Ezekiel 43:10

KJV

Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou son {H1121} of man {H120}, shew {H5046} the house {H1004} to the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, that they may be ashamed {H3637} of their iniquities {H5771}: and let them measure {H4058} the pattern {H8508}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You, human being, describe this house to the house of Isra'el, so that they will be ashamed of their crimes. And let them measure accurately.

Berean Standard Bible

As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities. Let them measure the plan,

American Standard Version

Thou, son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:10 delivers a divine mandate to the prophet Ezekiel, instructing him to reveal the intricate visionary temple to the exiled Israelites. This command serves as a critical bridge, connecting the detailed architectural blueprint of the temple to its profound spiritual purpose: to awaken a deep, redemptive shame over their past and present iniquities, thereby prompting heartfelt repentance and a re-alignment with God's holy standards, meticulously symbolized by the temple's precise "pattern."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the climactic vision of the new temple, which spans Ezekiel chapters 40-48. Immediately preceding this command, Ezekiel has been given an extensive, guided tour of the temple's architectural details (chapters 40-42). Chapter 43 then marks a pivotal moment with the glorious return of the Lord's presence to this new temple, filling it with His glory (Ezekiel 43:1-5). Crucially, in Ezekiel 43:7-9, God declares His intent to dwell among the Israelites forever, but explicitly states that this requires their putting away idolatry and the defilement of their kings. Thus, Ezekiel 43:10 functions as the practical instruction for how this divine standard and the accompanying call to holiness are to be communicated. The visionary temple is not merely a future hope but an immediate instrument of conviction, designed to prepare the people for God's holy presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophetic ministry unfolded during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound national humiliation and spiritual reckoning for Judah. The destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple in 586 BC by Nebuchadnezzar was understood as divine judgment for the nation's persistent idolatry, moral corruption, and covenant unfaithfulness. While physically removed from their land, many exiles still harbored spiritual complacency or false hope. The detailed temple vision, given to Ezekiel while he was among the exiles by the Chebar Canal, served multiple purposes: it offered a blueprint for future restoration, symbolized God's enduring presence despite judgment, and, crucially, provided a stark contrast to Israel's past defilement. The concept of a "pattern" or blueprint was familiar in ancient Near Eastern temple building, where divine specifications were believed to be essential for proper construction and divine favor, ensuring the structure was fit for divine habitation.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 43:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Accountability**, as God explicitly commands Ezekiel to "shew the house" to Israel, indicating that divine truth is revealed not for passive observation but for active engagement and transformation. Second, the verse highlights the theme of **God's Holiness and Israel's Sin**. The magnificent, meticulously designed temple represents God's absolute purity and perfect order, which stands in stark contrast to the "iniquities" of Israel, emphasizing the chasm between divine perfection and human depravity. This contrast is intended to elicit "shame," a catalyst for genuine repentance, a theme echoed in passages like [Ezekiel 36:31](/ezekiel/36-31 "Ezekiel 36:31 - Remembering Past Sins"). Finally, the command to "measure the pattern" introduces the theme of **Conformity to Divine Standards**. It's not enough to merely see the vision; Israel is called to internalize its dimensions, implying a call to align their lives, worship, and national conduct with God's unblemished requirements, a concept foundational to the covenant relationship found throughout [the Pentateuch](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word, appearing twice in the verse, signifies more than just a physical structure. From its root suggesting "builder," _bayith'_ encompasses a wide semantic range including a physical dwelling, a family, a household, or even a dynasty. Here, the first "house" refers to the visionary temple, a symbol of God's dwelling place and His holy presence. The second "house" refers to the "house of Israel," denoting the entire nation, the collective people of God. The repetition emphasizes the divine intention for the sacred dwelling to impact the human dwelling, calling the people to reflect the holiness of the place where God intends to reside.
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _kâlam'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to wound," _kâlam'_ primarily denotes a deep sense of humiliation, disgrace, or confusion. It is not merely a superficial embarrassment but a profound internal conviction that leads to self-reproach. In this context, the shame is a divinely intended consequence of confronting God's perfect standard as embodied in the temple. It is a "godly sorrow" (as described in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")) designed to expose the perversity of their "iniquities" and prompt genuine repentance, rather than merely leading to despair.
* **Pattern (Hebrew, _toknîyth'_):** This word, from a root meaning "to weigh" or "to measure," refers to an "admeasurement" or "consummation"—a precise design, blueprint, or exact specification. It implies a complete and perfect plan, leaving no room for deviation. The command to "measure the pattern" is not about physically measuring the visionary temple, but about internalizing its divine specifications. It represents a call for Israel to meticulously examine God's holy standards, understand their implications, and align their lives and worship with this perfect, divinely ordained blueprint for righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou son of man,"**: This is God's consistent address to Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing the prophet's human frailty and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty and authority of the one speaking. It highlights that the message is from God, delivered through a humble human instrument, underscoring the divine origin and authority of the revelation.
* **"shew the house to the house of Israel,"**: This is the core command. Ezekiel is not merely to receive the vision for himself, but to actively "shew" (Hebrew: _nâgad_, to declare, announce, explain) the visionary temple ("the house") to the entire nation ("the house of Israel"). This underscores the revelatory and communicative nature of prophecy; divine truth is meant to be shared for the transformation of the community, not kept in isolation.
* **"that they may be ashamed of their iniquities:"**: This clause reveals the primary, redemptive purpose of the revelation. The detailed vision of God's holy dwelling is intended to serve as a mirror, reflecting Israel's moral and spiritual corruption ("iniquities" – Hebrew: _ʻâvôn_, meaning perversity, guilt, or sin). The resulting "shame" is a divinely orchestrated emotional response, a necessary precursor to genuine repentance and turning away from their twisted paths, leading to spiritual healing rather than mere condemnation.
* **"and let them measure the pattern."**: This final command outlines the required response from Israel. "Measuring the pattern" (Hebrew: _mâdad tokniyth_) implies a diligent, thorough study and internalization of the temple's divine specifications. It's a call to understand the precise requirements of God's holiness and to use this perfect blueprint as a standard against which to evaluate their own lives, practices, and national conduct, leading to conformity and righteousness in every sphere.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The direct address, **Apostrophe**, in "Thou son of man," immediately establishes the personal, authoritative nature of God's communication to Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's role as a humble yet crucial messenger. The "house" (the temple) functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's holy presence, His perfect order, and the divine standard for worship and life. Similarly, the "pattern" is symbolic of God's immutable laws and the precise requirements for a people who would dwell in His presence. There is a strong element of **Contrast** implicit in the verse: the ideal, holy temple and its perfect "pattern" are set against the "iniquities" of Israel. This juxtaposition is designed to expose the vast disparity between God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness, thereby eliciting the desired "shame." Finally, the use of **Imperative Mood** in the commands "shew" and "let them measure" underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's instructions and the expected, active response from His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:10 articulates a profound theological truth: God's revelation of His holiness is intrinsically linked to humanity's conviction of sin and subsequent call to repentance. The visionary temple, with its meticulous "pattern," serves as a tangible representation of God's absolute purity and His unyielding standards. By exposing Israel to this divine blueprint, God intended to highlight the depth of their "iniquities," fostering a shame that was not merely punitive but redemptive, designed to lead them back into right relationship with Him. This principle extends beyond ancient Israel, affirming that God continues to reveal His character and commands—supremely through His Word and His Son—to bring about conviction, repentance, and transformation in the lives of His people, enabling them to live in conformity with His holy nature and ultimately glorify Him.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Reverence")
* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession of Unworthiness")
* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leading to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 43:10 offers timeless principles for believers today. Just as ancient Israel was called to confront God's perfect standard in the visionary temple, we are called to measure our lives against the ultimate "pattern" revealed in Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures. This spiritual "measurement" is not meant to condemn but to illuminate areas where we fall short of God's glory, fostering a godly sorrow that leads to genuine repentance and transformation. It reminds us that true spiritual growth begins with a humble acknowledgment of our sinfulness in light of God's perfect holiness. This process of self-examination, guided by God's Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit, should inspire us to pursue greater conformity to Christ, allowing His Spirit to refine our character and conduct so that our lives increasingly reflect His beauty and bring Him glory in a world desperately in need of His light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "measure the pattern" of God's holiness more carefully, allowing His Word to expose my shortcomings?**
* **What specific "iniquities" (sins, perversities, moral failings) might God be revealing to me, prompting a godly shame that leads to genuine repentance and change?**
* **How does the revelation of God's perfect standards, rather than discouraging me, motivate me towards deeper spiritual transformation and a more Christ-like life?**

