Ezekiel 48:15

KJV

And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane [place] for the city, for dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the five {H2568} thousand {H505}, that are left {H3498} in the breadth {H7341} over against {H6440} the five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505}, shall be a profane {H2455} place for the city {H5892}, for dwelling {H4186}, and for suburbs {H4054}: and the city {H5892} shall be in the midst {H8432} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'The 5,000 [cubits, that is, the one-and-a-half miles] that are left of the width is to be for the common use of the city, for housing and for open fields. The city will be inside it.

Berean Standard Bible

The remaining area, 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, will be for common use by the city, for houses, and for pastureland. The city will be in the center of it

American Standard Version

And the five thousand that are left in the breadth, in front of the five and twenty thousand, shall be for common use, for the city, for dwelling and for suburbs; and the city shall be in the midst thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:15 details the precise allocation of a strip of land, five thousand units in breadth, designated as "profane" or common ground for the city's dwelling and suburbs. This section of the visionary land division in Ezekiel's final chapters specifies the practical space for human habitation, situated adjacent to the larger, sacred portion of twenty-five thousand units. It underscores God's meticulous planning for the restored community, ensuring both sacred and common spaces are divinely ordered for the flourishing of His people in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:15 is embedded within the climactic final vision of the book of Ezekiel, spanning chapters 40-48. This extensive section provides a detailed blueprint for the restored temple, the re-division of the land among the twelve tribes, and the establishment of a new, divinely ordered community. Specifically, verses 8-20 of chapter 48 describe the "holy oblation" (or "heave offering"), a large, sacred tract of land set apart for the temple, priests, and Levites. Verse 15 then focuses on a distinct, adjacent strip of land that is not sacred but "profane" (common), designated for the city itself. This verse, therefore, meticulously defines the spatial relationship between the consecrated areas dedicated to God's worship and the practical living spaces for His people, emphasizing the comprehensive and orderly nature of God's future kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national despair for Israel. The temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed, the monarchy abolished, and the people deported. In this context of desolation, Ezekiel's visions offered a powerful message of hope, restoration, and future glory. The meticulous architectural and land division details, while possibly symbolic, would have resonated with an audience familiar with ancient Near Eastern city planning and temple layouts. The concept of distinguishing between sacred and common spaces was fundamental to Israelite religious life, rooted in the Mosaic Law and temple practices. This vision, therefore, provided a future ideal where divine order would permeate every aspect of life, contrasting sharply with the chaos and defilement that led to their exile.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 48:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Meticulous Planning**, showcasing God's precise and comprehensive blueprint for the future. The exact measurements and allocations throughout the vision, including this verse, demonstrate that every detail of the restored community is divinely ordained, from the sacred temple to the common city. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Distinction Between Holy and Common**, a crucial theological concept found throughout the Old Testament. The designation of this land as "profane" (common) for the city, in contrast to the "holy" oblation, emphasizes that while God requires consecrated spaces for worship, He also provides for the practical needs of daily life, integrating both into His grand design. This distinction is vital for understanding the purity and order of the future kingdom, where even common activities are to be conducted within a divinely established framework. Finally, the placement of the city within this common land points to the theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**. While the temple is the epicenter of God's presence, the city's proximity and its purpose for "dwelling" signify a community living in intimate relationship with a God who desires to reside among them, ultimately culminating in the city's name in [Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Lord is There").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Profane (Hebrew, _chôl'_):** This term, derived from H2455, signifies "exposed" or "common," as opposed to "holy" (qodesh). In this context, it does not imply moral impurity or unholiness, but rather a designation for ordinary, secular use. The land is "profane" because it is set aside for the common activities of the city, such as dwelling and commerce, distinguishing it from the consecrated temple and priestly lands. This highlights a divinely ordained functional distinction rather than a moral one.
* **Dwelling (Hebrew, _môwshâb'_):** From H4186, this word denotes a "seat," "site," or "abode," encompassing both the place and time of habitation, and by implication, the population itself. Its inclusion here emphasizes that the designated "profane" land is specifically for the permanent settlement and communal life of the people. It speaks to the establishment of a stable, inhabited place where the restored community will live and thrive.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** Derived from H4054, this term refers to open country or pastureland typically surrounding a city, often used for flocks or as an area around buildings. In Ezekiel, it frequently describes the common lands allotted to the Levites around their cities. Here, it indicates the peripheral areas of the city, suggesting not just dense urban housing but also surrounding open spaces that support the city's functions and provide room for expansion or agricultural activities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand,"**: This clause specifies the dimensions and precise location of the land strip. It is a "breadth" (width) of five thousand units (likely reeds or cubits, consistent with Ezekiel's measurements), situated "over against" or adjacent to the much larger sacred portion of twenty-five thousand units. This meticulous detail establishes the spatial relationship within the overall land division, ensuring clarity in the divine blueprint.
* **"shall be a profane [place] for the city,"**: This segment declares the nature and primary purpose of the five-thousand-unit strip. It is designated as "profane" (common), meaning it is for ordinary, non-sacred use, specifically allocated "for the city." This distinguishes it from the highly consecrated temple and priestly lands, emphasizing a functional separation within God's ordered plan.
* **"for dwelling, and for suburbs:"**: This further clarifies the specific practical uses of the common land. It is intended for "dwelling," indicating residential areas for the inhabitants, and "for suburbs," which refers to the surrounding open lands or common areas associated with the city. This detail paints a picture of a functional urban center with both residential and ancillary spaces.
* **"and the city shall be in the midst thereof."**: This concluding phrase highlights the central placement of the city within this designated five-thousand-unit common land. It signifies the city's importance as the hub of human activity and community life, strategically located within the broader divine allocation, suggesting its integral role in the restored kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:15, like much of Ezekiel's later chapters, is rich in **Architectural Imagery** and **Detailed Specification**, functioning as a divine blueprint. The precise measurements and spatial relationships (e.g., "five thousand," "five and twenty thousand," "in the breadth over against," "in the midst thereof") create a vivid mental picture of a meticulously planned and ordered landscape. This precision serves as **Symbolism** for God's absolute sovereignty and His desire for perfect order in the restored community. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the "profane" (common) land for the city and the implied "holy" land for the temple, emphasizing a theological distinction between sacred and secular spheres, both divinely ordained and necessary. The entire passage operates as a **Visionary Prophecy**, offering hope and a concrete (though potentially symbolic) picture of future restoration to a people in exile, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:15, by delineating the common land for the city, underscores a profound theological principle: God's concern for every aspect of human life, not just the strictly sacred. While the temple and priestly lands are consecrated, the provision for a functional, "profane" city demonstrates that daily living, community, and domestic life are also part of God's divinely ordered plan. This vision of a perfectly structured society, where the sacred and common coexist in harmony and proximity, points to the ultimate goal of God dwelling among His people in an ordered, holy environment. It reflects a comprehensive divine design that encompasses both worship and everyday existence, ensuring that the entire community operates under God's sovereign hand, leading to the ultimate declaration in [Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Lord is There") that the city's name is "The Lord is There."

* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Holy from Common")
* [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")
* [Isaiah 60:14](/isaiah/60-14 "Isaiah 60:14 - Zion as the City of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's meticulous vision for the future city, even down to the allocation of "profane" land for dwelling and suburbs, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, intentionality, and holistic concern. Our lives, like the envisioned city, encompass both sacred and common spaces, both moments of explicit worship and periods of daily routine. The challenge and opportunity lie in recognizing that even our "common" activities—our work, our homes, our relationships, our leisure—can and should be lived in alignment with God's purposes. Just as the city was situated near the holy oblation, our daily lives are to be lived in proximity to God's presence, allowing His order and holiness to permeate every sphere. This calls us to intentional living, where we seek to honor God not only in our explicit acts of devotion but also in the mundane, recognizing that all of life can be offered as an act of worship when lived under His divine design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the distinction between "profane" (common) and "holy" land in Ezekiel’s vision challenge or affirm your understanding of sacred and secular spaces in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you bring intentionality and a sense of divine order into the "common" areas of your daily life, such as your home, workplace, or community interactions?**
* **Considering the city’s placement "in the midst" of the common land, how might you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in the very center of your everyday existence?**

### FAQ
**What does "profane" mean in the context of Ezekiel 48:15?**

Answer: In this context, "profane" (Hebrew: *chôl*) does not carry the modern negative connotation of being unholy or evil. Instead, it means "common" or "secular." It refers to land designated for ordinary human use, such as dwelling and commerce, distinguishing it from the "holy" (Hebrew: *qodesh*) areas reserved for the temple, priests, and Levites. It signifies a functional distinction within God's divinely ordered plan, where both sacred and common spaces have their proper place and purpose.

**Is Ezekiel's vision of the land division and city literal or symbolic?**

Answer: Biblical scholars hold various views on whether Ezekiel's vision is meant to be a literal blueprint for a future temple and land division, or primarily symbolic of spiritual realities. Many interpret it as a highly symbolic representation of God's perfect order, His desire to dwell among His people, and the ultimate restoration of His kingdom. The extreme precision and idealized nature of the measurements often lead to a symbolic interpretation, pointing to a spiritual fulfillment in the New Covenant and the New Jerusalem, rather than a purely physical reconstruction. However, some dispensationalists interpret it as a literal future temple and land division during a millennial reign. Regardless of the interpretation, the underlying theological principles of divine order, holiness, and God's presence remain profoundly significant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's vision of a perfectly ordered city, with designated spaces for both the sacred and the common, ultimately finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple and land divisions pointed to God's desire to dwell among His people, Christ Himself becomes the ultimate dwelling place of God, the true [temple not made with hands](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"). In Him, the distinction between holy and common is transformed, as He sanctifies all of life. The ideal city, with God's presence at its heart, foreshadows the New Jerusalem, where there is no need for a temple because [the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - The Lamb is the Temple"). Through Christ, believers become living stones in a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices, blurring the lines between sacred and secular as all of life becomes an act of worship ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). The promise of God dwelling "in the midst" of His people, as implied by the city's placement in Ezekiel 48:15, is fully realized in the incarnation of Christ, who tabernacled among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and continues through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, making every believer a temple of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). Thus, the meticulous planning of Ezekiel 48:15 ultimately points to Christ as the one who brings perfect order, holiness, and the perpetual presence of God into the lives of His redeemed people.

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 45:6

And ye shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long, over against the oblation of the holy [portion]: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.

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 44:23

And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

Ezekiel 22:26

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

1 Timothy 3:15

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.