Ezekiel 48:16

KJV

And these [shall be] the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these shall be the measures {H4060} thereof; the north {H6828} side {H6285} four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}, and the south {H5045} side {H6285} four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}, and on the east {H6921} side {H6285} four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}, and the west {H3220} side {H6285} four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568}{H2568} hundred {H3967}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and will measure 4,500 cubits [just under one-and-a-half miles] along each of its sides - north, south, east and west.

Berean Standard Bible

and will have these measurements: 4,500 cubits on the north side, 4,500 cubits on the south side, 4,500 cubits on the east side, and 4,500 cubits on the west side.

American Standard Version

And these shall be the measures thereof: the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:16 meticulously details the precise dimensions of the "holy oblation," a sacred, perfectly square portion of land central to Ezekiel's visionary blueprint for the restored land of Israel. This verse specifies that each of its four sides—north, south, east, and west—measures four thousand and five hundred units, emphasizing the divine order, perfect symmetry, and immense scale of the area set apart for God's sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites. It powerfully underscores the unchangeable precision of God's design for His dwelling place and the future, divinely ordered community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:16 is positioned within the climactic section of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically chapters 40-48, which present a detailed, architectural vision of a new temple, a reordered priesthood, and a meticulously redistributed land for the tribes of Israel. This grand vision, delivered to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, served as a profound message of hope, restoration, and the reaffirmation of God's covenant faithfulness to a dispossessed people. Chapter 48, in particular, meticulously outlines the final division of the land among the twelve tribes, culminating in the precise dimensions of the "holy oblation" (or "sacred contribution"), a central, consecrated block of land. Verse 16 specifies the exact square dimensions of the central part of this oblation, which is designated for the temple, the priests, and the Levites. The meticulous measurements found throughout these chapters, from the detailed descriptions of the temple gates and courtyards in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple") to the land divisions, underscore the divine blueprint for a perfectly ordered future, with God's presence at its very heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophetic ministry unfolded against the backdrop of the profound national trauma of the Babylonian exile, which commenced with the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple in 586 BC. For ancient Israel, the temple was the physical locus of God's presence, and its destruction, along with the loss of their land, was a catastrophic theological and cultural blow. In this context, Ezekiel's vision of a new, glorious temple and a re-divided land offered not just hope, but a comprehensive divine reordering of reality. The concept of a sacred, set-apart space for God's dwelling was deeply ingrained in Israelite religion, stemming from the Tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")) and Solomon's Temple. The detailed measurements within Ezekiel's vision reflect a common ancient Near Eastern concern for precise architectural and territorial planning, which often carried profound symbolic and theological meaning. The emphasis on a perfectly square, symmetrical holy area would have resonated with ancient ideals of perfection, order, and divine presence, providing a stark contrast to the chaos, defilement, and destruction that had befallen Judah.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous measurements presented in Ezekiel 48:16 are integral to several overarching themes that permeate Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, they powerfully convey the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**. The identical dimensions for all four sides of the holy oblation underscore God's meticulous planning and the absolute perfection of His future dwelling place and kingdom. This divine precision signifies completeness, stability, and the absence of human error or imperfection in God's design, standing in stark contrast to the human failures and disobedience that led to the exile. Secondly, the designation of this specific square area as the holy portion highlights the profound theme of **Holiness and Separation**. It is set apart entirely for sacred use, emphasizing the absolute holiness required for God to dwell among His people. This concept is a recurring motif in Scripture, echoing the call for Israel to be a holy nation set apart for God (e.g., [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). Finally, this verse, as an integral part of the broader vision, speaks to the **Future Restoration and Idealism** of Israel. It presents an ideal, divinely structured community under God's direct rule, a time of profound peace, perfectly ordered worship, and unwavering divine presence. This vision offers a powerful hope for God's ultimate plan for His people and creation, a hope that transcends the immediate suffering of exile and anticipates a new covenant reality, as promised in passages like [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The New Heart and Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **measures (Hebrew, _middâh'_):** H4060, feminine of מַד. This term fundamentally signifies "extension," "height," or "breadth," and more broadly, a "measure" including its standard. In Ezekiel 48:16, it denotes the precise, divinely ordained dimensions or boundaries of the sacred portion of land. The use of this word emphasizes the exactness and predetermined nature of God's blueprint, leaving no room for human estimation or alteration. It highlights the meticulous detail with which God plans for His dwelling and the organization of His people, ensuring everything is according to His perfect standard.
* **five (Hebrew, _châmêsh'_):** H2568, a primitive numeral meaning "five." While "five" is only a component of the full numerical value "four thousand and five hundred," its presence contributes to the specific, divinely appointed quantity. The precise numerical values, repeated for all four sides, underscore the exactitude of the divine plan. In the context of the larger number, "five" contributes to the perfect symmetry and completeness of the holy oblation, symbolizing divine order and the totality of God's design.
