Ezekiel 43:16

KJV

And the altar [shall be] twelve [cubits] long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the altar {H741} shall be twelve {H8147}{H6240} cubits long {H753}, twelve {H8147}{H6240} broad {H7341}, square {H7251} in the four {H702} squares {H7253} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

The hearth is a square twenty-one feet on each of its four sides.

Berean Standard Bible

The altar hearth shall be square at its four corners, twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide.

American Standard Version

And the altar hearth shall be twelve cubits long by twelve broad, square in the four sides thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:16 provides a precise architectural detail of the great altar of burnt offering within the prophet's visionary temple, specifying its dimensions as "twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof." Revealed to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, this meticulous blueprint served as a profound message of hope and restoration, signifying God's unwavering commitment to re-establish His dwelling among His people and to restore pure, ordered worship in a future, perfected sanctuary. The verse powerfully underscores the divine precision inherent in God's redemptive plans and the absolute holiness required for approaching His sacred presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 43:16 is intricately woven into a lengthy and highly detailed vision of a new temple, which spans [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40-48 "Ezekiel's Temple Vision"). This particular verse is part of a specific segment (Ezekiel 43:13-17) that meticulously describes the dimensions and structure of the altar of burnt offering, the central feature of the temple courtyard. The preceding verses in chapter 43 describe the glorious return of the Lord's presence to the temple, a powerful and redemptive reversal of the departure of God's glory witnessed earlier in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "The Departure of God's Glory"). The pervasive emphasis on precise measurements throughout these chapters underscores divine exactitude and the profound sanctity of every element within God's dwelling place, setting the stage for the detailed ordinances and priestly duties that are outlined in subsequent chapters. The altar, as the primary locus of atonement and reconciliation, is given significant attention, highlighting its foundational and indispensable role in the restored system of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The comprehensive vision of the new temple was granted to Ezekiel during the profound despair of the Babylonian exile, roughly between 593 and 571 BC. This period was characterized by national devastation, with Jerusalem and its first temple lying in ruins, and the Israelite people feeling utterly abandoned by their God. Within this context of profound spiritual and national desolation, Ezekiel's vision emerged as a radical and transformative message of hope: God had not forsaken His covenant people. The meticulous architectural details, including the altar's precise dimensions, served as a tangible and concrete promise of future restoration, a renewed covenant relationship, and the re-establishment of a purified and divinely sanctioned system of worship. Culturally, altars were central to ancient Near Eastern worship practices, but the extraordinary specificity and divine origin of the blueprint in Ezekiel's vision distinctly set Yahweh's worship apart, emphasizing unparalleled order, absolute holiness, and a divine standard that starkly contrasted with the chaotic and often immoral practices of pagan religions. The "cubit" was a standard unit of measurement, but its consistent and detailed application across the entire vision underscored the divine, rather than human, origin of the entire architectural plan.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching theological themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Divine Precision and Order**. The exact measurements—"twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof"—are far from arbitrary; they reflect God's perfect, unchangeable nature and the absolute order required in His worship and dwelling. This meticulousness underscores the sanctity of the divine presence and the critical importance of adherence to God's revealed will, a theme profoundly echoed in the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle found in [Exodus 25-30](/exodus/25-30 "Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Holiness of Worship and Atonement**. The altar was the indispensable focal point for sacrifices, profoundly symbolizing purification, atonement for sin, and the possibility of communion with a holy God. Its perfect squareness and precise dimensions underscore the absolute purity and unblemished nature required for approaching the Lord, a concept central to the Levitical law, as seen in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "The Life is in the Blood"). Finally, the entire vision, including this verse, embodies **Future Hope and Restoration**. For the exiled Israelites, this detailed blueprint of a perfectly designed temple and altar was an immensely profound symbol of future divine favor, signaling a renewed covenant relationship with God and the re-establishment of true, undefiled worship, promising an end to their suffering and a glorious return to their land under God's sovereign and benevolent hand.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Altar (Hebrew, _ʼăriʼêyl'_):** This term (H741) refers to the altar of the temple, likely by transposition for _ʼăriʼêl_ or an orthographical variation of _harʼel_. It specifically denotes the place of sacrifice, a central and indispensable feature of Israelite worship where offerings were made to God for atonement and communion. In Ezekiel's vision, its precise description emphasizes its foundational role in the restored system of worship and the profound sacredness of the sacrificial system as the means of approaching a holy God.
* **Twelve (Hebrew, _shᵉnayim'_ / _ʻâsâr'_):** The numbers "twelve" are formed by combining H8147 (_shᵉnayim_, dual of _shênî_ meaning "two") and H6240 (_ʻâsâr_, for _ʻeśer_ meaning "ten"). The number twelve frequently holds profound symbolic significance in biblical contexts, often representing completeness, governmental perfection, or the twelve tribes of Israel. Its repeated and emphatic use for both the altar's length and breadth underscores its perfect, divinely ordained dimensions, signifying a complete, stable, and ordered system of worship that encompasses all of God's people.
* **Square (Hebrew, _râbaʻ'_ / _rebaʻ'_):** The root _râbaʻ_ (H7251) is a primitive root implying "to be four-sided" or "quadrate," while _rebaʻ_ (H7253) refers to a "fourth part" or "side," hence "square." The description "square in the four squares thereof" powerfully emphasizes the altar's perfect symmetry, stability, and unwavering form from every angle. This geometric perfection signifies not only physical steadfastness but also theological completeness, divine order, and a steadfast purpose, reflecting the unchangeable nature of God and the enduring validity and perfection of His worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the altar shall be twelve cubits long":** This initial clause introduces the central object of the description—the altar of burnt offering—and immediately establishes its primary dimension: a length of twelve cubits. This specific measurement, which is subsequently mirrored for its breadth, highlights the divine precision inherent in the temple blueprint and the profound symbolic significance of the number twelve, which is often associated with completeness, governmental perfection, and the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating a perfect and divinely ordained structure for worship.
* **"twelve broad":** Following the specification of its length, this phrase meticulously details the altar's breadth as also twelve cubits. The identical measurements for both length and breadth unequivocally confirm the altar's perfectly square base. This symmetrical design is of paramount importance, emphasizing balance, stability, and the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of the worship and atonement that would take place upon this sacred structure.
* **"square in the four squares thereof":** This concluding phrase powerfully reinforces the altar's perfect squareness and its inherent structural integrity from every perspective. The repetition of the concept of "square" (using the Hebrew terms _râbaʻ_ and _rebaʻ_) emphatically underscores its exact, unwavering form from all directions. This meticulous detail signifies not only physical stability and perfect construction but also profound theological perfection and completeness, suggesting that the worship offered on this altar would be wholly acceptable, perfectly aligned with God's divine standards, and eternally steadfast.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Precision and Repetition**, evident in the meticulous detailing of the altar's dimensions ("twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof"). This extreme exactitude is not merely architectural; it serves a deeper theological purpose, emphasizing the divine origin and perfect order of God's plans for restoration and worship. The repetition of "twelve" and "square" powerfully reinforces the ideas of completeness, stability, and divine perfection, suggesting an unblemished and unchangeable design. Furthermore, the altar itself functions as potent **Symbolism**. Beyond its literal purpose as a physical place of sacrifice, it symbolizes atonement, purification, and the sacred space where humanity can commune with a holy God. Its perfect squareness can be seen as a symbol of divine completeness, the unwavering nature of God's covenant, and the steadfastness of His presence. The extensive **Architectural Detail** found throughout Ezekiel's vision, of which this verse is a crucial part, serves to make the abstract hope of restoration tangible and concrete for the exiled people, providing them with a vivid, divinely inspired picture of God's future dwelling among them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:16, with its meticulous description of the altar, profoundly underscores the biblical themes of divine holiness, the indispensable necessity of atonement, and God's fervent desire for ordered, pure worship. The altar, as the central locus of sacrifice, points unequivocally to the indispensable requirement for blood to cover sin, thereby establishing a divinely ordained pathway for a holy God to dwell among an unholy people. Its perfect dimensions symbolize the complete, unblemished, and perfectly acceptable nature of the sacrifice required to bridge the immense chasm between God and humanity. This visionary blueprint, granted in a time of profound desolation, served as a powerful and enduring reminder that God's covenant promises are immutable and that His ultimate redemptive plan involves a glorious, restored relationship with His people, facilitated by a divinely ordained and perfectly executed means of reconciliation. The emphatic emphasis on precise measurements also highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulous attention to every minute detail of His redemptive plan, ensuring that all worship is conducted according to His perfect and unchangeable standards.

