Ezekiel 43:15

KJV

So the altar [shall be] four cubits; and from the altar and upward [shall be] four horns.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the altar {H741}{H2025} shall be four {H702} cubits {H520}; and from the altar {H741} and upward {H4605} shall be four {H702} horns {H7161}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The hearth measures seven feet [high], with four horns on top of the hearth.

Berean Standard Bible

The altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and four horns shall project upward from the hearth.

American Standard Version

And the upper altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar hearth and upward there shall be four horns.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:15 provides precise architectural details for the visionary temple's altar, specifying its dimensions as four cubits high and noting the presence of four horns extending upward from its top. This meticulous description is part of Ezekiel's extensive prophecy concerning a future, ideal temple, symbolizing God's renewed presence and the perfect worship that will characterize a restored covenant relationship with His people. The verse underscores the divine precision and sanctity associated with God's dwelling place and the central role of atonement within His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 43:15 is situated within the highly detailed temple vision of Ezekiel chapters 40-48, which constitutes the final major section of the book. Following the prophet's initial visions of God's glory departing the defiled temple in Jerusalem ([Ezekiel 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8-11 - God's Glory Departs")), this section presents a new, meticulously measured temple, symbolizing God's future restoration and the return of His glory ([Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Return of God's Glory")). Chapter 43 specifically focuses on the altar, its dimensions, and the ordinances for its dedication and use, immediately preceding the detailed instructions for the priests and the sacred offerings. This verse, therefore, is a crucial detail in establishing the altar's form, which is central to the sacrificial system and the re-establishment of pure worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received these visions while in exile in Babylon, a period of profound despair for the Judean people who had lost their temple, their land, and their king. The detailed temple vision served as a powerful message of hope and assurance that God had not abandoned His covenant people but would ultimately restore them and dwell among them once more. The concept of an altar with horns was common in ancient Near Eastern and Israelite worship, as evidenced by the altars described for the Tabernacle ([Exodus 27:2](/exodus/27-2 "Exodus 27:2 - Altar of Burnt Offering")) and Solomon's Temple. These horns often symbolized strength, power, and a place of refuge, where supplicants could grasp them for asylum ([1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Seeks Refuge")). The precise measurements in Ezekiel's vision, reminiscent of the Tabernacle's blueprints, emphasized divine authorship and the sacredness of the space, contrasting with the defiled practices that led to the temple's destruction.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, **Divine Holiness and Purity** are paramount, emphasized by the meticulous measurements and the specific features of the altar, which is the site of atonement and purification. The detailed blueprint underscores God's demand for absolute purity in worship and in the presence of His glory. Secondly, **Restoration and Renewal** are central, as the visionary temple represents God's plan to re-establish a perfect relationship with Israel after their exile and spiritual cleansing. The altar, as the heart of the sacrificial system, points to the means by which this restoration will be achieved. Thirdly, **God's Dwelling Presence** is a major theme, as the new temple is the place where the glory of the Lord returns, signifying His commitment to dwell among His people forever ([Ezekiel 43:7](/ezekiel/43-7 "Ezekiel 43:7 - God's Dwelling Place")). The altar's design is integral to facilitating the worship that accompanies this divine indwelling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Altar (Hebrew, _ʼăriʼêyl'_ / _harʼêl'_):** (H741 / H2025) The KJV uses "altar" twice, referencing both H741 (`ʼăriʼêyl`) and H2025 (`harʼêl`). H741 is described as "the altar of the temple," possibly a transposition or variation of H2025, which means "mount of God" and figuratively refers to the altar of burnt-offering. This dual etymology highlights the altar's sacred function as a place where God is met, a "mountain" where offerings ascend to Him, and the central locus of atonement and communion within the sacred space. Its presence signifies the ongoing need for reconciliation and the means by which it is achieved.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** (H520) This term refers to a standard unit of measure, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The specification of "four cubits" for the altar's height underscores the divine precision and exactness required for the temple's construction and, by extension, for all aspects of worship. It emphasizes that God's design is not arbitrary but ordered and holy, demanding adherence to His revealed standards.
* **Horns (Hebrew, _qeren'_):** (H7161) Literally meaning "horn," this word also carries metaphorical implications of power, strength, and authority. On an altar, horns were prominent projections, often at the four corners. In ancient Israelite practice, blood was applied to these horns during sacrifices, symbolizing the efficacy and power of the atonement. They also served as a place of refuge for those seeking asylum. Their inclusion in Ezekiel's visionary altar signifies the enduring power, sanctity, and protective nature of the sacrificial system and the altar's role as a place of divine encounter and mercy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the altar [shall be] four cubits":** This clause establishes a specific dimension for the altar, indicating its height. The precise measurement of "four cubits" (approximately six feet, depending on the cubit standard) emphasizes the divine blueprint and the meticulous detail with which God's sacred space is designed. It suggests a deliberate, ordered, and holy structure, where every dimension is significant and contributes to the overall sanctity and functionality of the place of worship.
* **"and from the altar and upward [shall be] four horns":** This clause describes a prominent feature of the altar: four horns projecting from its top. These horns were integral to ancient Israelite altars, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Their presence "upward" from the altar signifies their connection to the sacrificial act and their symbolic representation of power, strength, and the efficacy of atonement. They also served as a focal point for the application of sacrificial blood, underscoring the altar's role as the central place for reconciliation with God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Architectural Description** and **Symbolism**. The detailed architectural description of the altar's dimensions and features (four cubits high, four horns) serves to ground the visionary temple in concrete, measurable terms, emphasizing the divine precision and order of God's design. This meticulous detail is not merely for structural clarity but for theological emphasis, highlighting the sanctity and intentionality behind every aspect of God's dwelling. The **Symbolism** of the altar itself, as the place of sacrifice and atonement, is profound. The "four horns" are particularly rich in symbolic meaning, representing strength, power, and refuge, and underscoring the altar's efficacy in mediating between God and humanity. Their presence reinforces the idea that the altar is a place of divine power and protective grace, where life is restored through sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:15, with its detailed description of the altar, underscores the enduring theological significance of atonement and God's holy presence. The altar is the very heart of the temple, the place where reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity occurs. Its precise dimensions and the presence of horns emphasize that access to God is not arbitrary but is governed by divine standards and facilitated through a divinely appointed means of sacrifice. This vision, given during a time of national despair, offered hope that God would re-establish a perfect system of worship and dwell among His people, where sin could be effectively dealt with and communion restored. The meticulous design points to a future where God's holiness is perfectly honored and His people fully reconciled.

