Ezekiel 43:14

KJV

And from the bottom [upon] the ground [even] to the lower settle [shall be] two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser settle [even] to the greater settle [shall be] four cubits, and the breadth [one] cubit.

KJV (with Strong's)

And from the bottom {H2436} upon the ground {H776} even to the lower {H8481} settle {H5835} shall be two {H8147} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} one {H259} cubit {H520}; and from the lesser {H6996} settle {H5835} even to the greater {H1419} settle {H5835} shall be four {H702} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} one cubit {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, three-and-a-half feet, with the width twenty-one inches; from the lower ledge to the upper ledge, seven feet, with the width again twenty-one inches.

Berean Standard Bible

The space from the gutter on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. The space from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge shall be four cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide.

American Standard Version

And from the bottom upon the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge shall be four cubits, and the breadth a cubit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:14 provides meticulous dimensional specifications for the tiered structure of the altar of burnt offering within the visionary temple revealed to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse details the precise measurements, in cubits, from the altar's ground-level base to its lower and greater "settles" or ledges. These exact instructions underscore the divine origin and sacred nature of the envisioned temple and its central place of worship, reflecting God's unwavering demand for order, holiness, and exactness in the approach to His majestic presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel's monumental vision of a new temple, a detailed blueprint spanning chapters 40-48. Immediately preceding this passage, the glory of the Lord, which had departed from the first temple, dramatically returns to this new structure through the east gate, filling it entirely ([Ezekiel 43:1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Returns"]). Following this awe-inspiring event, God begins to unveil the intricate architectural plans. Ezekiel 43:10-12 serves as a theological preface to the altar's dimensions, emphasizing that these precise details are revealed to Israel so they might be ashamed of their past iniquities and conform their lives to God's holy pattern. Verses 13-17 then provide the specific measurements of the altar itself, with verse 14 focusing on the foundational dimensions of its base and the initial two tiers, or "settles." This establishes the precise structural framework for the subsequent descriptions of the altar's upper parts and the sacred hearth, highlighting the divine authority behind the design and the profound seriousness of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received this profound vision during the Babylonian exile, a period of deep national despair and spiritual disorientation for the Israelites. The destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem and the cessation of sacrificial worship left the people feeling abandoned by their God. In this context of desolation, the detailed vision of a new, perfectly ordered temple served as an incredibly powerful message of hope, restoration, and the enduring nature of God's covenant presence. The "cubit" referenced in the text, as explicitly clarified in [Ezekiel 40:5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Longer Cubit"], was not the common cubit but a "cubit and an hand breadth," making it approximately 20.6 inches (52.3 cm), significantly longer than the standard measurement. This specific, larger cubit emphasizes the grandeur, divine scale, and unique holiness of the envisioned structure, setting it apart from human constructions and underscoring its sacred purpose. The altar, as the central locus for atonement and communion with God, was the very heart of Israelite worship, and its precise dimensions would have resonated deeply with a people yearning for the restoration of their sacred rituals and divine fellowship.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous measurements detailed in [Ezekiel 43 "Ezekiel 43 - The Glory Returns and Altar Dimensions"] contribute significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book. First, **Divine Precision and Order** is paramount; God's exact specifications for the altar underscore His holy character and His demand for absolute order and exactness in all aspects of worship and life. This precision reflects a God who is sovereign, intentional, and utterly without chaos. Second, the theme of **Holiness and Purity** is profoundly evident, as the altar was the primary site for sacrifices that addressed sin and enabled communion with a holy God. The precise construction implies that approach to God must be exclusively on His terms, reflecting the purity and sanctity required for true worship, a concept powerfully reiterated in [Ezekiel 43:12 "Ezekiel 43:12 - The Law of the Temple's Holiness"]. Finally, the vision embodies **Future Hope and Restoration** for the exiled people. The detailed blueprint of a restored temple and altar offered a profound message that God had not forgotten His people and would indeed establish a place for pure worship, whether literally in a future earthly temple or symbolically in a spiritual reality that transcends physical structures, as seen in the broader prophetic messages of restoration found in [Ezekiel 36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel"].

