And from the bottom upon the ground even to the lower settle shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser settle even to the greater settle shall be four cubits, and the breadth one cubit.

EZEKIEL 43:14KJV
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Ezekiel 43:14 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 43:14 mean?

Ezekiel 43:14 gives precise measurements for different levels of the altar in Ezekiel’s vision, describing the height and width of the lower and upper ledges (called "settles") above the base. The verse sets out how far each section rises from the ground and how wide each ledge is, using the ancient cubit as the unit.

In this vision, God is speaking to Ezekiel, a prophet among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, describing the design of a future temple’s altar. The details in this verse are part of a larger set of instructions meant to show the people a new way of worship and to stress the importance of holiness and order in approaching God.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 43:14

  • The word "settle" (עֲזָרָה, ‘azarah) refers to a ledge or platform on the altar. Understanding this helps clarify that the altar was built in steps or tiers, not as a single block.
  • The word "cubit" (אַמָּה, ‘ammah) is an ancient measurement, roughly the length of a forearm (about 18 inches or 45 centimeters), which grounds these instructions in real, physical dimensions.
  • The terms "lesser" (קָטָן, qatan) and "greater" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) for the settles show there are different levels or platforms, each with a specific size, emphasizing the careful structure of the altar.

Why Ezekiel 43:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that the altar in Ezekiel’s vision was not a simple structure but had multiple levels, each with precise measurements, highlighting the care and order in worship.
  • The detailed measurements connect to the broader theme of Ezekiel 40–48, where God gives exact plans for a new temple, symbolizing restoration and a renewed relationship with God.
  • Knowing the altar’s structure helps readers understand later verses about sacrifices and rituals, since the design affects how offerings were made and who could approach each part.

Where else these words appear

“settle” Hebrew H5835 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 4:9 Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,
  • Ezekiel 43:20 And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it.

“lower” Hebrew H8481 · used in 13 verses

  • Joshua 16:3 And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:24 (And his daughter was Sherah, who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper, and Uzzensherah.)
  • Ezekiel 40:19 Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward.

“bottom” Hebrew H2436 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 16:5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
  • 1 Kings 3:20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
  • Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

“breadth” Hebrew H7341 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:20 And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.
  • Ezekiel 41:2 And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits.