phrase reiterates the action of "lifting up" or "offering." It's derived from the same root (רום, rum) as tᵉrûmāh. It signifies an intentional, volitional act of consecration performed by the people, in obedience to God's instruction, indicating their participation in establishing this holy space for God's dwelling.
• to the LORD (Heb. לַיהוָה, la-YHWH): Clearly identifies the sole recipient and proprietor of this consecrated land. The divine name YHWH (often transliterated as Yahweh), emphasizes God's covenant relationship with Israel, His sovereignty, and His authority to command such a dedication. It highlights that the entire purpose and significance of this area are centered on His presence and worship.
• shall be twenty-five thousand (Heb. חֲמִשָּׁה וְעֶשְׂרִים אֶלֶף, ḥǎmiššāh wᵉʿeśrîm ʾelef): The number itself emphasizes vastness. While "cubits" is implicit in the Hebrew for measurements of land in this context (Ezek 48:8 clarifies this), most English translations include it for clarity. Given Ezekiel's specific "long cubit" (Ezek 40:5), these dimensions are significantly large, indicating an expanse far exceeding previous sacred spaces and reflecting the grandeur of God's future habitation.
• cubits long and ten thousand cubits wide: These precise, enormous dimensions (approx. 9.5 x 3.8 miles or 15 x 6 km, with the common cubit of 18 inches) underline the meticulously divine plan and order. The sheer scale demonstrates the unparalleled importance and prominence of this sacred heartland in the restored creation. The numbers might also carry symbolic weight; ten is often associated with completion or divine order, and five with grace or divine strength.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "The contribution that you shall present to the LORD": This grouping firmly establishes the sacred nature and divine ownership of this designated land. It is an offering initiated by God's command but enacted by His people, for His exclusive use, and serving as the focal point of divine-human interaction in the ideal future. This is a fundamental concept throughout the priestly literature in the Pentateuch, now applied on a massive scale.
  • "twenty-five thousand cubits long and ten thousand cubits wide": These dimensions describe a truly substantial rectangle. This specific sizing (especially the ratio and precise numbers) creates a sense of divine intentionality and exactitude. Unlike the sometimes chaotic human-made settlements, this divinely specified area suggests a perfect, ordered dwelling place, perfectly proportioned according to God's holy standards. It symbolizes security, abundance, and the definitive establishment of God's sanctuary.

Ezekiel 48 9 Bonus section

• The rectangular dimensions specified for the holy contribution contrast with the square layout of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16, hinting at both continuity and distinctness between the prophetic visions and ultimate eschatological fulfillment.
• Scholarly discussions often center on whether this passage describes a literal, future millennial temple and land, or serves as an idealized, symbolic blueprint for God's sovereignty and holiness in the Church age or New Heavens and New Earth. The precise details lend weight to a literal interpretation for some, while the scale and context point to a profound spiritual reality for others.
• The term terumah would have deeply resonated with the exilic audience, recalling the prescribed offerings for the Tabernacle and the priests from the Mosaic Law. Its application to such a large land portion elevates the sanctity of the future restored nation beyond anything known previously, portraying a new, deeper level of dedication to God.
• The dedication of specific land for sacred purposes predates the Temple, seen in the Tabernacle's encampment in the wilderness, but Ezekiel's vision magnifies this principle on an unprecedented scale, showing God's intent to permanently dwell in glory amidst a fully consecrated people and land.

Ezekiel 48 9 Commentary

Ezekiel 48:9 is a foundational verse for understanding the geographical and theological core of Ezekiel's visionary temple and land distribution. It pinpoints the exact dimensions of the "holy contribution" (terumah), which is an offering set apart entirely for the LORD. The scale of this portion—an area vastly larger than any previous temple enclosure or even early Jerusalem—is staggering, emphasizing the amplified importance of God's presence and holiness in the future. This land is the divine epicenter, distinct from the surrounding tribal inheritances, where the sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites will be situated (Ezek 48:10-14). Its meticulous measurement and designation as an "offering" underscore divine order, a clear separation of the holy from the common, and God's absolute ownership. It promises a time of profound reverence and the unwavering presence of God among a perfectly aligned, purified community, signifying restoration far beyond mere physical return, into a new spiritual and social order.