And the five and twenty thousand of length, and the ten thousand of breadth, shall also the Levites, the ministers of the house, have for themselves, for a possession for twenty chambers.

EZEKIEL 45:5KJV
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Ezekiel 45:5 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 45:5 mean?

Ezekiel 45:5 describes a specific portion of land, measuring twenty-five thousand cubits long and ten thousand cubits wide, that is to be set aside for the Levites, who serve in the temple, as their own property. This land includes space for twenty chambers, which are likely rooms for their use or storage.

In this part of Ezekiel, God is giving detailed instructions through the prophet Ezekiel about how the land around a future temple should be divided among the priests, Levites, and others. The Levites, who are responsible for assisting in temple duties, are given their own territory as a permanent possession, emphasizing their ongoing role in the temple’s service.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 45:5

  • לֵוִיִּם (Leviyim, H3881): This word means "Levites," referring to the tribe set apart for temple service. Their special inheritance here highlights their unique function among Israel’s tribes.
  • מְשָׁרְתֵי (meshartim, H8334): This term means "ministers" or "servants," specifically those who perform duties in the temple. The verse underscores that this land is for those actively serving in the house (temple).
  • אֲחֻזָּה (achuzzah, H272): This word means "possession" or "inheritance." It shows that the Levites’ portion is not just a temporary allotment but a lasting inheritance.
  • לְשָׁכָה (lishkah, H3957): Translated as "chambers," this refers to rooms or spaces likely used for storage or living quarters, indicating practical provisions for the Levites’ needs.

Why Ezekiel 45:5 matters

  • Ezekiel 45:5 clarifies that the Levites, who did not receive a tribal territory like the other tribes of Israel, are given a specific land inheritance connected to their temple service.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of providing for those who serve in religious roles, ensuring their needs are met so they can focus on their duties.
  • This instruction fits into a larger vision in Ezekiel of a reordered, restored Israel where worship and service to God are central and carefully organized.

Where else these words appear

“chambers” Hebrew H3957 · used in 41 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
  • Nehemiah 13:5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.
  • Ezekiel 40:46 And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.

“possession” Hebrew H272 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 17:8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
  • Leviticus 25:41 And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.
  • Joshua 21:41 All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs.

“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.

“length” Hebrew H753 · used in 90 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 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
  • Ezekiel 40:33 And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, were according to these measures: and there were windows therein and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.