TRV
Translation
King James Version
And over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.
KJV (with Strong's)
And over against H5980 the border H1366 of the priests H3548 the Levites H3881 shall have five H2568 and twenty H6242 thousand H505 in length H753, and ten H6235 thousand H505 in breadth H7341: all the length H753 shall be five H2568 and twenty H6242 thousand H505, and the breadth H7341 ten H6235 thousand H505.
Complete Jewish Bible
" 'Alongside the territory for the cohanim, the L'vi'im are to have a portion eight [miles] long and three wide - its total length will be eight and its width three.
Berean Standard Bible
Bordering the territory of the priests, the Levites shall have an area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide. The whole length will be 25,000 cubits, and the width 10,000 cubits.
American Standard Version
And answerable unto the border of the priests, the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.
World English Bible Messianic
Answerable to the border of the priests, the Levites shall have twenty-five thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be twenty-five thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And ouer against the border of the Priests the Leuites shall haue fiue and twentie thousande long, and ten thousande broade: all the length shalbe fiue and twentie thousand, and the breadth ten thousande.
Young's Literal Translation
`And to the Levites over-against the border of the priests are five and twenty thousand in length, and in breadth ten thousand, all the length is five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 13 and following) But the Levites shall have a portion like the priests, consisting of twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand cubits in width; the whole length shall be twenty-five thousand cubits and the width ten thousand cubits. They shall not sell any of it or exchange it, nor shall the firstfruits of the land be taken away from it, for they are holy to the Lord. The remaining five thousand cubits in width, along the twenty-five thousand, shall be for common use by the city for dwellings and common land, and the city shall be in the middle of it. What we translate as 'profane', Aquila translated as 'βέβηλον', Symmachus and Theodotion translated as 'λαἳκὸν'; the LXX used 'προτείχισμα' which can also be translated as 'antemurale'. 'Profane' and 'laicum' are both secular, that is, common, and can be used by all people everywhere. However, what the LXX said: 'It will not be measured, nor will it be taken away,' is clear that it does not have the same meaning as what we said: 'It will not be changed, nor will it be transferred.' The possession of the Levites is also described, which is indeed adjacent to the territories of the priests, and it has the same dimensions in length and breadth according to the number of Levites, which has the same number as the priests, but it uses its own boundaries and understands itself to be separate from the priestly rank: to remove the pride of the ministers, who, ignorant of the humility of their position, swell up beyond the priests, that is, the elders, and think of themselves as having dignity not by merit, but by wealth. Certainly, the one who is the first among ministers, because he preaches to the people individually and does not depart from the side of the Pontiff, considers it an injury if he is ordained a presbyter. And he does not remember that he is a minister of the altars and widows, entrusted not only to the service and ministry of the priests, but also to the widows and the poor. And they shall not sell, he says, nor exchange, so that the eternal possession of the Levitical distribution may remain, nor shall the worthiness of dignity be overcome by price, nor shall we transfer from one to another: for what has been sanctified to the Lord belongs not to those to whom it has been given, but to Him in whose name it is possessed. However, the remaining five thousand in width, by twenty-five thousand, is understood to be the length, will be profane of the city: so that it is lawful for all the Israelites and every member of the people to dwell there; not because they are unclean or because anything in the habitation of the holy land is contaminated, putrid, and filthy; but because, apart from the priests, it is permitted for everyone to dwell in them. By this we understand that all the things we refer to as sensations, that is, bodily pleasures that we perceive by sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste, are profane and do not have the sanctity of the temple, nor do they have the privilege of the priesthood, but rather they belong to the realm of the laity and commoners. However, the city will be in the middle, concerning which it is written: The stream of the river makes the city of God glad (Ps. 46:4). And: A city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14): of which we will speak in the following. Προτείχισμα, which means a fortification, and διάστημα, which means a space, which the LXX translated as suburbs, we do not know the meaning they have in this place.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:13 meticulously details the precise land allocation for the Levites within the visionary temple complex, positioning their designated territory directly adjacent to the portion set aside for the priests. This specific measurement—twenty-five thousand units in length and ten thousand units in breadth, reiterated for emphasis—underscores God's divine order, His meticulous provision for those consecrated to His service, and the distinct yet complementary sacredness of the areas designated for priestly and Levitical ministry in the restored covenant community. It stands as a testament to the comprehensive, orderly, and generous nature of God's future kingdom and His faithfulness to His servants.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Ezekiel 48:13 is situated within the climactic vision of Ezekiel, specifically in chapters 40-48, which describe a highly detailed blueprint for a new temple, a reorganized priesthood, and the meticulous redistribution of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This grand prophetic vision, delivered during the Babylonian exile, served as a profound message of hope, restoration, and the re-establishment of God's glorious presence among His people. More precisely, chapters 45-48 delineate the "holy oblation" or sacred reserve of land (referenced in Ezekiel 48:8) that is set apart for the sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites. The verse immediately preceding, Ezekiel 48:12, describes the priests' portion, and verse 13 clarifies that the Levites' land is "over against the border of the priests," emphasizing their complementary roles and physical proximity within this central, sacred district. This careful arrangement highlights the structured, hierarchical, and divinely ordained nature of the restored community and its worship.
