Ezekiel 45:3

KJV

And of this measure shalt thou measure the length of five and twenty thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary [and] the most holy [place].

KJV (with Strong's)

And of this measure {H4060} shalt thou measure {H4058} the length {H753} of five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505}, and the breadth {H7341} of ten {H6235} thousand {H505}: and in it shall be the sanctuary {H4720} and the most {H6944} holy {H6944} place.

Complete Jewish Bible

Alongside this region you are to measure a length of eight [miles] and a width of three [miles]; in it is to be the sanctuary, which will be especially holy.

Berean Standard Bible

From this holy portion, you are to measure off a length of 25,000 cubits and a width of 10,000 cubits, and in it will be the sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.

American Standard Version

And of this measure shalt thou measure a length of five and twenty thousand, and a breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary, which is most holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:3 provides precise dimensions for the holy portion of land within the prophet's grand vision of a restored Israel and its future temple. This specific measurement—a rectangular area of twenty-five thousand by ten thousand cubits—designates the sacred precinct intended to house the sanctuary and the Most Holy Place, emphasizing the centrality of God's dwelling and worship in the divinely ordered new creation. The meticulous detail underscores divine precision, the absolute holiness of God's presence, and the foundational role of worship in the life of the renewed community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 45:3 is embedded within the extensive temple vision found in [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel's Temple Vision"). Following the detailed architectural descriptions of the temple complex in [Ezekiel 40-43](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-43 - Temple Architecture"), and instructions for its priesthood and worship in [Ezekiel 44](/ezekiel/44 "Ezekiel 44 - Priestly Ordinances"), chapter 45 shifts focus to the sacred land allocation surrounding the temple. This chapter outlines the "holy oblation" (or "holy portion"), a large tract of land specifically set apart for the temple, the priests, the Levites, and the city. Verse 3 precisely defines the dimensions of the most sacred part of this oblation—the area dedicated exclusively to the sanctuary itself, highlighting its preeminent position within the entire vision and the future landscape of Israel. This meticulous detail reinforces the divine origin and importance of the temple and its surrounding sacred space.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of Ezekiel, including chapter 45, was given during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The First Temple, built by Solomon, had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and the people were far from their homeland and its central place of worship. In this context of desolation and despair, Ezekiel's detailed vision offered a powerful message of hope and restoration. The meticulous plans for a new temple and a reordered land distribution spoke to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His intention to dwell among His people once more. For ancient Israel, the temple was the physical manifestation of God's presence, the center of their religious and national identity, and the place where atonement was made. The emphasis on precise measurements and sacred separation would have resonated deeply with a people whose understanding of holiness was intrinsically linked to specific spaces and rituals, providing a tangible blueprint for a future where God's glory would return.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous measurements in Ezekiel 45:3 contribute to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. First, it underscores **Divine Precision and Order**. The exact dimensions throughout the temple vision, including the land allocation, signify God's perfect design and sovereign control, demonstrating that the future restoration will be according to His flawless plan, not human caprice. This contrasts sharply with the disorder and defilement that led to the exile, as seen in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). Second, the designation of such a vast and specific area for the sanctuary emphasizes the **Centrality of Worship and God's Presence**. The temple is not merely a building but the very heart of the restored community, the place where God's glory will dwell, echoing the promise found in [Ezekiel 43:7](/ezekiel/43-7 "Ezekiel 43:7 - God's Dwelling Among Israel"). This highlights that true restoration begins with and revolves around the unhindered worship of God. Third, the setting apart of this land reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**. The "holy portion" is distinct and consecrated, emphasizing the inherent holiness of God and the necessity of purity in approaching Him. This concept of separation is vital for maintaining the integrity of God's dwelling place, a theme introduced early in the book with the departure of God's glory due to Israel's defilement ([Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **measure (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** This primitive root means "to stretch" and, by implication, "to measure (as if by stretching a line)." In Ezekiel 45:3, it highlights the precise, intentional act of defining boundaries and dimensions. The repeated use of this root (from which "measure" H4060 also derives) underscores the meticulousness of God's plan for the sacred space, leaving no ambiguity regarding its size and purpose. It speaks to a divine order that is exact and unyielding.