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bottom (Hebrew, _chêyq'_):** From H2436, this word literally refers to the "bosom" or "midst," but in an architectural context, it denotes the innermost or foundational part, the "bottom." Here, it signifies the very base of the altar, resting "upon the ground," indicating the starting point of its construction. The idea of "inclosing" from its root suggests the foundational enclosure or core of the structure, grounding it firmly.
* **Settle (Hebrew, _ʻăzârâh'_):** From H5835, meaning an "inclosure" or "border," and rooted in the idea of "surrounding," this term describes the tiered ledges or platforms of the altar. The altar in Ezekiel's vision is not a simple block but a stepped structure, with these "settles" forming distinct levels. The "lower settle" and "greater settle" denote different elevations or stages of the altar, each serving as a defined boundary or platform in its ascent, creating a structured approach to the sacred hearth.
* **Cubit (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** From H520, this is the standard unit of measurement, typically based on the length of a fore-arm. As noted in [Ezekiel 40:5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Longer Cubit"], the cubit in this vision is longer than usual, comprising a cubit and a handbreadth. Its repeated mention throughout the verse and the entire temple vision underscores the meticulous precision required by God for His sacred structures and the exactness of His divine blueprint, leaving no room for human approximation or error.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from the bottom upon the ground even to the lower settle shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit;":** This initial clause meticulously describes the lowest section of the altar's tiered structure. It specifies that the vertical distance from the very base of the altar, where it rests directly "upon the ground," up to the first tiered ledge, designated as the "lower settle," is precisely two cubits. Furthermore, the horizontal dimension, or "breadth," of this lower settle itself is specified as one cubit. This establishes the foundational height and width of the altar's initial platform, setting the precise parameters for its ascent.
* **"and from the lesser settle even to the greater settle shall be four cubits, and the breadth one cubit.":** This second clause continues the detailed description of the altar's progressive elevation. It indicates that from the "lesser settle" (which logically refers back to the "lower settle" just described, or perhaps an implied intermediate tier that is "lesser" than the next designated level) up to the "greater settle" (a higher, more prominent tier), the vertical height is precisely four cubits. Consistent with the previous measurement, the "breadth" of this "greater settle" is also specified as one cubit. This demonstrates a significant increase in height for the next tier while maintaining a consistent width for the ledges, meticulously building towards the altar's summit.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device powerfully employed in Ezekiel 43:14, and indeed throughout the entire temple vision, is **Precision and Detailing**. The prophet meticulously records exact measurements—cubits, breadth, and specific levels like "lower settle" and "greater settle"—to convey the divine origin and absolute authority of the blueprint. This extreme detail is not merely architectural; it serves to emphasize God's absolute control, His demand for order, and the profound seriousness with which He views the sacred space and the approach to His presence. Furthermore, the altar itself functions as potent **Symbolism**. It is not just a physical structure but a profound symbol of atonement, sacrifice, and the divinely ordained means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God. The precise dimensions of this symbol underscore that the approach to God must be on His terms, reflecting His perfect character and the purity required for true worship. The detailed, almost blueprint-like description also creates a powerful sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and tangibility to Ezekiel's extraordinary and supernatural vision, making it feel real and divinely ordained for the exiles who desperately longed for restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous dimensions of the altar in Ezekiel 43:14 underscore a profound theological truth: God is a God of absolute order, precision, and holiness, and He demands that His people approach Him with the same intentionality, reverence, and adherence to His revealed will. The physical measurements of the altar, the very place of atonement and reconciliation, reflect the exactness of God's requirements for dealing with sin and establishing communion. This emphasis on divine specifications teaches that worship is not arbitrary or subject to human preference but must align perfectly with God's revealed will, highlighting the gravity of encountering the Holy One. For the exiles, this vision was a powerful promise of a future where pure worship would be restored, a worship founded entirely on God's perfect design rather than human innovation or compromise, offering a tangible hope for spiritual renewal.

