Ezekiel 45:2
Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred in length, with five hundred in breadth, square round about; and fifty cubits round about for the suburbs thereof.
Original Language Analysis
יִהְיֶ֤ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִזֶּה֙
H2088
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
Of this there shall be for the sanctuary
H6944
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
Of this there shall be for the sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
4 of 15
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
H5439
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
10 of 15
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
אַמָּ֔ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֔ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
Historical Context
Ancient temples had sacred precincts with graduated zones of holiness—outer courts, inner courts, holy place, Most Holy Place. These physical separations taught theological truths about God's transcendent holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain 'boundaries' between holy and common in your spiritual life?
- What does reverence for God's holiness look like in contemporary Christian experience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Of the holy portion, 500 x 500 cubits would be for the sanctuary, with fifty cubits of open space around it. The buffer zone protected sanctuary holiness from common activities. Physical separation illustrated spiritual separation—God's holiness requires distinct space. This principle applies spiritually: maintaining clear boundaries between holy and common.