Ezekiel 48:16
And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.
Original Language Analysis
מִדּוֹתֶיהָ֒
And these shall be the measures
H4060
מִדּוֹתֶיהָ֒
And these shall be the measures
Strong's:
H4060
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
וּפְאַת
side
H6285
וּפְאַת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
3 of 27
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
צָפ֗וֹן
thereof the north
H6828
צָפ֗וֹן
thereof the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
4 of 27
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
אֲלָפִֽים׃
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִֽים׃
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
8 of 27
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וּפְאַת
side
H6285
וּפְאַת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
9 of 27
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
נֶ֕גֶב
and the south
H5045
נֶ֕גֶב
and the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
10 of 27
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
אֲלָפִֽים׃
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִֽים׃
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
15 of 27
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וּפְאַת
side
H6285
וּפְאַת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
16 of 27
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
קָדִ֗ים
and on the east
H6921
קָדִ֗ים
and on the east
Strong's:
H6921
Word #:
17 of 27
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
אֲלָפִֽים׃
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִֽים׃
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
21 of 27
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וּפְאַת
side
H6285
וּפְאַת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
22 of 27
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
יָ֕מָּה
and the west
H3220
יָ֕מָּה
and the west
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
23 of 27
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cities typically grew organically without geometric planning, though some Mesopotamian cities attempted sacred geometry. Jerusalem's topography prevented perfect symmetry—it sprawled across hills with irregular walls. Ezekiel's idealized vision presents eschatological rather than merely practical architecture, anticipating the geometrically perfect eternal city.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's attention to precise measurements in sacred things challenge sloppy approaches to worship and obedience?
- What does the foursquare city pointing to Revelation 21 teach about continuity between Old Testament promises and New Testament fulfillment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
These shall be the measures thereof—the city forms a perfect square (4,500 cubits per side), echoing the symmetry of the New Jerusalem which is also foursquare (Revelation 21:16). The repetition across north...south...east...west emphasizes completeness and divine order extending to all four directions, symbolizing universal scope.
The precise measurements contrast with the ruined, asymmetrical Jerusalem Ezekiel's audience knew. Mathematical precision reflects theological truth: God's restoration is not haphazard but architecturally perfect, geometrically expressing divine attributes of order, beauty, and unchanging purpose. The squared city shape may also represent stability—unlike circular cities (Babylon) associated with pagan cosmology, the square signifies Yahweh's sovereign design.