* [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "The Altar of Burnt Offering in the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 1:1-17](/leviticus/1-1-17 "Laws for Burnt Offerings")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today no longer offer animal sacrifices on a physical altar, the profound principles embedded in Ezekiel 43:14 remain profoundly relevant for our spiritual lives. The meticulous detail of God's instructions for the altar's construction powerfully reminds us that our worship, whether corporate or individual, should be characterized by intentionality, reverence, and unwavering alignment with God's revealed will. We are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and Spiritual Sacrifices"])—our praise, our service, our very lives, and our obedience—in a manner that profoundly honors God's holiness and reflects His perfect character. This verse challenges us to move beyond haphazard or casual approaches to faith, encouraging us to deeply consider the precision and purity with which we engage with God, reflecting the sanctity of His presence and the seriousness of our calling as His children. It prompts us to ask if our spiritual lives are truly built on God's divine blueprint or on our own flawed designs and preferences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine emphasis on precise measurements in ancient worship challenge our modern, often casual, approach to spiritual disciplines and corporate worship?**
* **In what specific ways can we, as believers, apply the principle of "divine precision" to our daily lives and our walk with God, beyond just formal worship?**
* **What "spiritual sacrifices" are we called to offer today, and how can we ensure they are offered with the reverence, intentionality, and purity reflected in Ezekiel's vision of the altar?**
* **How does understanding God's meticulousness and demand for order in the Old Testament inform and deepen our understanding of His character and His expectations for us under the New Covenant?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of such precise measurements for the altar?**

Answer: The precise measurements in Ezekiel 43:14 are profoundly significant for several reasons. First, they underscore the divine origin of the vision; such meticulous detail indicates that this is not a human architectural plan but a revelation directly from God, emphasizing His sovereignty and intentionality. Second, they powerfully emphasize God's absolute holiness and His demand for order and exactness in worship. Every aspect of approaching a holy God must be on His terms, without deviation or human alteration. Third, for the exiles in Babylon, these detailed plans offered tangible hope and reassurance that God was indeed planning a future restoration, a new era of pure worship, providing a concrete vision to cling to amidst their despair. The specificity conveys God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people.

**Is Ezekiel's temple a literal future temple, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the altar described in [Ezekiel 43:14 "Ezekiel 43:14 - Altar Dimensions"], is a subject of ongoing theological debate among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal temple yet to be built in Jerusalem during a future millennial reign of Christ, pointing to the extreme detail as strong evidence for its literal nature and future fulfillment. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the spiritual reality of God's dwelling among His people—either the church as the spiritual temple (as referenced in [1 Corinthians 3:16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple"]) or the New Jerusalem described in [Revelation 21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem"]. A third view suggests it is a literal temple that the post-exilic community *should* have built but did not, or a blend of literal and symbolic elements. Regardless of the precise fulfillment, the underlying principles of God's holiness, order, and desire for pure worship remain universally applicable and eternally relevant.

**What is a "settle" in the context of the altar?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 43:14, the term "settle" (Hebrew: _ʻăzârâh'_) refers to a tiered ledge or platform that forms an integral part of the altar's structure. The altar described in Ezekiel's vision is not a simple, flat-topped structure but appears to be a stepped pyramid or ziggurat-like design, with various levels or "settles" leading up to the main hearth. The "lower settle" and "greater settle" denote these distinct, elevated platforms, each with specific dimensions. These ledges likely served functional purposes related to the sacrificial rituals, perhaps providing standing room for priests, specific areas for different parts of the offering process, or a structured progression for the worshipper, all contributing to the meticulously designed approach to the sacred altar.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise and holy dimensions of the altar in Ezekiel's vision, including the "lower settle" and "greater settle" of [Ezekiel 43:14 "Ezekiel 43:14 - Altar Dimensions"], find their ultimate fulfillment and spiritual reality in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament altar, with its meticulous design and sacrificial purpose, served as a powerful type and shadow, foreshadowing the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). No longer do we need physical altars or animal sacrifices, for Christ's offering on the cross was the complete and final atonement for sin, perfectly fulfilling all the divine requirements for approaching a holy God ([Hebrews 10:10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"]). Jesus Himself is the true and living Temple, the very dwelling place of God in human form ([John 2:19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus the True Temple"]), and through His perfect sacrifice, we now have direct, unhindered access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ"]). The divine precision seen in Ezekiel's altar points to the flawless, unblemished nature of Christ's sacrifice and His perfect, eternal high priestly ministry, through which we, as believers, become living stones in a spiritual house, offering spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and Spiritual Sacrifices"]). Thus, the ancient blueprint of the altar ultimately directs our gaze to the finished work of Christ, the perfect means by which we enter into God's holy presence and participate in true worship.

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.