* [Exodus 27:1-2](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1-2 - The Altar of Burnt Offering in the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 4:7](/leviticus/4-7 "Leviticus 4:7 - Application of Blood to Altar Horns")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 43:15, though describing a visionary temple, carries profound implications for our understanding of worship and God's holiness today. The meticulous detail in the altar's design reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and absolute holiness. Our approach to Him, whether in corporate worship or private devotion, should be marked by reverence and intentionality, reflecting the awe inspired by His perfect character. For Christians, this verse points us to the ultimate altar and sacrifice: Jesus Christ. His finished work on the cross fulfills all the Old Testament sacrifices, providing a once-for-all atonement that is perfect and complete. Therefore, our worship is not about physical rituals but about drawing near to God through Christ, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, and obedience. The "horns" of the altar, symbolizing strength and refuge, find their ultimate expression in Christ, who is our strength and our secure refuge from sin and judgment. We are called to live lives of holiness, reflecting the purity and precision God desires, knowing that our access to Him is secured by the perfect Lamb of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the altar's design in Ezekiel's vision challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, apply the principle of "divine precision and holiness" to our personal and corporate worship today?**
* **Considering the symbolism of the altar's horns, how does Christ serve as our ultimate strength, power, and refuge?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "four cubits" for the altar's height?**

Answer: The "four cubits" (approximately 6 feet) signifies the precise and divinely ordained dimensions of the altar. In biblical contexts, specific measurements often underscore God's meticulous planning, His absolute authority, and the sacredness of the object or space described. For the altar, this precision highlights that access to God and the means of atonement are not arbitrary but are established according to God's perfect and holy standards. It emphasizes the divine order and sanctity of the temple and its worship, contrasting with any human-devised or defiled practices.

**What is the meaning or purpose of the "four horns" on the altar?**

Answer: The "four horns" on the altar were a common feature of altars in ancient Israel, as seen in the descriptions of the Tabernacle's altar ([Exodus 27:2](/exodus/27-2 "Exodus 27:2 - Altar of Burnt Offering")) and Solomon's Temple. Symbolically, horns represented strength, power, and authority. In practice, the blood of sacrifices was applied to the horns ([Leviticus 4:7](/leviticus/4-7 "Leviticus 4:7 - Blood on Altar Horns")), signifying the efficacy and power of the atonement. They also served as a place of refuge; those seeking asylum could grasp the horns of the altar to appeal for mercy or protection ([1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Seeks Refuge")). In Ezekiel's vision, their inclusion emphasizes the enduring sanctity, power, and redemptive efficacy of the altar as the central place of sacrifice and reconciliation with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:15, with its detailed description of the altar and its horns, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The visionary altar, meticulously measured and adorned with horns, points to the perfect and singular sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world. The Old Testament altars, with their repeated animal sacrifices, were mere shadows of the reality to come ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow")). Christ's body became the ultimate altar, and His life the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). The "four cubits" of the altar's height symbolize the divine precision and perfect standard met by Christ's offering, which was flawlessly executed according to God's eternal plan ([1 Peter 1:18-20](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-20 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")). Furthermore, the "four horns" on the altar, representing strength, power, and refuge, are fully realized in Christ. He is our strength in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness")), the source of all power and authority ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and our eternal refuge and high tower ([Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress")). In Him, we find complete atonement, secure refuge, and eternal access to God, far surpassing anything offered by the Old Testament altars.

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

Exodus 27:2

And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

Leviticus 9:9

And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

Psalms 118:27

God [is] the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, [even] unto the horns of the altar.

Isaiah 29:1

¶ Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city [where] David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.

Isaiah 29:2

Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel.

1 Kings 2:28

Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

Isaiah 29:7

And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.