TRV
Translation
King James Version
He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
American Standard Version
He measured on the north side five hundred reeds with the measuring reed round about.
World English Bible Messianic
He measured on the north side five hundred reeds with the measuring reed all around.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He measured also the Northside, fiue hundreth reedes, euen with the measuring reede rounde about.
Young's Literal Translation
He hath measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
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In the KJVVerse 21,570 of 31,102
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Commentary on Ezekiel 42 verses 15–20
15 ¶ Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth toward the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it round about.
16 He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
17 He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
18 He measured the south side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed.
19 He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.
20 He measured it by the four sides: it had a wall round about, five hundred reeds long, and five hundred broad, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.
We have attended the measuring of this mystical temple and are now to see how far the holy ground on which we tread extends; and that also is here measured, and found to take in a great compass. Observe, 1. What the dimensions of it were. It extended each way 500 reeds (Eze 42:16-19), each reed above three yards and a half, so that it reached every way about an English measured mile, which, the ground lying square, was above four miles round. Thus large were the suburbs (as I may call them) of this mystical temple, signifying the great extent of the church in gospel-times, when all nations should be discipled and the kingdoms of the world made Christ's kingdoms. Room should be made in God's courts for the numerous forces of the Gentiles that shall flow into them, as was foretold, Isa 49:18; Isa 60:4. It is in part fulfilled already in the accession of the Gentiles to the church; and we trust it shall have a more full accomplishment when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in and all Israel shall be saved. 2. Why the dimensions of it were made thus large. It was to make a separation, by putting a very large distance between the sanctuary and the profane place; and therefore there was a wall surrounding it, to keep off those that were unclean and to separate between the previous and the vile. Note, A difference is to be put between common and sacred things, between God's name and other names, between his day and other days, his book and other books, his institutions and other observances; and a distance is to be put between our worldly and religious actions, so as still to go about the worship of God with a solemn pause.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–20. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 15 onwards) When he had finished measuring the interior dimensions of the house, he led me along the way of the gate that faced east, and he measured it all around. (He measured the likeness of the house all around in order.) He measured the east side with the measuring rod; it was 500 rods long by the measuring rod all around. (He also measured the north side, south side, and west side.) And he measured against the north wind, five hundred cubits, measuring with a cubit in circumference. And he measured against the south wind, five hundred cubits, measuring with a cubit in circumference. And he measured against the west wind, five hundred cubits, measuring with a cubit. He measured on all four sides, the wall surrounding it, with a length of five hundred cubits and a width of five hundred cubits, dividing between the sanctuary and the common area. It should be known that after the East and North wind, the South and West wind has a reversed order among the Seventy. For they first set the West, that is the sea; and then the South, whereas among the Hebrews the South wind is first, and then the West. And what the Scripture now says: 'And when he had finished measuring the interior of the house, he led me through the gate that faces toward the East, and showed me all that has been mentioned, both inside and out, and the inner parts of the temple, that is, the Most Holy Place, properly belong to the building of the temple and the inner temple.' Now it follows: He led me through the gate, which looked towards the Eastern road, and measured it all around, like the likeness of a house. By this it is shown that it is not the house itself, but the likeness of the house that is seen: for now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then I shall know even as I am known (I Cor. XIII). Therefore, even Moses in the tabernacle, and Solomon in the building, made not the true tent of the temple, but the likeness and figure of it: that by these things which are lesser and earthly, we may understand those things which are heavenly, and in the spiritual building. But the man who had brought the prophet, went not into the outer courtyard, but through the gate which looked towards the eastern way, first measuring against the eastern wind, that is, the eastern quarter, five hundred reeds round about; second, towards the north; thirdly, towards the south; fourthly, towards the sea, that is, towards the west, on the four sides, a wall all around, as much in length as in breadth, that is, square, which wall had together with it two thousand reeds. But if the reed was six cubits long, and the wrestler one-sixth of a cubit, it is clear that the outer wall had a circumference of 2,000 reeds, which makes 12,333 cubits and a third of two thousand. Let the wise and diligent reader read the book of Joshua and he will find how this measure is preserved in the suburbs. Therefore, even the legion of demons chose this number in the suffocation of the pigs (Luke 8), so that he who was separated from the servants of God by the command of the Lord may be led to his own destruction, to the ruin of those who lead a life worthy of filth and squalor. But every exterior wall, which has a very spacious length and width in the form of a square, contains the number of the apostles, that is, twelve thousand: so that a thousand number is assigned to each apostle, and yet it does not reach the measure of the fullness of Christ and the perfect man, unless it is joined by the παλαιστὴ, which is three hundred and thirty-three cubits, and a third part of a cubit: through which the mystery of the holy and venerable Trinity is demonstrated, which encircles and protects everything, and provides the safest dwelling for the inhabitants of its temple. Where the ark of Noah has a length of three hundred cubits, and a height of thirty cubits, which is completed in one cubit (Gen. 5). But the fifty cubits that are added there in width signify the sacrament of remission (as we have often said). Hence the Lord came to baptism at the age of thirty, and this very prophet puts the thirtieth year at the beginning of his book: which is completed by adding three hundred and thirtieth, and the thirtieth number and a third part. However, in regard to the simplicity of the interpretation, while we pay little attention to the speed of dictation, both the Septuagint and our translation have its wall on all sides, with a length of five hundred cubits and a width of five hundred cubits. The Hebrew text, however, does not include the word 'wall', but simply the length of five hundred and the width of five hundred, with the understanding of 'reeds'. As mentioned earlier, towards the east wind, and towards the north, and towards the south, and towards the sea, the wall of each section was measured by the person holding the reed. But the number five hundred, which is close to fifty, concerning the remission of all sins, is indicated not only in the old Scripture (Lev. XXV), but also in the words of the Savior in the Gospel, saying: There were two debtors to a certain creditor: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty (Luke VII, 41). And the wall divides between the sanctuary and the place of the common people. From this we understand that all the description above the temple, the priests, who are the sons of Zadok, were delegated to ministries. But this wall, which stretches over such a large space and surrounds everything, separates the sanctuary from the common area.