Ezekiel 43:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about; and his stairs shall look toward the east.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The altar's lower platform extends fourteen cubits, with a border and eastward-facing stairs.
The Context of Ezekiel 43:17
The altar's foundation platform and approach are detailed.
What Does Ezekiel 43:17 Mean?
The 'settle'—the broader base platform—measures fourteen cubits, providing a stable foundation for the altar above. The half-cubit border prevents items from rolling off and creates a visual frame. The one-cubit bottom base ensures proper drainage and stability. Together these elements create a solid, well-proportioned structure suitable for frequent ritual use under weather and the stress of regular sacrificial activity.
The stairs facing eastward—the same direction as the temple's main entrance—create a logical procession route for priests approaching to make offerings. The orientation toward the east aligns the altar with the temple's primary axis and with the direction from which God's glory enters. This detail transforms the altar into part of a unified spatial theology.
Ezekiel 43:17 in the Original Language
solelim (סוֹלְלִים), 'stairs' — stepped ascents providing access to elevated platforms
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 43:17
What does Ezekiel 43:17 mean?
The altar's lower platform extends fourteen cubits, with a border and eastward-facing stairs.
What is the context of Ezekiel 43:17?
The altar's foundation platform and approach are detailed.