* **west (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** H3220, from an unused root meaning "to roar." Primarily meaning "sea" (as breaking in noisy surf) or a large body of water, it is locally used to denote the "west" because the Mediterranean Sea lay to the west of Israel. Its inclusion here, alongside north, south, and east, completes the description of the square's perimeter, emphasizing its perfect orientation and boundaries according to the cardinal directions. This reinforces the idea that the holy oblation is a perfectly aligned and divinely established territory, fixed and unchangeable in its dimensions, a testament to God's comprehensive ordering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [shall be] the measures thereof;":** This introductory clause serves as a declarative statement, setting the stage for the precise numerical details that follow. It announces that the subsequent numbers represent the exact, divinely appointed dimensions for the holy portion of land. The phrase "measures thereof" refers back to the "oblation" or "contribution" of land described in the preceding verses (Ezekiel 48:8-14), specifically the square portion designated for the sanctuary, priests, and Levites, emphasizing that these are not arbitrary figures but divinely ordained specifications.
* **"the north side four thousand and five hundred,":** This clause specifies the length of the northern boundary of the holy oblation. The "four thousand and five hundred" units (most likely cubits, a standard ancient measurement) indicate a significant linear distance, establishing the first of four identical sides. This immediate precision sets the tone for the entire description.
* **"and the south side four thousand and five hundred,":** This clause provides the identical length for the southern boundary, perfectly mirroring the northern side. The immediate repetition signals the square shape and perfect symmetry of the area, reinforcing the concept of divine order and balance from the outset.
* **"and on the east side four thousand and five hundred,":** The eastern boundary is also specified to be of the exact same length, further solidifying the perfect square dimensions. This consistent measurement across three sides leaves no doubt about the intended geometric perfection.
* **"and the west side four thousand and five hundred.":** Finally, the western boundary is given the identical measurement, completing the description of a perfectly equilateral square. The consistent repetition of the precise number for all four sides is a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing divine order, completeness, and the unchangeable, stable nature of this sacred space.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ezekiel 48:16 is **Repetition**. The phrase "four thousand and five hundred" is meticulously repeated for each of the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). This insistent repetition serves to emphasize the absolute precision, perfect symmetry, and divine order of the holy oblation. It leaves no ambiguity regarding the dimensions, underscoring God's meticulous attention to detail in His blueprint for the future. Beyond mere descriptive emphasis, this repetition also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, where the perfect square symbolizes completeness, stability, and divine perfection. In ancient thought, a perfect square often represented an ideal, harmonious, and unchangeable reality, reflecting the nature of God's dwelling and the eternal stability of His kingdom. The detailed numerical specificity itself can be seen as a form of **Precision Detailing**, intended to convey the concrete reality and divine authority of the vision, even if its ultimate fulfillment is spiritual or eschatological rather than purely literal. This level of detail lends an air of divine blueprint, distinct from human design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:16, with its precise measurements of the holy oblation, profoundly speaks to the theological truth of God's nature as a God of order, perfection, and intentionality. The meticulously defined sacred space is not merely a land allocation but a tangible manifestation of God's desire to dwell among His people in a perfectly ordered and holy environment. This vision stands in stark contrast to the chaos and defilement that led to Israel's exile, presenting a future where God's presence is central, unblemished, and precisely established. It highlights that God's plan for restoration is not haphazard or improvisational but is executed with divine precision, ensuring a dwelling place worthy of His holiness and a community perfectly aligned with His will. The perfectly square shape, a universal symbol of completeness, stability, and balance, further reinforces the eternal and unshakeable nature of God's kingdom and His covenant faithfulness. This divine blueprint assures a future where God's presence is perfectly integrated into the life of His people.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem's Dimensions")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ in the True Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:16, though initially appearing as a dry list of numbers, offers profound spiritual insights and practical applications for contemporary believers. The meticulous precision with which God outlines the dimensions of His dwelling place reminds us that God is a God of infinite detail, perfect order, and intentional design. He is not a God of chaos or imprecision, but one who orchestrates all things, from the grand sweep of redemptive history to the minute details of our individual lives, with divine purpose and exactitude. This truth should inspire profound trust in His providential care, knowing that even when our lives feel disordered or uncertain, God's ultimate plan is one of perfect harmony and divine alignment. Furthermore, the setting apart of a perfectly measured holy area underscores the sanctity of God's presence and the profound call for His people to live lives consecrated to Him. As New Testament believers, our bodies are declared to be temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to be holy as He is holy. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our lives, like that sacred space, are meant to be set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His order, purity, and beauty in a world often characterized by disorder and moral decay. We are invited to participate in God's perfect design by aligning our lives with His holy will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plan for the holy oblation in Ezekiel 48:16 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's nature and His active involvement in the specific details of your life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be called to embrace greater "divine order" or "precision," consciously aligning your choices and priorities with God's revealed will?**
* **Considering the emphasis on holiness and separation in this verse, how can you practically live out the call to be a "holy temple" for God in your daily interactions, relationships, and personal disciplines?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "four thousand and five hundred" measurement?**

