Ezekiel 43:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if they be ashamed {H3637} of all that they have done {H6213}, shew {H3045} them the form {H6699} of the house {H1004}, and the fashion {H8498} thereof, and the goings out {H4161} thereof, and the comings {H4126} in thereof, and all the forms {H6699} thereof, and all the ordinances {H2708} thereof, and all the forms {H6699} thereof, and all the laws {H8451} thereof: and write {H3789} it in their sight {H5869}, that they may keep {H8104} the whole form {H6699} thereof, and all the ordinances {H2708} thereof, and do {H6213} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

If they become ashamed of all they have done, show them the elevation and plan of the house, its exits and entrances, all its details and decorations, and all its specifications, its design and its Torah. Sketch it for them to see, so that they can observe the entire design with its specifications, and carry them out.

Berean Standard Bible

and if they are ashamed of all they have done, then make known to them the design of the temple—its arrangement and its exits and entrances—its whole design along with all its statutes, forms, and laws. Write it down in their sight, so that they may keep its complete design and all its statutes and may carry them out.

American Standard Version

And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, make known unto them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the egresses thereof, and the entrances 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:11 presents a conditional divine instruction, where God commands Ezekiel to reveal the precise architectural blueprint and operational ordinances of the visionary temple to the exiled Israelites, but only if they demonstrate genuine shame and repentance for their past transgressions. This revelation is intended to lead them to a deeper understanding of God's holy standards, prompting them to embrace and diligently observe His detailed requirements for worship and communal life, thereby reflecting His holiness in their restored relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy prophetic vision (Ezekiel 40-48) detailing a new, magnificent temple that Ezekiel sees while in Babylonian exile. Following chapters that describe the departure of God's glory from the first temple due to Israel's idolatry and sin ([Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple") and [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - God's Glory Departs")), this vision offers a profound message of hope and restoration. Chapter 43 specifically marks the glorious return of the Lord's presence to this new temple ([Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Returns")). Verse 11 serves as a crucial hinge, linking the divine revelation of the temple's design to the moral and spiritual readiness of the people. It emphasizes that the full apprehension and appropriation of God's holy presence and instructions are contingent upon a profound internal transformation, specifically a turning away from past sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound national humiliation and spiritual introspection for the Israelites. The destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple in 586 BC was seen as divine judgment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience. In this context, the vision of a new temple offered by Ezekiel was not just an architectural marvel but a powerful symbol of future restoration, God's renewed covenant presence, and the re-establishment of a holy community. The meticulous detail in the temple's design and ordinances would have underscored God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for purity, contrasting sharply with the defiled practices that led to their exile. The call for shame and repentance (H3637, `kâlam`) was a direct challenge to the spiritual apathy and syncretism that had plagued pre-exilic Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 43:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. First, it highlights the theme of **God's Holiness and Glory**, emphasizing that His dwelling place and the worship within it must reflect His absolute purity, contrasting with Israel's past defilement. Second, the verse underscores the necessity of **Repentance and Transformation**, positing that genuine shame over sin is a prerequisite for receiving and understanding divine revelation. This aligns with Ezekiel's broader message of a new heart and spirit given by God ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Third, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Instruction and Order**, showing that God's plan for His people and His sanctuary is meticulously detailed and not subject to human innovation. The repeated emphasis on "forms," "ordinances," and "laws" points to the comprehensive nature of God's expectations for a restored, obedient community, a theme found throughout the prophetic literature concerning the future Messianic age ([Isaiah 2:3](/isaiah/2-3 "Isaiah 2:3 - The Law Goes Out From Zion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _kâlam'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to wound," but figuratively, "to taunt or insult." In this context, it signifies a deep, internal sense of humiliation, disgrace, or confusion over past actions. It's not merely regret, but a profound recognition of one's wrongdoing as an offense against God's holiness, leading to a desire for change. This shame is a prerequisite for the divine revelation.
* **shew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to know," but with a vast range of applications including "to ascertain by seeing," "to recognize," "to instruct," or "to make known." Here, it means to "show" or "make known" the temple's form and laws, implying a deliberate act of divine instruction and revelation to those who are prepared to receive it. It's about imparting knowledge that leads to understanding and action.
* **ordinances (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to engrave" or "to decree," this feminine noun refers to an "enactment," "appointment," or "statute." It denotes fixed, prescribed rules or customs, emphasizing the non-negotiable, divinely established nature of the temple's operational laws and the people's conduct. These are not suggestions but binding decrees from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if they be ashamed of all that they have done":** This opening clause establishes a critical condition for the subsequent divine revelation. The phrase "all that they have done" refers to the totality of Israel's past sins, particularly their idolatry and disobedience that led to the destruction of the first temple and their exile. The "shame" (H3637, `kâlam`) signifies a deep, internal conviction and regret over these actions, a necessary spiritual posture of humility and repentance.
* **"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":** This lengthy enumeration underscores the extreme detail and comprehensive nature of the divine blueprint for the visionary temple. "Form" (H6699, `tsûwrâh`) and "fashion" (H8498, `tᵉkûwnâh`) refer to the physical structure and architectural design. "Goings out" (H4161, `môwtsâʼ`) and "comings in" (H4126, `môwbâʼ`) denote the entrances and exits, emphasizing the regulated access to the holy space. The repeated "all the forms thereof" along with "ordinances" (H2708, `chuqqâh`) and "laws" (H8451, `tôwrâh`) highlight not just the physical structure but also the operational statutes, rituals, and ethical requirements associated with the temple and its worship. This signifies that every aspect of the sacred space and its function is divinely prescribed.
* **"and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.":** The command to "write it in their sight" emphasizes the importance of making these divine instructions explicit, visible, and accessible. This act of writing ensures clarity, permanence, and accountability. The ultimate purpose is for the people to "keep" (H8104, `shâmar`) and "do" (H6213, `ʻâsâh`) these detailed forms and ordinances. This demonstrates that the revelation is not merely for intellectual understanding but for practical, obedient application in their lives, leading to a holy walk consistent with God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:11 employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly with the phrases "all the forms thereof" and "all the ordinances thereof," which are reiterated to emphasize the exhaustive and comprehensive nature of God's instructions. This rhetorical device underscores the meticulousness required for the temple's construction and operation, leaving no room for human improvisation or deviation. The conditional "And if they be ashamed..." serves as a powerful **Proviso**, establishing a moral prerequisite for divine revelation and highlighting the necessity of repentance. The detailed listing of architectural and ritual elements ("form," "fashion," "goings out," "comings in," "ordinances," "laws") functions as **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts represent the whole, conveying the all-encompassing scope of God's design for His sanctuary and the life lived in its sphere. This detailed description also creates vivid **Imagery**, allowing the exiles to mentally construct and grasp the divine ideal of holiness and order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:11 profoundly connects the reception of divine truth with the posture of human humility and repentance. It teaches that God's revelation of His holy standards and presence is not given indiscriminately but is contingent upon a people's willingness to acknowledge and turn from their sin. The meticulous detail of the temple's design and laws underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for holiness in all aspects of worship and life. This vision, given during exile, offered a powerful message of hope for restoration, but on God's terms—a restoration predicated on a radical transformation of heart and a commitment to obedient living according to divine precepts, foreshadowing a deeper spiritual reality where God's presence would indwell His people.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "God Will Be Sanctified")
* [Isaiah 55:6-7](/isaiah/55-6 "Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Pattern of Heavenly Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 43:11 offers timeless principles for spiritual growth and our relationship with God. First, it challenges us to cultivate a profound sense of shame and conviction over our sins, not as a source of condemnation, but as a catalyst for genuine repentance and turning towards God. This humility opens the door for deeper divine revelation and understanding. Second, just as the Israelites were to diligently study and obey the detailed blueprint of the temple, we are called to immerse ourselves in God's Word, which serves as our divine blueprint for life and worship. The Bible provides the "forms" and "ordinances" for living a life pleasing to God, guiding our "goings out" and "comings in." Our spiritual maturity is directly linked to our willingness to not only know but also "keep" and "do" what God has commanded. This verse reminds us that true spiritual restoration and the experience of God's presence are always tied to a commitment to holiness and obedience, reflecting the character of the God who dwells among us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life do I need to feel a deeper sense of "shame" (godly sorrow) over, leading to genuine repentance?**
* **How diligently do I study God's "blueprint" (His Word) for my life, and what specific "ordinances" am I being called to "keep" and "do"?**
* **In what ways does my life reflect the holiness and order that God desires for His dwelling place, both individually and corporately?**

### FAQ
**What does "if they be ashamed of all that they have done" mean in a practical sense for ancient Israel?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, this phrase meant a profound and collective recognition of their national sins, particularly their idolatry, covenant breaking, and moral corruption, which had led to the destruction of Jerusalem and their exile to Babylon. It wasn't just regret for consequences, but a deep, internal conviction that their actions had dishonored God and defiled His holy name. Practically, it would involve a turning away from pagan practices, a renewed commitment to the Mosaic Law, and a desire to live according to God's righteous standards. This spiritual posture was a prerequisite for God to reveal His plans for their restoration and the new temple, signifying that true understanding of God's ways is only possible through a repentant heart, as seen in passages like [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "A Broken and Contrite Heart").

**Why is there such an emphasis on the "form" and "ordinances" of the temple?**

Answer: The emphasis on the "form" (H6699, `tsûwrâh`) and "ordinances" (H2708, `chuqqâh`) highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulous attention to detail regarding His dwelling place and the worship conducted there. It signifies that the temple was not a human invention but a divine blueprint, designed to reflect God's holiness and order. Every aspect, from its physical dimensions to its operational laws, was divinely prescribed to ensure purity, proper worship, and the maintenance of a holy relationship between God and His people. This precision underscored that access to God's presence and the blessings of the covenant were on His terms, not human convenience or innovation. It also served as a stark contrast to the chaotic and defiled worship practices that had characterized pre-exilic Israel, which led to the departure of God's glory from the first temple ([Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "God's Glory Departs")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:11, with its conditional revelation of the temple's form and ordinances based on repentance, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the detailed architectural blueprint of Ezekiel's temple was never literally built, its spiritual principles are perfectly embodied in Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Jesus, the True Temple")), the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. The "goings out" and "comings in" of the temple, symbolizing access to God, are fulfilled in Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way")). Furthermore, the "ordinances" and "laws" of the temple, demanding holiness and purity, are perfectly upheld in Christ's sinless life and are now written not on stone, but on the hearts of believers through the New Covenant ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant")). The shame and repentance required in Ezekiel 43:11 are met in the Gospel, where conviction of sin leads to faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice, which cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "Confession and Forgiveness")). Through Christ, believers become living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), called to live in obedience to the "law of Christ" ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Bear One Another's Burdens")), fulfilling the spiritual intent of Ezekiel's vision for a people who reflect God's holiness.

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 11:20

That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 36:27

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

Ezekiel 40:1

¶ In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth [day] of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.

Ezekiel 40:42

And the four tables [were] of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Ezekiel 44:5

And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.

Ezekiel 44:6

And thou shalt say to the rebellious, [even] to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,