Ezekiel 42:16

KJV

He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

He measured {H4058} the east {H6921} side {H7307} with the measuring {H4060} reed {H7070}, five {H2568}{H520} hundred {H3967} reeds {H7070}, with the measuring {H4060} reed {H7070} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He measured the east side with the measuring rod; it was 875 feet by the measuring rod.

Berean Standard Bible

With a measuring rod he measured the east side to be five hundred cubits long.

American Standard Version

He measured on the east side with the measuring reed five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 42:16 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's grand vision of the new temple, initiating the meticulous measurement of the outer perimeter of the sacred complex. This verse specifically details the measurement of the east side, establishing its immense scale at "five hundred reeds" and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the divine survey that encompasses the entire area. It underscores the divine precision, order, and holiness inherent in God's future dwelling place, setting the stage for the full description of the temple's vast and sacred boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 42:16 is situated within the highly detailed temple vision spanning [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision"). Following the initial tour of the outer and inner courts and various chambers in [Ezekiel 40-41](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-41 - Temple Layout"), this verse transitions to the measurement of the entire sacred precinct's outer boundary. It is the first of four verses (Ezekiel 42:16-19) that describe the measurement of each of the four sides, culminating in [Ezekiel 42:20](/ezekiel/42-20 "Ezekiel 42:20 - The Holy Square") which confirms the perfect square shape and immense size of the holy area set apart from the common. This meticulous detail emphasizes the divine origin and perfect order of the vision, contrasting sharply with the destruction of the first temple and the chaos of exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound national and spiritual crisis for the Israelites. Jerusalem and its temple had been destroyed, and the people were far from their homeland, questioning God's presence and faithfulness. In this context of despair, Ezekiel's vision of a new, glorious temple served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the promise of God's renewed dwelling among His people. The precise architectural blueprint, including the measurements in this verse, would have conveyed a sense of divine control and a concrete promise of future blessing, reassuring the exiles that God's covenant promises remained steadfast despite their current circumstances. The concept of a sacred space, meticulously defined and set apart, was central to ancient Near Eastern cultures, but here it is uniquely tied to Yahweh's absolute holiness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel's prophecy. First, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in His plans for restoration. The exact measurements, down to the "measuring reed," underscore that God's kingdom is not arbitrary but perfectly designed. Second, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the vast dimensions define a massive sacred space, separating the holy from the common. This concept is vital throughout Ezekiel's message, emphasizing the absolute holiness of God and the necessity for His people to live set apart, as seen in the call to distinguish between the clean and unclean, the holy and the profane, in [Ezekiel 44:23](/ezekiel/44-23 "Ezekiel 44:23 - Distinguishing Holy and Profane"). Finally, the vision as a whole, initiated by these measurements, embodies **Future Hope and Restoration** for a dispossessed people, promising a renewed relationship with God and a restored dwelling place for His glory, ultimately pointing to a future where God's presence is fully manifested.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **measured (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** From H4058, this primitive root means "to stretch" or, by implication, "to measure (as if by stretching a line)." In this context, it signifies a precise, deliberate act of determining dimensions, emphasizing the exactness of the divine blueprint. It suggests a careful, methodical process, not a casual estimation, reinforcing the theme of divine order.
* **reed (Hebrew, _qâneh'_):** From H7070, this word refers to a "reed (as erect)" and, by resemblance, a "rod (especially for measuring)." Here, it denotes a specific measuring instrument, likely a cane or rod, used as a standard unit of length. In Ezekiel's vision, this reed is six "long cubits" (a cubit plus a handbreadth), making it approximately 10.5 feet (3.2 meters). Its mention highlights the tangible and verifiable nature of the measurements.
* **round about (Hebrew, _çâbîyb'_):** From H5439, this term functions as an adverb meaning "around" or "on every side." Its inclusion in the verse, even though only the east side is explicitly measured, anticipates the subsequent verses (Ezekiel 42:17-19) that complete the square perimeter. It signifies the comprehensive nature of the measurement, indicating that the entire sacred complex is being meticulously defined on all sides, creating a fully enclosed and set-apart space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He measured the east side":** This clause introduces the angelic guide's action, continuing his role as the divine architect's representative throughout the temple vision. The focus on the "east side" is significant, as the east gate is often associated with the entrance of God's glory (cf. [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple")). Beginning the measurement here establishes the orientation and the vastness of the sacred space.
* **"with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds":** This specifies both the instrument and the precise dimension. The "measuring reed" (Hebrew: *qaneh middah*) is the standard unit, and "five hundred reeds" quantifies the length. Given the reed's approximate length of 10.5 feet, this translates to a staggering 5,250 feet (just under a mile or 1.6 kilometers). This immense scale emphasizes the grandeur and holiness of the envisioned temple complex, far surpassing any previous temple structure.
* **"with the measuring reed round about":** This concluding phrase, though seemingly redundant after measuring just the east side, is crucial. It serves as a proleptic statement, indicating that the measurement of "five hundred reeds" will apply to all four sides, creating a perfect square. This reinforces the comprehensive and perfectly symmetrical nature of the divine design, signifying completeness and divine order for the entire sacred precinct.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 42:16 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Precision** and **Detail**, evident in the exact numerical measurements ("five hundred reeds") and the specific instrument ("measuring reed"). This meticulousness underscores the divine origin and perfect order of the temple vision, contrasting with human imperfection and chaos. The **Repetition** of "with the measuring reed" within the verse, and implicitly across the subsequent verses (Ezekiel 42:17-19) that complete the square, reinforces the systematic and thorough nature of the divine survey. This repetition also serves to emphasize the authority and reliability of the vision. Furthermore, the entire temple vision, of which this verse is a part, functions as **Symbolism**. While debated whether it is meant to be a literal future temple, it undeniably symbolizes God's renewed presence, holiness, and the restoration of His people. The vast, perfectly measured square precinct symbolizes the absolute separation of the holy from the common, the divine order, and the comprehensive reach of God's sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 42:16, with its meticulous measurements of the temple precinct, speaks profoundly to God's inherent nature of order, holiness, and His commitment to dwelling among His people. The immense and perfectly defined sacred space reflects the absolute holiness of God, who requires a distinct separation between the holy and the profane. This vision, given in a time of exile and despair, served as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, assuring Israel of future restoration and a renewed, glorious presence among them. It foreshadows the ultimate spiritual reality of God's dwelling, not just in a physical structure, but among His redeemed people, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God's presence is fully realized without need for a temple.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel"): "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." This verse establishes the foundational principle of God desiring to dwell with His people, a theme that Ezekiel's temple vision elaborates upon in a grander scale.
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem"): "And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal." This passage describes the New Jerusalem with precise, square dimensions measured by a reed, drawing a clear parallel to Ezekiel's vision and indicating a spiritual fulfillment of God's perfectly ordered, holy dwelling place.
* [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Tabernacle"): "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." This passage highlights the spiritual reality behind the Old Testament temple and tabernacle, pointing to Christ as the ultimate, perfect sanctuary and the means of access to God's presence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous measurements in Ezekiel 42:16, describing a vast and perfectly ordered sacred space, offer profound insights for contemporary believers. They remind us that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. His plans are not haphazard but are meticulously designed, even when we cannot fully grasp their scope or purpose. This should instill in us a deep trust in His sovereignty and His overarching blueprint for our lives and for history. Furthermore, the emphasis on the separation of the holy from the common, signified by the immense temple precinct, serves as a powerful call to holiness for God's people today. While we no longer have a physical temple, believers are called to be living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). This means living lives set apart for God's purposes, marked by purity, integrity, and devotion in every area. The vision of a perfectly measured, holy space should inspire us to cultivate inner and outer holiness, recognizing that God's presence transforms and sanctifies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision and meticulous detail in Ezekiel's vision, as seen in the measurements of the temple, impact your understanding of God's character and His plans?**
* **In what ways are we, as believers, called to embody the "holiness and separation" symbolized by the vast temple precinct in our daily lives and interactions?**
* **Considering that God's presence is no longer confined to a physical temple, how does the concept of God's dwelling among His people find its fulfillment in Christ and in the church today?**