Answer: The "four thousand and five hundred" units (most likely cubits, which would equate to approximately 1.5 miles or 2.4 kilometers per side) repeated for each direction signifies a perfectly square area. This precise and symmetrical measurement emphasizes several key theological points: divine order, completeness, stability, and the immense scale of the sacred space. It highlights that God's dwelling place and the surrounding holy area are perfectly designed, stable, and unchangeable, reflecting His own perfect and immutable nature. This precision contrasts sharply with the imperfection and chaos of human endeavors and underscores the divine authority behind the entire vision. While the exact numerical value holds symbolic weight for some, its primary function is to convey absolute exactitude and symmetry in God's blueprint for His holy dwelling.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision, including these measurements, meant to be taken literally?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the detailed measurements described in [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - The Division of the Land"), varies significantly among biblical scholars and theological traditions. Some interpret it literally, believing it describes a future, physical temple that will be built in Jerusalem, often associated with a millennial reign of Christ. Others view it symbolically, seeing it as a blueprint for an ideal spiritual reality, representing God's perfect dwelling among His people in the church age or the new heavens and new earth. A third perspective sees it as a prophetic picture that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant, where the need for a physical temple is superseded by God dwelling among His people through the Holy Spirit. Regardless of the literal or symbolic interpretation, the emphasis on precision, holiness, God's abiding presence, and the establishment of His perfect order remains central to its meaning and enduring theological significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 48:16, with its vision of a perfectly measured, holy dwelling place for God, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment not in a literal reconstruction of a physical temple, but in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the true and ultimate temple, the very dwelling place of God among humanity, as beautifully articulated in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where the Word "tabernacled" among us. The meticulous dimensions of the holy oblation, symbolizing divine order, perfection, and stability, are perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the exact representation of God's being and the one through whom all things are held together and find their coherence ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory") and [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). Furthermore, through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, believers are incorporated into Him, becoming living stones in a spiritual house, a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Thus, the church, as the body of Christ, becomes the dwelling place of God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - A Holy Temple in the Lord")), a reality far exceeding any physical structure. The vision of a perfectly ordered holy space ultimately points to the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence is fully and eternally established, and the New Jerusalem, described as a perfect cube in [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem's Dimensions"), has no need for a temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are its Temple")). In Christ, the precision, holiness, and divine presence envisioned in Ezekiel are realized, not in brick and mortar, but in a living, spiritual reality where God perfectly dwells among His redeemed people for all eternity.

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

Revelation 21:16

And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.