from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; and from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits, with a breadth of one cubit;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage isn't just giving dimensions for an altar; it's describing layers that shrink inward, creating ledges. This visual emphasizes that approaching God often involves humility and a turning inward, stripping away excess as we draw nearer to His presence.
from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; and from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits, with a breadth of one cubit;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel is meticulously detailing the measurements of a grand altar in a divinely envisioned temple, emphasizing its structural layers and dimensions. This passage follows a description of the altar's base and precedes further details about its overall structure, continuing the visionary blueprint given to the prophet. The focus here is on the specific, stepped construction of the altar itself, with each layer precisely defined in height and width.
Imagine stepping onto a platform, meticulously built, layer by layer, leading you closer to God. This isn't just architecture; it's a divine invitation.
The measurements in Ezekiel 43:14 describe the construction of the altar, a central piece of the restored temple. These aren't just random numbers; they detail a structure designed for worship and connection with God.
Layers of Approach
This layered design emphasizes that approaching God is a deliberate, structured process. It’s not chaotic or accidental, but requires intentionality and adherence to God's design.
The numbers aren't arbitrary. They speak volumes about how God intends for us to draw near – with both reverence and readiness.
Ezekiel's vision meticulously details the dimensions of the altar, not just its height but its consistent breadth.
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The One-Cubit Breadth
Implications:
Ezekiel's detailed measurements for the future Temple altar were given during the Babylonian exile, a time when the physical Temple was destroyed. This vision offered a powerful blueprint for hope and restoration, promising a divinely re-established center of worship for the returnees.
597 BC
First Deportation of Jerusalem
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II conquer Jerusalem, exiling King Jehoiachin and many of the elite to Babylon. The prophet Ezekiel is among this first group of exiles.
587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
After a prolonged siege, Babylon destroys Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, a catastrophic event for the Judean people and their faith.
c. 571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Visions Conclude
Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, including his detailed visions of a restored Temple and its worship, concludes around this time, offering hope amidst despair.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus Permits Jewish Return
The Persian king Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the Second Temple period.
This passage describes God's instructions for building altars, emphasizing that they should be made of earth or unhewn stone, and that altars were to be raised structures, much like the detailed measurements in Ezekiel's vision.
Leviticus 1:11This verse details the placement of the burnt offering on the altar, showing how the structure of the altar was functional for worship, connecting the physical dimensions described in Ezekiel to the practicalities of sacrifice.
2 Chronicles 4:1This passage describes Solomon's great bronze altar, which was a massive structure, and the measurements provided for it echo the precise, calculated dimensions seen in Ezekiel's vision for his temple's altar.
Hebrews 9:11-12This New Testament passage speaks of Christ's work as a priest and the greater, more perfect sanctuary not made with human hands, offering a theological perspective on the sacrificial system symbolized by the altar's detailed construction.
pulpitEzekiel 43:14: "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."
Verse 14. - The next measurements which are taken from the bottom upon the ground, i.e. from the הֵיק, "base," or ground framework above described, to the lower settle, i.e. to the top of the undermost of the two "terraces," or enclosures," or "platforms," of which the…
pooleEzekiel 43:14: "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."
From the bottom; from the superficies of the first ledge, which was a cubit broad and a cubit high from the ground. To the lower settle; to the top of that square settle which is called lower, because another settle is raised upon it. Two cubits in height. The breadth o…
This passage isn't just giving dimensions for an altar; it's describing layers that shrink inward, creating ledges. This visual emphasizes that approaching God often involves humility and a turning inward, stripping away excess as we draw nearer to His presence.
Ezekiel is meticulously detailing the measurements of a grand altar in a divinely envisioned temple, emphasizing its structural layers and dimensions. This passage follows a description of the altar's base and precedes further details about its overall structure, continuing the visionary blueprint given to the prophet. The focus here is on the specific, stepped construction of the altar itself, with each layer precisely defined in height and width.
Ezekiel is meticulously detailing the measurements of a grand altar in a divinely envisioned temple, emphasizing its structural layers and dimensions. This passage follows a description of the altar's base and precedes further details about its overall structure, continuing the visionary blueprint given to the prophet. The focus here is on the specific, stepped construction of the altar itself, with each layer precisely defined in height and width.
"from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; and from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits, with a breadth of one cubit;" — This passage isn't just giving dimensions for an altar; it's describing layers that shrink inward, creating ledges. This visual emphasizes that approaching God often involves humility and a turning i…
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Last reviewed October 2026