Ezekiel 42:19

KJV

He turned about to the west side, [and] measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.

KJV (with Strong's)

He turned about {H5437} to the west {H3220} side {H7307}, and measured {H4058} five {H2568} hundred {H3967} reeds {H7070} with the measuring {H4060} reed {H7070}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He turned to the west side and measured 875 feet with the measuring rod.

Berean Standard Bible

And he came around and measured the west side to be five hundred cubits long.

American Standard Version

He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 42:19 details a specific measurement taken by the angelic guide within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of the future temple complex. This verse records the precise dimension of the western side of the outer precinct, a distance of five hundred reeds, emphasizing the meticulous divine design and the vastness of the sacred space God intends to establish. It underscores God's commitment to order, holiness, and the restoration of His dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 42:19 is situated within the extensive and highly detailed temple vision that spans [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision"). This particular verse concludes the description of the outer wall of the temple complex, providing the measurement for its western boundary. Chapters 40-42 meticulously describe the architectural layout, dimensions, and various chambers of the temple and its surrounding courts, all guided by a divine figure with a measuring reed. The preceding verses in chapter 42 detail the chambers for the priests on the north and south sides, and the overall structure of the sacred precinct. This verse, by completing the measurement of the perimeter, sets the stage for the subsequent description of the temple's inner sanctum and the return of God's glory in [Ezekiel 43](/ezekiel/43 "Ezekiel 43 - The Return of God's Glory"). The repetitive and precise nature of these measurements serves to impress upon the reader the divine origin and perfect order of this envisioned sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound despair and displacement for the Jewish people. The first temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, and the people were living in a foreign land, cut off from their spiritual center. In this context, the detailed blueprint of a new, magnificent temple served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring covenant faithfulness. It assured the exiles that God had not abandoned them and that His presence would once again dwell among them in a perfectly ordered and holy sanctuary. The use of a "measuring reed" was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern architecture, signifying precision and adherence to a divine or royal standard. The vast scale of the measurements, including the "five hundred reeds" in [Ezekiel 42:19](/ezekiel/42-19 "Ezekiel 42:19 - Measurement of the West Side"), would have conveyed an overwhelming sense of grandeur and divine majesty, far surpassing the former temple.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous measurements throughout [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision"), including the one in [Ezekiel 42:19](/ezekiel/42-19 "Ezekiel 42:19 - Measurement of the West Side"), contribute to several overarching themes. Firstly, they highlight **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating that God's plans are not haphazard but perfectly conceived and executed. Every detail of His dwelling place is divinely ordained, reflecting His perfect character. Secondly, the defined boundaries and vast dimensions emphasize **Holiness and Separation**, clearly demarcating the sacred from the common. The sheer size of the precinct, measured in reeds, underscores the absolute purity and distinctness required for God's presence. This concept of separation is central to understanding God's nature and His desire for a consecrated people and place. Finally, for a people in exile, this vision offered profound **Future Hope and Restoration**. It was a divine promise of a new era, a new temple, and the [return of God's glory](/ezekiel/43-2 "Ezekiel 43:2 - The Glory of the Lord Returns") to His people, signifying a renewed relationship and the ultimate fulfillment of His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned about (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** This verb (H5437) signifies a revolving or surrounding motion. In this context, it describes the action of the angelic guide, who, after measuring the other sides, physically turned to face the western direction. This emphasizes the methodical and comprehensive nature of the survey, ensuring that every part of the sacred precinct was meticulously measured and accounted for. It implies a deliberate, systematic approach to defining the boundaries of God's holy space.
* **measured (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** The root (H4058) means "to stretch" and, by implication, "to measure." This is the central action of the entire temple vision. The repeated use of this verb underscores the theme of divine precision and the tangible reality of the envisioned structure. It is not merely a symbolic sketch but a detailed blueprint, with every dimension precisely determined by God's standard. The act of measuring signifies divine ownership and the establishment of order.
* **reeds (Hebrew, _qâneh'_):** This noun (H7070) refers to a reed, specifically a measuring rod. As established in [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measuring Reed"), this reed was six cubits long, with each cubit being a "cubit and a hand breadth" (approximately 20.6 inches or 52.3 cm). Thus, one reed measured approximately 123.6 inches or 3.14 meters. The use of "reeds" as the unit of measurement highlights the ancient architectural context and the immense scale of the temple complex. Five hundred reeds translates to roughly 1.57 kilometers or just under a mile, on each side, forming a perfect square precinct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He turned about to the west side":** This clause describes the specific orientation and movement of the angelic guide. Having previously measured the other sides (north, east, and south), the guide now directs his attention and physical presence to the western boundary of the complex. The "west side" (Hebrew: _yâm_ H3220, meaning "sea," often referring to the Mediterranean Sea which was to the west of Israel, and thus used for the direction "west") indicates the final side of the square precinct to be measured, completing the perimeter. This methodical progression reinforces the thoroughness of the divine survey.
* **"and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed."** This clause states the precise dimension of the western boundary. The act of "measured" (H4058) signifies the application of a divine standard to define the sacred space. "Five hundred reeds" specifies the length, utilizing the "measuring reed" (H4060, _middâh_, meaning "measure" or "standard," and H7070, _qâneh_, "reed") as the instrument. This exact numerical value, consistent across all four sides of the outer precinct (cf. [Ezekiel 42:15-19](/ezekiel/42-15 "Ezekiel 42:15-19 - Measuring the Outer Wall")), establishes the perfect square shape of the entire temple complex's outer boundary, emphasizing its symmetry, completeness, and divine design.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 42:19, and indeed throughout the entire temple vision, is **Symbolism**. The meticulous measurements themselves, particularly the "five hundred reeds" on each side, symbolize divine order, perfection, and the vastness of God's holy presence. The **Precision** and **Detail** with which the measurements are given serve to underscore the divine origin of the vision; it is not a vague dream but a divinely inspired blueprint. This level of exactitude also highlights God's meticulous nature and His commitment to establishing a perfectly ordered dwelling place. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as **Visionary Literature**, a prophetic revelation conveyed through a symbolic architectural tour, designed to convey profound theological truths about God's future plans for His people and His dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 42:19, by completing the measurement of the vast outer precinct, reinforces the profound theological truth that God is a God of absolute order, precision, and holiness. The immense, perfectly square dimensions of the temple complex symbolize the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of God's presence and His sovereign control over all things. This divinely ordained order stands in stark contrast to the chaos and destruction that had befallen Jerusalem and its temple, offering a powerful message of hope that God's ultimate plan is one of restoration, perfection, and the re-establishment of His holy dwelling among His people. The precise boundaries underscore the necessity of separation between the sacred and the profane, a foundational principle for approaching a holy God.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Pattern of the Tabernacle")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "The New Jerusalem Measured")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 42:19, with its emphasis on precise measurements and divine order, invites us to reflect on the nature of God and His expectations for our lives. Just as God meticulously designed every aspect of His dwelling place, He also has a perfect plan for His creation and for each individual. This verse reminds us that God is not a God of chaos, but of intentionality and purpose. For believers today, while we do not worship in a physical temple of stone, we 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")). The vast, precisely measured boundaries of Ezekiel's temple complex challenge us to consider the extent of the holiness God desires in our own lives—not just in one area, but in every dimension. It prompts us to consecrate ourselves fully to Him, allowing His divine order to shape our thoughts, words, and actions, setting us apart for His sacred purposes. Furthermore, the vision's promise of a restored dwelling for God provides enduring hope that God's ultimate design for His people and creation will indeed come to fruition, culminating in the perfect, eternal dwelling of the New Jerusalem.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's temple design in Ezekiel challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to invite God's divine order and precision, allowing Him to "measure" and consecrate them for His purposes?**
* **How does the concept of a vast, holy space in Ezekiel's vision translate to your understanding of personal holiness and separation unto God today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "five hundred reeds" measurement in Ezekiel 42:19?**

