Ezekiel 45:5 An adjacent area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide shall belong to the Levites who minister in the temple; it will be their possession for towns in which to live.

◄ Ezekiel 45:5 ►

New International Version
An area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide will belong to the Levites, who serve in the temple, as their possession for towns to live in.

New Living Translation
The strip of sacred land next to it, also 8 1 / 3 miles long and 3 1 / 3 miles wide, will be a living area for the Levites who work at the Temple. It will be their possession and a place for their towns.

English Standard Version
Another section, 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits broad, shall be for the Levites who minister at the temple, as their possession for cities to live in.

Berean Standard Bible
An adjacent area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide shall belong to the Levites who minister in the temple; it will be their possession for towns in which to live.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
An area twenty-five thousand cubits long and ten thousand wide shall belong to the Levites, the ministers of the temple; they shall have twenty chambers as a possession.

New American Standard Bible
An area twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand in width shall be for the Levites, the ministers of the house, and for their possession cities in which to live.

NASB 1995
“An area 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in width shall be for the Levites, the ministers of the house, and for their possession cities to dwell in.

NASB 1977
“And an area 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in width shall be for the Levites, the ministers of the house, and for their possession cities to dwell in.

Legacy Standard Bible
And an area 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in width shall be for the Levites, the ministers of the house, and for their possession as cities to dwell in.

Amplified Bible
And another portion of land 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide shall be for the Levites, the ministers of the temple (house), and they shall possess it as a place in which to live.

Christian Standard Bible
There will be another area 8 1 /3 miles long and 3 1 /3 miles wide for the Levites who minister in the temple; it will be their possession for towns to live in.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
There will be another area 8 1/3 miles long and 3 1/3 miles wide for the Levites who minister in the temple; it will be their possession for towns to live in.”

American Standard Version
And five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth, shall be unto the Levites, the ministers of the house, for a possession unto themselves, for twenty chambers.

Contemporary English Version
I will give the other half of my land to the Levites who work in my temple, and the towns where they will live will be there.

English Revised Version
And five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth, shall be unto the Levites, the ministers of the house, for a possession unto themselves, for twenty chambers.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
An area 43,750 feet long and 17,500 feet wide will belong to the Levites who serve in the temple. It will be given to them so that they have cities to live in.

Good News Translation
The other half of the area is to be set aside as the possession of the Levites, who do the work in the Temple. There will be towns there for them to live in.

International Standard Version
An area 25,000 cubits long by 10,000 cubits wide is to be set aside for use by the Levite servants of the Temple, 20 parcels for their residential properties.

Majority Standard Bible
An adjacent area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide shall belong to the Levites who minister in the temple; it will be their possession for towns in which to live.

NET Bible
An area eight and a quarter miles in length and three and one-third miles in width will be for the Levites, who minister at the temple, as the place for the cities in which they will live.

New Heart English Bible
Eight and one eighth miles in length, and three and one quarter miles in breadth, shall be to the Levites, the ministers of the house. It will be their possession for cities to live in.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand in width shall be for the Levites, the ministers of the house, as a possession for themselves, for twenty rooms.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And of the twenty-five thousand of length, and of the ten thousand of breadth, there is to the Levites, servants of the house, for them—for a possession—twenty chambers.

Young's Literal Translation
'And of the five and twenty thousand of length, and of the ten thousand of breadth, there is to the Levites, ministrants of the house, for them -- for a possession -- twenty chambers.

Smith's Literal Translation
And five and twenty thousand the length, and ten thousand the breadth, shall be to the Levites serving the house to them for a possession of twenty cells.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And five and twenty thousand of length, and ten thousand of breadth shall be for the Levites, that minister in the house: they shall possess twenty store chambers.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now twenty-five thousand in length, and ten thousand in width shall be for the Levites, who minister in the house. They shall possess twenty storerooms.

New American Bible
There shall also be a strip twenty-five thousand cubits long and ten thousand wide for the Levites, the ministers of the temple, so they have cities to live in.

New Revised Standard Version
Another section, twenty-five thousand cubits long and ten thousand cubits wide, shall be for the Levites who minister at the temple, as their holding for cities to live in.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And there shall be a space of twenty-five thousand reeds long and ten thousand broad; and it shall be for a possession for the Levites who minister in the temple, twenty houses in all.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the length shall be twenty and five thousand and the width ten thousand, and twenty houses will be an inheritance for the Levites who serve in The House

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth, which shall be unto the Levites, the ministers of the house, for a possession unto themselves, for twenty chambers.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
the length shall be twenty-five thousand, and the breadth twenty thousand: and the Levites that attend the house, they shall have cities to dwell in for a possession.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Consecration of the Land
…4It will be a holy portion of the land to be used by the priests who minister in the sanctuary, who draw near to minister before the LORD. It will be a place for their houses, as well as a holy area for the sanctuary. 5An adjacent area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide shall belong to the Levites who minister in the temple; it will be their possession for towns in which to live. 6As the property of the city, you are to set aside an area 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, adjacent to the holy district. It will belong to the whole house of Israel.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Numbers 18:20-24
Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. / Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. ...

Joshua 21:1-3
Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel / at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.” / So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance:

Leviticus 25:32-34
As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. / So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. / But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.

1 Chronicles 6:54-60
Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: / They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. / But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. ...

Deuteronomy 18:1-2
The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.

Hebrews 7:5
Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

Nehemiah 11:20
The rest of the Israelites, with the priests and Levites, were in all the villages of Judah, each on his own inheritance.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

2 Chronicles 31:15-19
Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike. / In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions— / and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their responsibilities and divisions. ...

Acts 6:4
and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Matthew 10:10
Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.

