Ezekiel 43:15 Meaning and Explanation
“So the altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar and upward shall be four horns.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The altar reaches four cubits in height, crowned with four horns.
The Context of Ezekiel 43:15
The altar's full height and its distinctive horns are specified.
What Does Ezekiel 43:15 Mean?
The horns of the altar hold deep symbolic and practical significance in Israel's sacrificial system. Four horns, one at each corner, mark the cardinal directions and provide connection points for sacrificial blood and rope binding. Rising from the four-cubit-high altar, the horns themselves extend upward, creating a visual symbol of ascent toward heaven and God's presence.
The horn imagery carries covenantal meaning—horns represent strength and God's power. In ritual context, priests grip the horns when seeking asylum or performing certain sacrifices. The proportionate placement at the top emphasizes that the altar's purpose is mediating between humanity and God's holiness.
Ezekiel 43:15 in the Original Language
keren (קֶרֶן), 'horn' — a pointed projection symbolizing strength and serving as a ritual reference point
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 43:15
What does Ezekiel 43:15 mean?
The altar reaches four cubits in height, crowned with four horns.
What is the context of Ezekiel 43:15?
The altar's full height and its distinctive horns are specified.