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Ezekiel 42:17 is a precise detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a new temple complex, received during his Babylonian exile. This verse specifically records the measurement of the northern perimeter of the holy precinct, stating it to be "five hundred reeds." This meticulous dimension, replicated for all four sides, underscores the divine precision, immense scale, and sacred separation of the envisioned sanctuary, emphasizing God's meticulous order and the profound holiness of His dwelling place.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 42:17, and indeed throughout Ezekiel 40-48, is Symbolism. The meticulous measurements and precise dimensions, such as the "five hundred reeds" for the north side, are not merely architectural blueprints but profound symbols. They symbolize God's absolute Holiness and His demand for Order and Purity in His dwelling place and among His people. The vastness of the measured space also employs Hyperbole to convey the immense grandeur and divine significance of the future temple, far surpassing any earthly structure. Furthermore, the entire vision functions as a Prophetic Allegory, offering a tangible representation of spiritual truths: God's presence returning to His people, the establishment of a new covenant order, and the ultimate separation of the holy from the profane. The "measuring reed" itself is a Metonymy for divine authority and precision, signifying that God Himself is the architect and surveyor of this perfect future.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 42:17, with its precise measurement of the temple's north side, profoundly underscores the theological truth of God's meticulous nature and His unwavering commitment to order and holiness. The sheer scale and exactitude of the measurements throughout the temple vision communicate that God's plans are not haphazard but divinely orchestrated, reflecting His perfect character. This emphasis on boundaries and distinct spaces highlights the fundamental theological concept of holiness—God's absolute separateness and purity—and the necessity for His people to recognize and respect the sanctity of His presence. It speaks to a divine blueprint for restoration, where God's glory would dwell in a perfectly prepared environment, setting the stage for renewed covenant relationship.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed measurements in Ezekiel's vision, including the specific dimension of the north side, serve as a powerful reminder of God's character as a God of order, precision, and intentionality. For believers today, while the physical temple may be understood symbolically or as a future reality, it underscores the importance of reverence and acknowledging God's holiness in our lives and worship. It speaks to the profound truth that God has a perfect plan for His creation and His people, which He meticulously unfolds. This divine order should inspire trust and awe in His overarching design for history and salvation. Practically, it calls us to consider how we approach God—with what reverence, precision, and intentionality do we live our lives, knowing that we are called to be a holy people, set apart for His purposes? Just as God meticulously measured His dwelling place, He also meticulously cares for and plans for His people, inviting us into His ordered and holy presence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "five hundred reeds" measurement?
Answer: The "five hundred reeds" (approximately 5,150 feet or 1.57 kilometers) signifies the immense scale and perfect square perimeter of the outer wall of the temple precinct. This vast dimension emphasizes the absolute holiness and separation of the sacred space from the common land, reinforcing the idea that God's presence is distinct and requires a consecrated environment. It underscores the divine precision and grandeur of the envisioned sanctuary, highlighting God's meticulous attention to detail in His plans for restoration and His dwelling among His people, as detailed in Ezekiel 40-48.
Was this temple ever built?
Answer: The temple described in Ezekiel's vision, with its precise measurements like those in Ezekiel 42:17, has not been built in its exact form. Scholars hold various views: some believe it's a literal temple to be built in the future (often associated with the millennial reign of Christ), others see it as a symbolic representation of spiritual realities (like the church or the New Jerusalem), and some interpret it as an idealized blueprint for the post-exilic temple that was never fully realized. Regardless of the specific interpretation, its primary theological purpose was to offer hope and a vision of God's restored glory to the exiled Israelites, emphasizing God's enduring faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. The ultimate fulfillment is often seen in Christ and His church, as well as the eternal state.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel's temple vision provides a meticulous blueprint for a future sanctuary, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found not in a physical structure, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The precise measurements and emphasis on holiness in Ezekiel 42:17 foreshadow the perfect, unblemished nature of Christ, who is the true temple where God's glory dwells in its fullness (John 1:14). Just as the temple in Ezekiel's vision provided access to God's presence, Jesus declared Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life, the sole means of access to the Father (John 14:6). The sacrificial system and the need for a consecrated space, so central to the Old Testament temple, find their complete and final fulfillment in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, which perfected those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:10-14). Furthermore, the vast, perfectly measured precinct of Ezekiel's temple points forward to the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21, where God's dwelling is explicitly stated to be with humanity, and there is no longer a need for a temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Revelation 21:22). Thus, the divine precision and holiness conveyed in Ezekiel's measurements ultimately find their perfect embodiment in Christ, who establishes a new and living way into God's presence, making His people themselves a spiritual temple (1 Peter 2:5).