Luke 10:7
Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Treasury of Scripture

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.

the five

Ezekiel 48:10,13,20
And for them, even for the priests, shall be this holy oblation; toward the north five and twenty thousand in length, and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the midst thereof…

the ministers

1 Corinthians 9:13,14
Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? …

for a possession

Ezekiel 40:17
Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, there were chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers were upon the pavement.

1 Chronicles 9:26-33
For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God…

Nehemiah 10:38,39
And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house…

Jump to Previous

Area Belong Breadth Broad Chambers Cities Cubits Dwell Five Habitations House Length Minister Ministers Possession Property Section Servants Serve Service Space Temple Ten Themselves Thousand Twenty Twenty-Five Wide Width

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Ezekiel 45

1. The portion of land for the sanctuary
6. for the city
7. and for the prince
9. Ordinances for the prince

Berean Study Bible

An area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide
This phrase describes a specific measurement of land, indicating a precise allocation for the Levites. The use of "cubits," an ancient unit of measurement, reflects the historical context of the text. A cubit, traditionally the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, was approximately 18 inches. The dimensions given here suggest a substantial area, emphasizing the importance of the Levites' role and their need for adequate space to fulfill their duties. This allocation underscores God's provision and order, ensuring that those who serve Him have the necessary resources.

shall belong to the Levites
The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, distinct from the other tribes of Israel. Their inheritance was not land like the other tribes, but the Lord Himself (Numbers 18:20-24). This phrase highlights their unique role and the divine provision for their needs. The land given to them was not for agricultural purposes but for dwelling and service, reflecting their spiritual inheritance and responsibilities.

who minister in the temple
This phrase identifies the specific function of the Levites. The Hebrew root for "minister" (שָׁרַת, sharath) conveys the idea of serving or attending. The Levites were responsible for the care and maintenance of the temple, assisting the priests, and ensuring the proper conduct of worship. Their ministry was vital for the spiritual life of Israel, symbolizing dedication and service to God.

it will be their possession
The term "possession" (אֲחֻזָּה, achuzzah) indicates a permanent holding or inheritance. Although the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, this land was a tangible expression of their place within the community of Israel. It signifies God's faithfulness in providing for those who serve Him, ensuring they have a place to live and carry out their duties.

for towns in which to live
This phrase specifies the purpose of the land allocation. The Levites needed towns to reside in, as their primary role was not agricultural but spiritual. These towns served as centers for teaching, worship, and community life, reflecting the Levites' role as spiritual leaders and educators. The provision of towns underscores the importance of community and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel. It also highlights the balance between sacred duties and everyday living, ensuring that those who serve God have a place to call home.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) For a possession for twenty chambers.--Adjoining the priests' portion of the oblation, another equal portion is assigned to the Levites. The last clause of the verse, as it stands, admits of no satisfactory explanation. The suggestion that it may refer to twenty out of the thirty chambers in the outer court of the sanctuary (Ezekiel 40:17) is quite out of place. Even if these were intended for the use of the Levites (which does not appear), it would be strange that they should be abruptly spoken of in the midst of this description of the oblation. A slight change in the text--the transposition of two letters in the first word, and the change of one letter in the second for another much like it--will make the clause read, "for a possession of gates to dwell in," gates being used, as in Deuteronomy 12:18; Deuteronomy 14:27; Deuteronomy 16:11 (comp. Exodus 20:10; Deuteronomy 5:14), for cities. The sense would then be that this portion should be to the Levites what the former portion was to the priests, a place for their dwellings. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - A portion of similar dimensions should likewise be marked off for the Levites, for themselves, for a possession of twenty chambers; better, for a possession unto themselves for twenty chambers (Revised Version). Ewald, Hitzig, and Smend, as usual, follow the LXX. αὐτοῖς εἰς κατάσχεσινπόλεις τοῦ κατοικεῖν), and amend the text after Numbers 35:2; Joshua 21:2, so as to read "cities (עָרִים) to dwell in;" and with them Keil agrees, only substituting "gates" (שְׁעָרִים) instead of "cities." Kliefoth and Curroy retain the word "chambers "as in the text, and think the "chambers" and the "land" were two distinct possessions of the Levites, the chambers having been within (see Ezekiel 40:17, 18) as the land was without the sanctuary. Rosenmüller, Havernick, Hengstenberg, and Schroder decide for "chambers," or "courts," rows of dwellings standing outside the sanctuary as the priests' chambers were located within. Havernick supposes that along with these, which were obviously designed to be employed when the Levites were on duty, there may have been other Levitical towns and dwellings, Hengstenberg conceives them as having been "barracks for the Levites, the inhabitants of which used the twentieth part of the land assigned to them as pasturage." Unfavorable to the first view is the fact that it requires the text to be altered. Against the second is its awkward dividing of the verse and unexpected interjection of a reference to cells within the sanctuary while speaking of the land without. The third, while not free from difficulty as taking לְשָׁכֹת to be equivalent to "cell-buildings," is perhaps the best.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

[An adjacent area] 25,000 [cubits]
וַחֲמִשָּׁ֨ה (wa·ḥă·miš·šāh)
Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 2568: Five

long
אֹ֔רֶךְ (’ō·reḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 753: Length

and 10,000 [cubits]
וַעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת (wa·‘ă·śe·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6235: Ten

wide
רֹ֑חַב (rō·ḥaḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7341: Breadth, width

shall belong
וְֽהָיָ֡ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to the Levites
לַלְוִיִּם֩ (lal·wî·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

who minister
מְשָׁרְתֵ֨י (mə·šā·rə·ṯê)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to

in the temple;
הַבַּ֧יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

it will be their possession
לַאֲחֻזָּ֖ה (la·’ă·ḥuz·zāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 272: Something seized, a possession

for towns in which to live.
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים (‘eś·rîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 45:5 Twenty-five thousand in length and ten thousand (Ezek. Eze Ezk)