### FAQ

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision meant to be literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the precise measurements in [Ezekiel 42:16](/ezekiel/42-16 "Ezekiel 42:16 - Measurement of the East Side"), is a subject of ongoing debate among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future temple that will be built during a millennial kingdom, based on the highly detailed and specific nature of the description. Others view it primarily as symbolic, representing an idealized, perfect worship system and God's renewed presence, emphasizing spiritual truths rather than a physical structure. A third view considers it both literal and symbolic, suggesting a future literal temple that also embodies profound spiritual realities. Regardless of the exact interpretation, the vision's emphasis on divine precision, holiness, and God's desire to dwell among His people remains central to its theological significance.

**What is the significance of the "five hundred reeds" measurement?**

Answer: The "five hundred reeds" measurement ([Ezekiel 42:16](/ezekiel/42-16 "Ezekiel 42:16 - Measurement of the East Side")) is highly significant due to its immense scale and perfect symmetry. A "reed" in Ezekiel's context was approximately 10.5 feet (3.2 meters), meaning 500 reeds translates to about 5,250 feet (1.6 kilometers) on each side. This creates a square precinct nearly a mile on each side, a massive area far larger than any historical temple complex. This vastness emphasizes the absolute holiness of God and the need for a substantial separation between the sacred and the common. It signifies a divinely ordained, perfectly proportioned space for God's glory, underscoring the comprehensive nature of His restoration and the profound reverence due to His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 42:16, with its meticulous measurement of a vast, holy precinct, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a reconstructed physical temple, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament temple, with its precise dimensions and sacrificial system, pointed forward to the perfect dwelling of God among humanity, which is fully realized in Christ. Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). He is the ultimate, living temple, the true meeting place between God and humanity, where God's glory dwells in its fullness ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The vast, perfectly measured holiness of Ezekiel's vision is spiritually fulfilled in Christ, who perfectly embodies divine holiness and sets apart a people for God. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ consecrated a new and living way for believers to draw near to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")). Moreover, the Church, as the body of Christ, becomes a spiritual temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). Ultimately, the vision of a perfectly measured, holy city culminates in the New Jerusalem, where God Himself dwells with His people, and there is no longer a need for a temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")). Thus, the precision and holiness of Ezekiel's temple find their glorious and eternal reality in Christ and His redeemed community.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 40:3

And he brought me thither, and, behold, [there was] a man, whose appearance [was] like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

Revelation 11:1

¶ And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

Revelation 11:2

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.

Zechariah 2:1

¶ I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.