Ezekiel 45:2

KJV

Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred [in length], with five hundred [in breadth], square round about; and fifty cubits round about for the suburbs thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of this there shall be for the sanctuary {H6944} five {H2568} hundred {H3967} in length, with five {H2568} hundred {H3967} in breadth, square {H7251} round about {H5439}; and fifty {H2572} cubits {H520} round about {H5439} for the suburbs {H4054} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of this there is to be reserved for the holy place an area 875 [feet] square, with eighty-seven-and-a-half feet for open land around it.

Berean Standard Bible

Within this area there is to be a section for the sanctuary 500 cubits square, with 50 cubits around it for open land.

American Standard Version

Of this there shall be for the holy place five hundred in length by five hundred in breadth, square round about; and fifty cubits for the suburbs thereof round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:2 precisely details the dimensions of the sanctuary within the larger "holy oblation" of land, specifying a square area of five hundred units by five hundred units, surrounded by a fifty-cubit open space or "suburb." This verse, part of Ezekiel's extensive vision of a new temple and restored Israel, underscores the profound holiness, divine order, and set-apart nature of God's dwelling place, emphasizing His central presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 45:2 is situated within the highly detailed and architecturally precise vision of the new temple and the redistribution of the land, spanning chapters 40-48 of the book of Ezekiel. This section immediately follows the description of the temple proper and its courts, moving to the sacred land allocation. Chapter 45 specifically outlines the "holy oblation" or "contribution" of land set aside for the Lord, the priests, the Levites, and the city. Within this sacred tract, the sanctuary's dimensions are given, following the grand tour of the temple complex measured by the man with the linen measuring reed, as introduced in [Ezekiel 40:3-5](/ezekiel/40-3 "Ezekiel 40:3-5 - The Man with the Measuring Reed"). The meticulous enumeration of measurements throughout these chapters signifies the divine origin and perfect order of God's future plans for His people and His dwelling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received these visions during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national despair for Israel, as their temple lay in ruins and their land was desolate. The detailed blueprint of a new temple and a reordered land offered a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the enduring faithfulness of God. In the ancient Near East, sacred spaces were often meticulously designed with specific dimensions and orientations, reflecting cosmological beliefs and the perceived order of the divine. The concept of "holy ground" and distinct separation for divine presence was deeply ingrained in Israelite culture, stemming from the wilderness tabernacle and Solomon's temple. This vision, therefore, resonated with a people longing for the restoration of their covenant relationship with God and the re-establishment of His presence among them.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous dimensions of the sanctuary in Ezekiel 45:2 contribute significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's vision. Firstly, it highlights **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that God's dwelling is utterly set apart from the common and profane, demanding purity and reverence. Secondly, it powerfully conveys **Divine Order and Precision**, demonstrating God's character as one who designs with perfect wisdom and meticulous detail, where every element has its place and purpose. This precision assures the reader of the certainty and perfection of God's ultimate plans. Thirdly, the sanctuary's central placement within the holy oblation underscores **God's Central Presence** as the heart of Israel's life and worship, echoing the significance of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")) and Solomon's Temple ([1 Kings 6:1-38](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple")) as the locus of God's dwelling among His people. Finally, this verse, as part of the broader temple vision, speaks to **Future Restoration**, painting a picture of an idealized future where God's glory returns, worship is pure, and His people dwell in perfect order and communion with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This word (H6944) denotes a sacred place or thing, consecrated and set apart for divine use. In this context, it refers to the most holy area, the dwelling place of God, emphasizing its absolute separation and dedication to Him. Its presence here immediately signals the supreme holiness and reverence associated with this specific plot of land.
* **square (Hebrew, _râbaʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be four-sided" or "quadrate" (H7251), this term highlights the perfect symmetry and completeness of the sanctuary area. A square shape in biblical and ancient Near Eastern thought often symbolized perfection, stability, and wholeness, indicating that this space is divinely ordered and complete in its design.
* **suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This term (H4054) refers to open country, pasture lands, or the area around a building, serving as a margin or buffer. In Ezekiel 45:2, the "suburbs thereof" indicate a fifty-cubit perimeter surrounding the holy five-hundred-cubit square. This outer zone further emphasizes the sanctuary's distinct separation, providing a protective buffer for purity, access, and to ensure its sanctity, preventing casual encroachment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred [in length], with five hundred [in breadth], square round about;":** This clause specifies the precise dimensions of the central holy area designated for the sanctuary. The "five hundred" units are widely understood to be cubits, a standard ancient measurement. The repetition of "five hundred [in length], with five hundred [in breadth]" explicitly states the square shape, which is then reinforced by "square round about." This meticulous detail underscores the divine precision and the absolute holiness of this consecrated space, designed for God's dwelling.
* **"and fifty cubits round about for the suburbs thereof.":** This second clause describes an additional fifty-cubit perimeter surrounding the five-hundred-cubit square sanctuary. This outer band, referred to as "suburbs" or "open space," serves as a buffer zone. It further delineates the sacred area, providing a boundary that ensures the sanctity of the inner sanctuary is maintained and that there is appropriate space for access and separation from the common land.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:2 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the precise, square dimensions of the sanctuary symbolize divine perfection, order, and completeness. The square shape, recurring in other sacred contexts like the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The Square City of New Jerusalem")), signifies stability and wholeness, reflecting God's unwavering character and His perfectly ordered plans. The verse employs **Precision and Detail** as a literary technique, characteristic of Ezekiel's later chapters, to convey the divine blueprint's exactness. This meticulous enumeration of measurements emphasizes that God's plans are not vague but are meticulously designed and will be perfectly executed. Furthermore, the explicit delineation of the sanctuary and its surrounding "suburbs" creates a strong **Contrast** between the holy and the common, reinforcing the theme of separation and the absolute sanctity required for God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:2, with its emphasis on precise dimensions and sacred space, connects deeply to the biblical theology of God's dwelling among His people. The meticulous design of the sanctuary points to God's character of order, holiness, and His desire for His presence to be central and unblemished. This vision builds upon the patterns established in the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, where specific instructions ensured a holy and set-apart place for God to meet with Israel. It foreshadows the ultimate reality of God's dwelling, not merely in a physical structure, but in and among His people through Christ. The square dimensions, signifying perfection and completeness, also resonate with the description of the New Jerusalem, the ultimate dwelling place of God and humanity, which is likewise portrayed as perfectly square.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "Believers as God's Temple")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "The New Jerusalem's Dimensions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 45:2, though describing an ancient vision, offers profound principles for contemporary faith. The meticulous attention to detail in God's blueprint for the sanctuary reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and holiness. He cares about the details of His dwelling, whether a physical temple or the spiritual temple of our lives. This challenges us to consider the "dimensions" of our own spiritual lives: Are we setting apart sacred space for God? Do we approach His presence with reverence and intentionality, recognizing His holiness? The concept of the "suburbs" – a buffer zone around the holy – can prompt us to consider how we create boundaries in our lives to protect our spiritual purity and maintain our focus on God. This verse ultimately encourages us to live lives that reflect God's order, holiness, and centrality, making Him the absolute core of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on precise dimensions and "squareness" in this verse challenge your understanding of God's character and His desire for order in your life?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer, practically apply the principle of "setting apart" sacred space or time for God in your daily routine?**
* **Considering the "suburbs" as a buffer zone for purity, what "boundaries" might you need to establish in your life to protect your spiritual sanctity and focus on God?**

