Ezekiel 48:30

KJV

And these [are] the goings out of the city on the north side, four thousand and five hundred measures.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the goings out {H8444} of the city {H5892} on the north {H6828} side {H6285}, four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967} measures {H4060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'These are the city exits; they are to be named after the tribes of Isra'el, three gates on each of the four sides; the four sides each measure just under one-and-a-half [miles]: on the north, gates named after Re'uven, Y'hudah and Levi; on the east, gates named after Yosef, Binyamin and Dan; on the south, gates named after Shim'on, Yissakhar and Z'vulun; and on the west, gates named after Gad, Asher and Naftali.

Berean Standard Bible

“These will be the exits of the city:

American Standard Version

And these are the egresses of the city: On the north side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measure;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:30 provides a precise measurement for the north side of the visionary holy city, detailing its perimeter as "four thousand and five hundred measures." This verse is part of the concluding chapter of Ezekiel's prophecy, which meticulously describes the layout of a restored Israel, the new temple, and a divinely ordered city. It underscores the meticulous nature of God's plans for future restoration and the establishment of His dwelling among His people, emphasizing divine precision and order in the eschatological vision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:30 is situated within the climactic final section of the Book of Ezekiel, specifically chapters [40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple and Land Vision"). Following extensive prophecies of judgment against Israel and surrounding nations, these chapters pivot to a detailed vision of restoration. Chapters [40-43](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-43 - The New Temple") describe the new temple and its intricate design, while [Ezekiel 44-46](/ezekiel/44 "Ezekiel 44-46 - Temple Ordinances and Worship") outline its ordinances and worship. [Ezekiel 47](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The Life-Giving River") introduces the miraculous, life-giving river flowing from the temple. Chapter 48 then details the division of the land among the twelve tribes, culminating in the description of the holy city's dimensions and gates. This verse, therefore, is a specific architectural detail within a grand, divinely orchestrated blueprint for a future, ideal Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense despair and displacement for the Jewish people. The destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by Babylon (586 BC) left the exiles questioning God's faithfulness and the future of their nation. In this context, Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a new temple, a re-divided land, and a holy city served as a profound message of hope and assurance. The meticulous measurements and detailed descriptions, reminiscent of the instructions for the Tabernacle ([Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")) and Solomon's Temple ([1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon's Temple Construction")), would have resonated with an audience familiar with divine blueprints for sacred spaces. This precision underscored the reality and certainty of God's future restoration, contrasting sharply with the chaos and destruction they had experienced.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's vision. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Precision**. The meticulous measurements throughout [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple and Land Vision"), including the specific dimensions of the city's north side in [Ezekiel 48:30](/ezekiel/48-30 "Ezekiel 48:30 - North Side Measurement"), emphasize God's perfect planning and attention to every detail of His restored kingdom. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Restoration and Reestablishment**. Coming after prophecies of judgment, this detailed vision offers a powerful message of hope for a future where Israel is not only re-gathered but also dwells in a perfectly ordered, holy city. Finally, the city itself is a central theme: **The Future Holy City**. Its symmetrical dimensions (4,500 measures on each of its four sides, as seen in [Ezekiel 48:30-33](/ezekiel/48-30 "Ezekiel 48:30-33 - City Dimensions")) signify its perfection, holiness, and its ultimate name, "[The Lord is There](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - Yahweh Shammah")" (Yahweh Shammah), which is the crowning truth of the entire vision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **goings out (Hebrew, _tôwtsâʼâh'_):** This term (H8444) refers to an "exit," but in a geographical context, it specifically denotes a "boundary" or "border." In Ezekiel 48:30, it indicates the perimeter or outward extent of the city's wall on the specified side. It emphasizes the defined and fixed nature of the city's dimensions.
* **city (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** The word (H5892) broadly means a "city," "town," or even an "encampment." It implies a guarded or watched place. In this prophetic vision, it refers to the holy city, distinct from the temple area, which is the dwelling place for God's people, meticulously planned and protected by divine design.
* **measures (Hebrew, _middâh'_):** This feminine noun (H4060) signifies "extension," "height," "breadth," or a "measure" itself, including its standard. It refers to a unit of length, likely the measuring reed mentioned in [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measuring Reed"), which was six cubits long. The use of "measures" here underscores the precise, quantifiable, and divinely ordained dimensions of the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the goings out of the city":** This phrase introduces the description of the city's perimeter or boundary lines. The "goings out" signify the outer limits of the city, emphasizing that its dimensions are clearly defined and established. This sets the stage for the precise measurements that follow, indicating a divinely ordered and contained space.
* **"on the north side":** This specifies the particular side of the city being described. The city is presented as a square, and this verse focuses on one of its four equal sides. The mention of a specific direction highlights the systematic and comprehensive nature of the visionary blueprint, leaving no detail to chance.
* **"four thousand and five hundred measures":** This provides the exact length of the north side of the city. The "measures" refer to a specific unit of length (likely the measuring reed), indicating a precise and substantial dimension. This numerical exactitude underscores the divine intentionality and perfection inherent in the design of the holy city, signifying its completeness and orderly nature.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 48:30, and indeed throughout the latter chapters of Ezekiel, is **Symbolism**. The precise measurements and detailed architectural descriptions are not merely technical specifications but serve as powerful symbols of divine order, perfection, and the certainty of God's future restoration. The exact "four thousand and five hundred measures" for each side of the city (implied by the subsequent verses) create a perfect square, a common ancient symbol of completeness and stability. This **Precision** in detail itself acts as a literary device, conveying God's meticulous care and the absolute certainty of His prophetic promises. The entire vision is also an example of **Prophetic Vision**, a genre where divine revelation is communicated through elaborate, often symbolic, imagery that points to future realities, both literal and spiritual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:30, though a seemingly technical detail, is profoundly significant. It speaks to God's ultimate intention to dwell among His people in perfect order and holiness. The meticulous precision of the city's dimensions reflects the divine character—a God who is sovereign, faithful, and brings about His purposes with absolute certainty. This vision of a perfectly ordered city, named "The Lord is There" ([Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - Yahweh Shammah")), assures believers of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His desire for intimate fellowship with humanity. It points to an eschatological reality where God's presence is fully established, bringing peace, order, and life to His redeemed creation.

* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 60:1-2](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1-2 - The Glory of Zion")
* [Zechariah 2:4-5](/zechariah/2-4 "Zechariah 2:4-5 - Jerusalem without Walls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:30, with its precise measurements of the holy city, offers profound comfort and challenge for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and brokenness, this vision reminds us of God's ultimate reign, which is marked by perfect order, peace, and holiness. It assures us that God's plans are meticulous and certain, even when our circumstances feel anything but. This divine precision in the future city's design encourages us to trust in God's sovereign control over our lives and the world. It inspires hope that despite present struggles, God is faithfully working towards a glorious future where His presence will be fully manifested, and all things will be set right. We are called to live in light of this future hope, striving for order and holiness in our own lives, knowing that our God is a God of perfect design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plans for the future city, as seen in Ezekiel 48:30, impact your understanding of His character?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's divine order and precision, even when things seem chaotic?**
* **How does the hope of a perfectly ordered, holy city influence your perspective on present suffering or disorder in the world?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "measures" in Ezekiel 48:30?**

Answer: The "measures" (H4060, _middâh_) refer to a specific unit of length used in Ezekiel's vision, likely the measuring reed mentioned earlier in [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measuring Reed"), which was six cubits long. The precise number, "four thousand and five hundred measures," for each side of the city (implied by the subsequent verses describing the other sides) emphasizes the divine order, perfection, and completeness of the future holy city. It signifies that this is not a vague promise but a meticulously planned reality, underscoring God's intentionality and faithfulness.

**Is the city described in Ezekiel 48:30 a literal city or a symbolic one?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple and city vision, including the dimensions in [Ezekiel 48:30](/ezekiel/48-30 "Ezekiel 48:30 - North Side Measurement"), varies among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal, future temple and city that will be built during the millennial reign of Christ. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the ideal spiritual reality of God's dwelling with His people in the New Covenant era or the New Heavens and New Earth. A third view sees it as an ideal blueprint that was never literally fulfilled, but whose spiritual truths about God's presence and order remain. Regardless of the literal-symbolic debate, the passage powerfully conveys the themes of divine order, restoration, and God's permanent presence with His people, culminating in the city's name, "[The Lord is There](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - Yahweh Shammah")" (Yahweh Shammah).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 48:30, with its precise description of the holy city's dimensions, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant reality He inaugurates. While Ezekiel's vision points to a future, divinely ordered dwelling place, the New Testament reveals that Christ Himself is the true Temple, the ultimate place where God dwells among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ establishes the new spiritual reality where believers, as living stones, are built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), a holy temple in the Lord ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as Cornerstone, Believers as Temple")). The meticulous order and perfection of Ezekiel's city foreshadow the perfect order and holiness found in Christ, who is the foundation ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Foundation")) and cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")) of God's eternal dwelling. Ultimately, the vision culminates in the New Jerusalem of [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem"), where there is no physical temple because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). Thus, the "goings out" and precise measures of Ezekiel's city point forward to the boundless, perfect, and eternal presence of God fully realized in and through Christ, who is the very essence of "Yahweh Shammah" 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

Ezekiel 48:16

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.

Ezekiel 48:32

And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.

Ezekiel 48:35

[It was] round about eighteen thousand [measures]: and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there.

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.