Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Ezekiel 43:10

Next

Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern.

Thou son {H1121} of man {H120}, shew {H5046} the house {H1004} to the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, that they may be ashamed {H3637} of their iniquities {H5771}: and let them measure {H4058} the pattern {H8508}.

"You, human being, describe this house to the house of Isra'el, so that they will be ashamed of their crimes. And let them measure accurately.

As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities. Let them measure the plan,

Thou, son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern.

Commentary

Ezekiel 43:10 (KJV) presents a pivotal command from God to the prophet Ezekiel, emphasizing the purpose of the detailed temple vision he received. This verse serves as a crucial bridge between the architectural specifics of the visionary temple and its profound spiritual implications for the exiled people of Israel.

Context

This verse is situated within a lengthy section of Ezekiel's prophecy (chapters 40-48) that describes a highly detailed, visionary temple. This vision was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, after the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The "house" refers to this magnificent, ideal temple, which symbolizes God's renewed presence and perfect standards. God commands Ezekiel, referred to as "son of man," to reveal this vision to the "house of Israel," a people who had fallen into deep idolatry and sin, leading to their captivity. The immediate context of Ezekiel 43:10 follows the dramatic account of God's glory returning to this new temple, signifying His intent to dwell among His people once more, but only on terms of holiness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Purposeful Display: God doesn't just show Ezekiel the temple; He commands him to "shew the house to the house of Israel." This revelation is not for mere architectural appreciation but for spiritual transformation. It's a divine standard being presented.
  • Conviction and Repentance: The primary objective is "that they may be ashamed of their iniquities." The magnificent, holy design of the temple is meant to starkly contrast with Israel's past and present moral failures, leading to a deep, godly sorrow and repentance. Shame here is not merely humiliation, but a catalyst for turning away from sin.
  • The Standard of God's Holiness: The detailed "pattern" of the temple, with its precise measurements and holy precincts, represents God's perfect order, purity, and absolute holiness. By being told to "measure the pattern," Israel is called to internalize and align themselves with this divine standard, recognizing how far they have strayed.
  • Hope for Restoration: While the verse focuses on conviction, the ultimate goal of the temple vision is to offer hope for a future where God dwells among a sanctified people, signifying a new covenant and a transformed heart, as prophesied in Ezekiel 36:26.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "son of man" (Hebrew: ben 'adam) is God's consistent address to Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and mortality in contrast to God's divine majesty.
  • "Ashamed" (Hebrew: bosh) implies a deep sense of humiliation and self-reproach, a necessary step towards genuine godly sorrow that leads to repentance.
  • "Iniquities" (Hebrew: 'avon) refers to twistedness, perversity, or guilt resulting from sin, highlighting the moral corruption that necessitated God's judgment and the need for a radical change.
  • "Measure the pattern" (Hebrew: middah for pattern/measurement) suggests careful study, precise understanding, and an internalizing of the divine specifications as a blueprint for righteous living.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 43:10 underscores the enduring principle that God reveals His truth and His holy standards (His Word, His Son Jesus Christ) to expose our sin and lead us to genuine repentance. Just as Israel was to "measure the pattern" of the temple, we are called to measure our lives against the perfect pattern of Christ and the principles of God's Kingdom. This spiritual "measurement" should lead not to despair, but to a humble acknowledgment of our shortcomings and a turning towards God for grace and transformation, enabling us to live lives that reflect His holiness and bring Him glory.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 40:4 (5 votes)

    And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew [them] unto thee [art] thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 43:11 (4 votes)

    And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write [it] in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.

  • Ezekiel 16:61 (4 votes)

    Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

  • Ezekiel 16:63 (3 votes)

    That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:19 (2 votes)

    All [this, said David], the LORD made me understand in writing by [his] hand upon me, [even] all the works of this pattern.

  • Exodus 25:40 (2 votes)

    And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

  • Ezekiel 23:31 (2 votes)

    Thou hast walked in the way of thy sister; therefore will I give her cup into thine hand.