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to be holy," refers to a consecrated thing or place, specifically a holy place or temple. In this context, it denotes the entire temple complex, including its courts and buildings, as the consecrated dwelling place of God. Its inclusion here signifies that the entire purpose of this vast, measured portion of land is to house the sacred space where God's presence resides and His worship is conducted. It is the focal point of the divine oblation.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This word signifies a sacred place or thing, often abstractly referring to sanctity. When repeated as "most holy" (literally "holiness of holinesses"), it denotes the highest degree of sanctity, referring to the innermost chamber of the temple, the Holy of Holies. Its presence in the verse emphasizes the ultimate sacredness of the space, indicating that within this precisely measured land will be the very heart of divine presence, a place set apart for God alone, requiring the utmost reverence and purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of this measure shalt thou measure the length of five and twenty thousand,"**: This clause specifies the first dimension of the sacred land portion. The phrase "of this measure" refers back to the standard of measurement used throughout the temple vision (the "reed" or "cubit" implied from earlier chapters). The length is precisely set at 25,000 units, likely cubits, which translates to a significant distance (approximately 8.5 miles or 13.5 kilometers). This immense length underscores the grandeur and scale of God's future dwelling place, far exceeding any previous temple precinct.
* **"and the breadth of ten thousand:"**: This clause provides the second dimension, establishing the width of the sacred portion as 10,000 units (approximately 3.4 miles or 5.4 kilometers). Together with the length, this defines a large rectangular area, distinct and substantial, dedicated solely to sacred purposes. The exactness of these numbers highlights the divine precision and the deliberate setting apart of this space from common use.
* **"and in it shall be the sanctuary [and] the most holy [place]."**: This final clause clarifies the primary purpose of this precisely measured land. "The sanctuary" refers to the entire temple complex, including its outer courts and buildings, as the consecrated dwelling of God. "The most holy place" (or "Holy of Holies") refers to the innermost, most sacred chamber within the sanctuary, where God's glory was uniquely manifested. The conjunction "and" implies that both the general sanctuary and its most sacred inner chamber are encompassed within this designated area, reinforcing the idea that the entire portion is set aside for the very presence of God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:3 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Precision and Detail**, evident in the exact numerical measurements ("five and twenty thousand," "ten thousand"). This meticulousness is characteristic of the entire temple vision in Ezekiel and serves to emphasize the divine origin and perfect order of God's plan. It suggests an unchangeable, divinely ordained reality that contrasts with human imperfection and chaos. There is also strong **Symbolism** at play. While literal measurements are given, the sheer scale and the context of a post-exilic vision imbue these dimensions with symbolic meaning. The vastness of the "holy portion" symbolizes the expansive nature of God's holiness and His desire for a comprehensive, unblemished dwelling among His people. It represents a future where God's presence is not confined but permeates a significant portion of the land. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Anticipation**, as it points forward to a future reality—a restored temple and a reordered land—that was not yet present for the exiles. This forward-looking aspect provides hope and a vision for what God intends to establish, a perfect environment for His dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:3, with its precise delineation of the holy portion for the sanctuary, profoundly underscores the theological truth of God's absolute holiness and His desire for a people set apart for Him. The meticulous measurements are not arbitrary but reflect God's ordered nature and His demand for purity in approaching His presence. This vision, given during a time of exile and temple destruction, serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for restoration, where His glory will dwell unhindered among His people. It teaches that true worship and a right relationship with God require a deliberate setting apart of space, time, and life, recognizing His supreme authority and sanctity. This physical blueprint foreshadows a spiritual reality where God's people are called to be a holy dwelling for His Spirit.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")
* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Reverence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 45:3, with its emphasis on precise measurements for the sanctuary, calls us to consider the intentionality and centrality of God's presence in our own lives and communities. Just as a vast, meticulously measured portion of land was set apart for God's dwelling, we are invited to dedicate significant "space" in our lives—our time, resources, thoughts, and actions—to God's glory and worship. This isn't about literal land, but about prioritizing God's presence and purpose above all else. It reminds us that approaching a holy God requires reverence, intentionality, and a commitment to purity, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. The vision offers profound hope, assuring us that even in times of spiritual desolation or personal brokenness, God has a meticulous plan for restoration and desires to dwell among His people, inviting us to align our lives with His divine order and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you intentionally "measure out" and set apart time, resources, or focus for God's presence and worship?**
* **How does the concept of God's precise order and holiness, as seen in Ezekiel's vision, impact your understanding of reverence and purity in your spiritual walk?**
* **Considering the exilic context, how does this vision of restoration encourage you in times of personal or communal brokenness?**
* **What practical steps can you take to make God's presence more central and prioritized in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the precise measurements in Ezekiel 45:3?**