### FAQ

**What do the "five hundred" units in Ezekiel 45:2 refer to?**

Answer: While the KJV text does not explicitly state the unit of measurement, it is widely understood by scholars to refer to cubits. This is strongly implied by the context of Ezekiel's vision, particularly [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measuring Reed"), where the man measuring the temple uses a "measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth." A cubit was an ancient unit of length, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). Therefore, the sanctuary would have been approximately 750-875 feet (225-265 meters) on each side.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision meant to be interpreted literally or symbolically?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the details in [Ezekiel 45:2](/ezekiel/45-2 "Ezekiel 45:2 - Dimensions of the Sanctuary"), is a subject of ongoing theological debate. Some interpret it literally, believing it describes a future, physical temple that will be built in Jerusalem during a millennial reign. Others view it symbolically, seeing it as a blueprint for an idealized spiritual reality, representing the church as God's dwelling place ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")) or the perfect worship and order of God's kingdom. A third view sees it as a combination, with literal elements pointing to spiritual truths. Regardless of the precise literal fulfillment, the underlying theological principles of God's holiness, order, and central presence remain profoundly significant.

**What is the significance of the "square" dimensions of the sanctuary?**

Answer: The "square" dimensions of the sanctuary in [Ezekiel 45:2](/ezekiel/45-2 "Ezekiel 45:2 - Dimensions of the Sanctuary") carry significant symbolic weight. In ancient thought and biblical imagery, a perfect square often symbolized perfection, completeness, stability, and divine order. It suggests that this sacred space is perfectly balanced, whole, and precisely designed by God. This symbolism is echoed in other biblical descriptions of sacred spaces, such as the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, and most notably, the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem's Square Dimensions"), which is also described as a perfect cube. It signifies that God's dwelling is a place of absolute righteousness, harmony, and divine perfection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:2, with its meticulous description of a perfectly square and set-apart sanctuary, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus. While Ezekiel's vision points to an ideal future dwelling for God, the New Testament reveals that God's true sanctuary is no longer a physical building but a person: Jesus Christ. He is the one in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate holy place, the perfect meeting point between God and humanity. Furthermore, through union with Christ, believers are incorporated into a spiritual temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone, a holy dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")). The precise, square dimensions of Ezekiel's sanctuary foreshadow the perfect order and holiness found in Christ and ultimately realized in the New Jerusalem, where God and the Lamb are the temple, and there is no need for a physical structure because God's presence is fully and perfectly manifest among His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:22](/rev/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb as the Temple in New Jerusalem")).

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 42:16

He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.

Ezekiel 42:20

He measured it by the four sides: it had a wall round about, five hundred [reeds] long, and five hundred broad, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.

Ezekiel 27:28

The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.