Historical & Cultural Context: The vision of Ezekiel 40-48 was given during a period of immense despair for the Jewish people, who had suffered the destruction of their first temple, the loss of their land, and the dissolution of their national identity in the Babylonian exile. In this context, the detailed architectural and land-division blueprint served as a powerful promise of future restoration and God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. Culturally, land inheritance was paramount to Israelite identity, signifying God's blessing and secure dwelling. The specific provision for the Levites, who traditionally had no tribal land inheritance but were supported by tithes and offerings (as seen in Numbers 18:21-24), signifies God's direct, ample, and secure provision for those dedicated to sacred service. The emphasis on precise measurements throughout Ezekiel 40-48 reflects ancient Near Eastern practices of meticulous land demarcation and the critical importance of order and sanctity in sacred spaces, reinforcing the idea of a divinely ordained, perfect system for God's dwelling among His people.
Key Themes: This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's vision and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Divine Order and Precision. The meticulous dimensions given for the Levites' portion, mirroring the exactitude seen throughout Ezekiel 40-48, emphasize God's absolute sovereignty and His design for a perfectly ordered kingdom. Secondly, it highlights Provision for Service. Just as the priests were given their inheritance, the Levites, consecrated to assist in temple functions and maintain its sanctity, are amply provided for, demonstrating God's faithfulness in sustaining those dedicated to His work. This theme resonates with the broader biblical principle of supporting those in ministry, as seen in the Mosaic Law and later in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:14). Finally, the distinct and measured portions for both priests and Levites emphasize Holiness and Separation, reinforcing their unique, sanctified roles within the holy land, set apart from the common tribal lands, and underscoring the sacredness of their calling and the space they inhabit, all pointing to the ultimate presence of God in their midst.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:13 primarily employs Precision and Repetition to convey its message. The meticulous detailing of "five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth" for the Levites' portion, and the subsequent exact repetition of these dimensions, underscores the divine architect's absolute control and the perfect order of the future kingdom. This Precision is not merely for practical measurement but serves as a literary device to symbolize God's comprehensive planning and His unwavering commitment to a perfectly structured new creation where everything is in its divinely appointed place. The Repetition of the measurements reinforces their significance, immutability, and the certainty of God's provision and the established order. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the overarching Symbolism of the entire vision, where the physical layout of the land and temple represents spiritual realities of God's presence, holiness, and the ordered life of His redeemed people, all pointing to a perfect, divinely orchestrated future.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:13, with its precise allocation for the Levites, deeply resonates with the biblical theme of God's faithful and abundant provision for those consecrated to His service. Throughout Israel's history, the Levites, set apart for temple duties, were sustained by the offerings and tithes of the other tribes, as they received no direct land inheritance (e.g., Numbers 18:20-24). This verse in Ezekiel's vision elevates that provision to a grand, territorial scale, demonstrating God's ultimate intention to abundantly bless and secure the livelihood of those dedicated to Him. It speaks to God's character as a meticulous provider who ensures that His servants are cared for, enabling them to focus on their sacred duties without worldly distraction. This principle extends beyond the Old Covenant, affirming that God continues to provide for those who serve Him in the New Covenant, though the nature of service and provision has transformed from physical land to spiritual inheritance and divine sustenance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:13 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us of God's meticulous nature and His unwavering commitment to those who serve Him. The vast and precise allocation for the Levites, who were set apart for sacred duties, serves as a powerful metaphor for God's abundant provision for His people in every generation. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that if He meticulously plans for a future earthly temple and its ministers, how much more will He care for us, His spiritual temple and priests in Christ. This passage also calls us to consider the importance of order and intentionality in our own service to God, recognizing that He is a God of order, not chaos. It challenges us to dedicate ourselves fully to His purposes, confident that He will equip and sustain us for every good work, ensuring that our spiritual "inheritance" in Him is secure and ample, enabling us to live lives of focused devotion and service without undue anxiety.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What do the measurements "five and twenty thousand" and "ten thousand" signify in Ezekiel 48:13?
Answer: These measurements refer to units of "reeds," not miles or cubits directly. As specified in Ezekiel 40:5, one reed is equivalent to six cubits. Therefore, the Levites' portion is 25,000 reeds in length and 10,000 reeds in breadth. This represents a vast and ample land allocation, far exceeding what would be practically necessary, underscoring the generosity and grandeur of God's provision for those consecrated to His service in this visionary kingdom. The emphasis is on the immense scale and divine abundance, rather than a literal geographical mapping for today, highlighting God's overflowing care.
Is this vision of the temple and land division in Ezekiel 40-48 literal or symbolic?
Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel 40-48, including the land division in Ezekiel 48, is a subject of ongoing theological debate. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future millennial temple and land distribution in Israel, often associated with a future earthly reign of Christ. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the spiritual realities of God's presence, perfect order, and abundant provision in the New Covenant church or in the eternal state. A common approach is to see it as a blend of both, with the precise details conveying a profound spiritual truth about God's holiness, order, and desire to dwell among His people, even if the exact physical manifestation remains debated or is ultimately fulfilled in a spiritual sense through Christ and His church.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 48:13 describes a specific, meticulously measured land allocation for the Levites in a future earthly temple, its deepest and most profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant reality He inaugurated. The Levites' portion signified God's provision for those set apart for sacred service, and in Christ, all believers are made a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works. Jesus Himself is the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), who, through His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross, fulfilled and transcended the need for Levitical offerings and priestly mediation. The meticulous land division, ensuring ample provision and order for God's servants, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—an inheritance that is eternal, incorruptible, and far transcends any earthly plot of land (1 Peter 1:4). Furthermore, the vision of a perfectly ordered sacred space points to the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence is fully realized among His people in the New Jerusalem, a city with perfect dimensions and no need for a physical temple, for "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22). Thus, the ample provision for the Levites in Ezekiel's vision finds its ultimate, glorious reality in Christ's complete provision for His people and the eternal dwelling of God with His redeemed in perfect order and abundance.