Answer: The "five hundred reeds" measurement is highly significant because it defines the exact dimensions of the outer wall of the entire temple complex, forming a perfect square of 500 reeds on each side ([Ezekiel 42:15-19](/ezekiel/42-15 "Ezekiel 42:15-19 - Measuring the Outer Wall")). This translates to an immense area, approximately 1.57 kilometers (just under a mile) per side. Its significance lies in symbolizing the vastness, perfection, and comprehensive holiness of God's dwelling place. It emphasizes that the entire precinct is set apart for God, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and the meticulous nature of His divine design. This precise, symmetrical measurement also foreshadows the perfectly measured New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem Measured"), which is also described as a perfect cube.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 42:19 describes a literal, future temple, its precise measurements and emphasis on holiness find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant. The vast, perfectly measured temple precinct, designed as a dwelling for God's glory, points forward to Jesus Christ, who is the true temple of God, the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy this Temple")). He is the one through whom God's glory truly dwells with His people ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, the meticulous boundaries and separation of the temple foreshadow the perfect holiness and purity achieved through Christ's atoning sacrifice, which makes it possible for believers, as living stones, to be built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - A Holy Temple in the Lord")). The "five hundred reeds" of perfect measure ultimately culminates in the New Jerusalem, described as a city of perfect dimensions, where God Himself dwells directly with His redeemed people, and there is no need for a physical temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")). Thus, the precision of Ezekiel's vision finds its ultimate spiritual reality and eternal perfection in Christ and His everlasting kingdom.

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.