* [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Instructions for the Altar of Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "The Life is in the Blood")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "The New Jerusalem's Dimensions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 43:16, though describing a physical structure within a prophetic vision, offers profound and enduring spiritual principles that are deeply applicable to believers today. The divine precision and absolute order evident in the altar's design challenge us to consider the intentionality, reverence, and meticulousness with which we approach God in our own lives. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices on a physical altar, the call to holiness and pure worship remains as vital as ever. Our lives are now the "spiritual sacrifices" we are called to offer to God, as articulated in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones and a Spiritual Priesthood"), and this verse powerfully encourages us to present ourselves with the same diligence, devotion, and unwavering attention to God's revealed will that characterized the ancient sacrificial system. It serves as a potent reminder that true worship is not haphazard or casual but is ordered, intentional, and profoundly centered on the absolute holiness of God. We are called to live lives that meticulously reflect the order and purity of God's character, understanding that our every action, thought, and word can be an act of worship, offered with precision, reverence, and wholehearted devotion to the One who is perfectly holy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on divine precision and order in Ezekiel's vision challenge my current understanding of God's character and His expectations for my life and worship?**
* **In what specific ways can I offer "spiritual sacrifices" with greater intentionality, purity, and reverence, thereby more accurately reflecting the holiness of God in my daily life and interactions?**
* **Considering the altar's foundational role in atonement, how does this verse deepen my appreciation for the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ and its profound implications for the nature of my worship today?**
* **What specific areas of my life or aspects of my spiritual walk might currently be out of "square" with God's divine order, and how can I actively invite His Holy Spirit to bring them into perfect alignment with His will?**

