And of this measure shalt thou measure the length of five and twenty thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary and the most holy place.

EZEKIEL 45:3KJV
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Ezekiel 45:3 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 45:3 mean?

Ezekiel 45:3 gives specific measurements for a section of land that is to be set aside: twenty-five thousand in length and ten thousand in breadth, within which the sanctuary and the most holy place will be located. This verse is about marking out a special area for worship at the heart of a new, idealized arrangement for Israel.

In this part of the book, God is speaking to Ezekiel, telling him how to divide up the land for the restored community after exile. The focus is on the central place of worship—the sanctuary and the most holy place—which are to be surrounded by a designated area, showing their importance and separation from ordinary life.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 45:3

  • "Measure" (מִדָּה, middah): This word means a measured portion or dimension. Its use here stresses the precision and intentionality in setting aside this land.
  • "Sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash): This refers to a holy place set apart for God. The sanctuary is the focal point of worship and spiritual life.
  • "Most holy" (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, qodesh qadashim): This phrase means "the most holy place," often understood as the innermost, most sacred part of the temple. Its mention highlights the ultimate holiness of this area.

Why Ezekiel 45:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple area is not just a building but includes a large, carefully measured tract of land, emphasizing the sacredness and separation of worship from everyday activities.
  • The detailed measurements show that worship and the presence of God are to be central and protected in the new community, reflecting God’s order and holiness.
  • Ezekiel 45:3 connects to the broader vision in Ezekiel 40–48, where God gives a blueprint for a renewed society with worship at its heart, offering hope and structure to people returning from exile.

Where else these words appear

“measure” Hebrew H4058 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
  • Ezekiel 40:11 And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.
  • Ezekiel 41:5 After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.

“measure” Hebrew H4060 · used in 53 verses

  • Exodus 26:2 The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
  • Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
  • Ezekiel 40:24 After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.

“sanctuary” Hebrew H4720 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
  • Ezekiel 25:3 And say unto the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity;

“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.