Answer: The precise measurements of "five and twenty thousand" by "ten thousand" cubits for the holy portion are highly significant for several reasons. First, they underscore the **divine origin and authority** of the vision; such meticulous detail implies a blueprint from God Himself, not a human design. Second, they emphasize the **absolute centrality of the sanctuary** and God's dwelling place within the restored community. A vast, specifically defined area highlights its preeminent importance. Third, the precision speaks to God's **order and holiness**, demonstrating that His presence requires a consecrated, distinct space, set apart from common use. This contrasts with the defilement that led to the destruction of the first temple and the exile, as detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). Finally, the sheer scale of the measurements suggests a **magnificent and comprehensive restoration**, far grander than anything previously known, providing hope for a glorious future where God's presence is fully established.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the land divisions in [Ezekiel 45](/ezekiel/45 "Ezekiel 45 - The Holy Portion"), is a subject of ongoing theological discussion. Some scholars interpret it as a **literal blueprint** for a future temple that will be built in Jerusalem during a millennial reign of Christ, seeing the detailed measurements and ordinances as precise instructions to be fulfilled physically. This view often points to the specificity of the text as evidence for its literal intent. Others argue for a primarily **symbolic or spiritual interpretation**, viewing the vision as a figurative representation of God's perfect order, His renewed covenant with Israel, the centrality of worship, and the ultimate dwelling of God among His people in the New Covenant era, fulfilled in Christ and the Church. They emphasize that some aspects of the vision, such as the river flowing from the temple in [Ezekiel 47](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The River from the Temple"), seem to transcend purely physical realities. A third perspective suggests a **"literal but spiritualized"** approach, where the vision has a literal future fulfillment but also conveys profound spiritual truths applicable to believers today. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the core message of God's desire to dwell among a holy people and His meticulous plan for their restoration remains central.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:3, with its emphasis on a meticulously measured, vast, and holy space for God's sanctuary, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment not in a physical structure alone, but supremely in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple was a type and shadow, a physical dwelling place for God's presence, Christ himself is the true and ultimate sanctuary. As the [Word made flesh, He tabernacled among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), embodying the very presence of God in human form. In Him, God's holiness and glory are perfectly revealed, and through His atoning sacrifice, access to the "Most Holy Place" (God's presence) is opened to all believers, not through physical rituals but through faith in His blood ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to the Holy Place Through Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, the Church, as the body of Christ, becomes the spiritual temple, a "holy priesthood" offering spiritual sacrifices ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")), and individual believers are declared to be "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The precise measurements of Ezekiel's vision thus prefigure the perfect, ordered, and expansive nature of God's redemptive plan to dwell with His people, culminating in the New Jerusalem where there is no temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")), and God's dwelling is fully with humanity ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")). This progression from a physical, confined space to an all-encompassing, spiritual reality in Christ beautifully illustrates the fulfillment of God's desire to dwell intimately with His redeemed people forever.

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 48:10

And for them, [even] for the priests, shall be [this] holy oblation; toward the north five and twenty thousand [in length], and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the midst thereof.