### FAQ

**Why are the dimensions of the altar so specific in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The highly specific dimensions of the altar in Ezekiel 43:16, such as "twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof," serve multiple crucial and interconnected purposes. Firstly, they powerfully underscore God's absolute **precision and sovereignty**. Every minute detail of the visionary temple is divinely ordained, emphasizing that God's plans are meticulously conceived, perfectly executed, and eternally unchanging. This divine exactitude stands in stark contrast to human imperfection and profoundly highlights the sacredness of the space where God's glory would ultimately dwell. Secondly, the precision emphatically highlights the **holiness and purity** required for approaching God. The altar was the central and indispensable place of atonement, and its exact measurements signify that all worship and reconciliation must adhere to God's unblemished and perfect standards. Finally, for the exiled Israelites, these concrete and specific details provided a **tangible and unwavering hope for restoration**. The specificity made the future temple a real, achievable promise, not merely a vague idea, thereby reinforcing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises even in their profound desolation. The number twelve itself often symbolizes completeness and the twelve tribes of Israel, further reinforcing the idea of a perfect, restored community in worship.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision, including this altar, meant to be a literal blueprint for a future physical temple?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the altar described in this verse, is a subject of ongoing and nuanced theological discussion among scholars. Many interpret it primarily as a **symbolic and eschatological vision** that speaks to the ultimate and perfect restoration of God's presence among His people, the absolute purity of worship, and the perfection of His eternal kingdom, which finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Christ and the New Creation. Others interpret it more **literally**, believing it describes a future physical temple that will be built during a millennial reign on earth. However, even among those who hold a literal interpretation, the profound spiritual principles of holiness, divine order, and the centrality of atonement remain paramount. Regardless of whether one leans towards a literal or symbolic interpretation, the vision powerfully conveys God's unwavering commitment to dwell intimately with His people, to purify them, and to establish a perfect and enduring system of worship, which is ultimately and perfectly realized in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the spiritual temple of believers, as described in [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "You are God's Temple").

**How does the concept of this altar relate to Christian worship today, given that animal sacrifices are no longer practiced?**

Answer: While the physical altar and its animal sacrifices have been completely fulfilled and superseded by the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the profound principles conveyed by Ezekiel 43:16 remain immensely relevant and foundational for Christian worship today. The altar's precise dimensions and sacred purpose powerfully underscore the absolute **holiness of God** and the indispensable **necessity of atonement**. For Christians, Christ's single, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate and complete atonement for all sin, as affirmed in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Christ's One Sacrifice"). Therefore, our worship today is not about bringing animal offerings but about approaching God through Christ, with profound reverence, deep gratitude, and a full recognition of His holiness and the perfection of His atoning work. We are now called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones and a Spiritual Priesthood"))—our lives, praise, thanksgiving, and devoted service—as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifices")). The precision of the altar's design encourages us to offer our worship, both individually and corporately, with intentionality, purity of heart, and in perfect alignment with God's revealed will, thereby reflecting the perfect order and holiness of His divine character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:16, with its meticulous description of the altar of burnt offering, finds its profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The altar, as the central and indispensable place of sacrifice and atonement, powerfully prefigures the ultimate and perfect 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"). The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the altar's function and purpose, served as a mere shadow pointing to the substantive and eternal reality found in Christ ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "The Law is a Shadow of the Good Things to Come")). The "twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof" altar, symbolizing perfect completeness, divine order, and unwavering stability, finds its ultimate and perfect expression in Christ, whose sacrifice was perfectly complete, perfectly acceptable to God, and eternally sufficient, requiring no further offering ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Christ Appeared Once for All")). He entered the true, heavenly tabernacle, not with the perishable blood of goats and calves, but with [His own precious blood, thus securing an eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption") for all who believe. Therefore, the altar's profound purpose of enabling a holy God to dwell among His people is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who, as our great High Priest, continually intercedes for us and graciously allows us to draw near to God with full confidence and assurance ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Christ, Our Great High Priest")). The vision of the altar in Ezekiel points forward to the perfection, finality, and eternal efficacy of Christ's atoning work, establishing a new covenant where believers become living stones in a spiritual house, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones and a Spiritual Priesthood")).

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 27:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.

Exodus 38:1

¶ And he made the altar of burnt offering [of] shittim wood: five cubits [was] the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; [it was] foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

Exodus 38:2

And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.

Ezra 3:3

And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear [was] upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, [even] burnt offerings morning and evening.

2 Chronicles 4:1

¶ Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.