### FAQ
**What is the "house" that Ezekiel is commanded to show?**

Answer: The "house" refers to the highly detailed, visionary temple that God revealed to Ezekiel in chapters 40-42 of his prophecy. This was not a physical temple to be immediately built, but a symbolic blueprint representing God's ideal dwelling place among His people, characterized by perfect holiness, order, and precise measurements. It served as a divine standard and a promise of future restoration, emphasizing God's desire to dwell with a sanctified people, as seen in [Ezekiel 43:7](/ezekiel/43-7 "Ezekiel 43:7 - God's Dwelling Among Israel").

**Why was Israel supposed to be "ashamed of their iniquities"?**

Answer: The shame was a divinely intended consequence, a necessary step towards repentance and spiritual renewal. By confronting the magnificent holiness and perfect order of the visionary temple, Israel would be forced to see the stark contrast with their own history of idolatry, moral corruption, and covenant unfaithfulness. This "godly sorrow" (compare [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")) was meant to lead them to acknowledge their deep-seated "iniquities" (twistedness, perversity) and turn back to God, preparing them for a renewed relationship and the eventual fulfillment of the temple's promise. It was a redemptive shame, designed to bring about true change.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:10 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the visionary temple served as a physical "pattern" for Israel to measure themselves against, Jesus Himself is the perfect, living "pattern" of God's holiness and the true dwelling place of God among humanity. He is the ultimate revelation of God, as [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, But the Son Has Revealed Him") states, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Jesus declared Himself to be the true temple (e.g., [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")), signifying that God's presence no longer dwells primarily in a physical structure but uniquely in His Son. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Christ perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's holy "pattern," bearing the shame of our "iniquities" (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")) and providing the means for us to be reconciled to God. Now, through faith in Him, believers are made new creations and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming living temples of God (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The call to "measure the pattern" for us is to conform our lives to the perfect image of Christ, allowing His righteousness to expose our sin and His grace to empower our transformation, until we, the Church, collectively reflect the glory of God's dwelling place, anticipating the final new heavens and new earth where God will truly "dwell with them" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 40:4

And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew [them] unto thee [art] thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 43:11

And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write [it] in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.

Ezekiel 16:61

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

Ezekiel 16:63

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

1 Chronicles 28:19

All [this, said David], the LORD made me understand in writing by [his] hand upon me, [even] all the works of this pattern.

Exodus 25:40

And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

Ezekiel 23:31

Thou hast walked in the way of thy sister; therefore will I give her cup into thine hand.