Ezekiel 42:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He measured {H4058} it by the four {H702} sides {H7307}: it had a wall {H2346} round about {H5439}, five {H2568} hundred {H3967} reeds long {H753}, and five {H2568} hundred {H3967} broad {H7341}, to make a separation {H914} between the sanctuary {H6944} and the profane place {H2455}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He measured its four sides; it had a wall around it; and it was 875 [feet] long and 875 [feet] wide. Thus a division was made between what was holy and what was common.

Berean Standard Bible

So he measured the area on all four sides. It had a wall all around, five hundred cubits long and five hundred cubits wide, to separate the holy from the common.

American Standard Version

He measured it on the four sides: it had a wall round about, the length five hundred, and the breadth five hundred, to make a separation between that which was holy and that which was common.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 42:20 concludes the detailed architectural specifications of the visionary temple complex, emphasizing the meticulous measurements of its outermost wall. This verse highlights the precise dimensions of the boundary, a square of 500 reeds by 500 reeds, which served a singular, crucial purpose: to establish a clear and unyielding separation between the sacred space of the sanctuary and the common, or profane, area outside. This demarcation underscores the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of purity for His presence to dwell among His people, a central theme throughout Ezekiel's prophetic vision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 42:20 serves as the culminating verse in a detailed architectural blueprint provided to the prophet Ezekiel, beginning in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"). Chapters 40-42 meticulously describe the dimensions, gates, chambers, and courts of a new, idealized temple. This particular verse concludes the description of the outer wall, which defines the entire sacred precinct. It follows the detailed measurements of the outer court and the various chambers, providing the final, encompassing boundary of the holy area. The precision of these measurements throughout the vision, including the dimensions of the wall in [Ezekiel 42:15-20](/ezekiel/42-15 "Ezekiel 42:15-20 - Measurement of the Outer Wall"), underscores the divine origin and perfect order of this future sanctuary. The subsequent chapters will move from the physical structure to the glory of God returning to the temple ([Ezekiel 43](/ezekiel/43 "Ezekiel 43 - The Glory of the Lord Returns to the Temple")) and the regulations for its worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the new temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national despair for the Israelites (c. 593-571 BC). The first temple, Solomon's Temple, had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and the people were far from their homeland and its central place of worship. In this context, Ezekiel's vision offered immense hope and reassurance. It was a divine promise that God had not abandoned His people and that His presence would one day return to a purified sanctuary. The concept of a distinct "sanctuary" and "profane place" was deeply embedded in Israelite culture, rooted in the Mosaic Law, which prescribed strict rules for ritual purity and separation to maintain the holiness required for God's dwelling among them (e.g., [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing between Holy and Profane")). The meticulous measurements in the vision also reflect ancient Near Eastern architectural practices, where precise dimensions often conveyed divine authority and cosmic order.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel. First and foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Purity**. The explicit purpose of the wall—"to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place"—underscores God's absolute transcendence and His demand for a pure environment for His presence. This contrasts sharply with the defilement of the first temple that led to the exile, as detailed in earlier chapters like [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple"). Secondly, the theme of **Divine Order and Restoration** is prominent. The precise, divinely ordained measurements signify God's meticulous planning and His sovereign control over the restoration of His people and their worship. This vision is not a chaotic dream but a blueprint of divine perfection. Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **God's Dwelling Presence (Shekinah)**. The entire temple vision anticipates the return of God's glory ([Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple")), and the wall ensures that the space prepared for this divine indwelling is protected from any defilement, creating an environment suitable for the Holy One of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wall (Hebrew, _chôwmâh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to join," refers to a protective barrier, specifically a city wall or, in this context, the encompassing wall of a sacred precinct. Its presence signifies security, demarcation, and defense. In Ezekiel's vision, this wall is not merely structural but symbolic, serving as a spiritual bulwark against defilement, safeguarding the sanctity of God's dwelling place.
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This word denotes that which is "holy" or "set apart" for God. It refers to a sacred place or thing, consecrated exclusively for divine worship and presence. In the Israelite worldview, "qôdesh" represented the sphere of God's presence, demanding purity and reverence from all who approached or entered it. The wall's purpose was to preserve the "qôdesh" from any intrusion of the common or unholy.
* **profane place (Hebrew, _chôl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "exposed" or "common," this term signifies that which is ordinary, common, or unholy, in contrast to the sacred. It represents the realm of everyday life, distinct from the consecrated space. The explicit mention of the "profane place" emphasizes the absolute necessity of a clear, physical, and spiritual boundary between God's holiness and anything that might defile it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He measured it by the four sides:"** This opening clause refers to the divine guide (often identified as an angel or a divine figure) who is leading Ezekiel through the temple vision. The act of measuring signifies precision, divine intentionality, and the absolute authority behind the blueprint. The "four sides" indicate a complete, enclosed area, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the boundary.
* **"it had a wall round about, five hundred [reeds] long, and five hundred broad,"** This specifies the exact dimensions of the outer wall, forming a perfect square. The unit of "reeds" (approximately 10.5 feet or 6 cubits per reed) indicates a massive structure, translating to roughly 1.05 miles (1.69 km) on each side. This immense scale underscores the grandeur and significance of the sacred precinct, making it a vast, protected zone. The repetition of "five hundred" emphasizes the perfect symmetry and completeness of the divine design.
* **"to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place."** This is the crucial purpose clause, revealing the theological significance of the wall. Its primary function is not merely defensive but demarcative. It establishes an absolute distinction between the holy (the "sanctuary" or sacred precinct) and the common or unholy (the "profane place"). This separation is fundamental to maintaining the purity required for God's dwelling and worship, reinforcing the principle that God's holiness cannot tolerate defilement in His immediate presence.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 42:20, like much of the temple vision, employs **Symbolism** extensively. The wall itself is a potent symbol of divine **Holiness** and **Separation**. Its immense size (500 reeds by 500 reeds) symbolizes the absolute and uncompromisable nature of God's purity, suggesting that the sacred space is not merely set apart but is vast and thoroughly protected from external defilement. The detailed **Measurements** throughout the vision, culminating in this verse, serve as a literary device to convey divine precision, order, and authority. They emphasize that this is not a human construct but a divinely ordained blueprint, meticulously planned by God. The explicit contrast between "sanctuary" and "profane place" is a form of **Antithesis**, highlighting the fundamental theological distinction between the sacred and the common, a core principle of Israelite worship and God's character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 42:20 profoundly articulates the theological principle of divine holiness and the necessity of separation. The massive wall serves as a tangible representation of God's absolute purity, which cannot coexist with anything common or defiled. This principle is foundational to understanding God's character throughout Scripture, from His initial commands for a holy people to His ultimate dwelling in the New Jerusalem. The meticulous measurements underscore God's intentionality in establishing a pure space for His presence, emphasizing that His dwelling among humanity requires a commitment to sanctification. This vision, therefore, is not just about a physical structure but about the spiritual reality of God's nature and His desire for a people set apart for Him.

* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing between Holy and Profane")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Impure Enters the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's visionary temple, with its imposing wall of separation, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. While we no longer worship in a physical temple in the same way, the spiritual principle of holiness and separation remains critically relevant. We are called to recognize that God's presence is inherently holy and demands a life set apart for Him. This means cultivating a discerning spirit, recognizing what aligns with God's character and what is contrary to it, and actively choosing to distance ourselves from influences that would defile our spiritual walk. Just as the wall protected the sanctuary, we are called to guard our hearts, minds, and actions, ensuring that our lives reflect the purity and reverence due to our Holy God. This involves a continuous process of sanctification, striving to live in a manner worthy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, making our lives a "sanctuary" where God's presence can truly dwell and be honored.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to establish clearer "walls" of separation between the sacred and the profane?**
* **How does the concept of God's absolute holiness, as depicted by this wall, impact your approach to worship and daily living?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of personal holiness and reverence for God's presence in your life?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "500 reeds" measurement?**

Answer: The measurement of 500 reeds (approximately 1.05 miles or 1.69 kilometers) on each side signifies the immense scale and comprehensive nature of the sacred precinct. This vastness emphasizes the absolute and uncompromisable holiness of God and the thoroughness with which the sacred space is protected from any common or profane intrusion. It underscores the divine order and meticulous planning involved in preparing a dwelling place for God's glory.

**Does this verse describe a literal future temple or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including [Ezekiel 42:20](/ezekiel/42-20 "Ezekiel 42:20 - The Outer Wall of the Temple"), varies among scholars. Some interpret it as a blueprint for a literal temple to be built in the future, often associated with the millennial reign of Christ. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the spiritual reality of God's dwelling among His people—whether the Church, the New Jerusalem, or a perfected spiritual state. Regardless of the literal or symbolic interpretation, the theological principles of God's holiness, the need for separation, and the meticulousness of His divine plan remain profoundly significant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 42:20, with its emphasis on separation between the holy and the profane, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple system, including its physical boundaries and sacrificial rituals, served as a shadow, Christ is the reality (cf. [Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - The Reality is Christ")). He is the true "sanctuary" (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), through whom we gain access to God's presence without the need for physical walls or animal sacrifices. More profoundly, through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Himself became the ultimate "separation" and "purification." He bore the defilement of sin, making it possible for sinful humanity to be reconciled to a holy God. Believers, united with Christ, are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming living temples (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), called to live lives of holiness and separation from the world's profanity, not by physical walls, but by the transforming power of the Spirit (cf. [2 Corinthians 6:17-18](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - Come Out and Be Separate")). In Christ, the separation is not merely external but an internal spiritual reality, as He enables us to be set apart for God's glory, fulfilling the ancient longing for God to dwell purely among His people (cf. [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling is with Man")).

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 45:2

Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred [in length], with five hundred [in breadth], square round about; and fifty cubits round about for the suburbs thereof.

Ezekiel 40:5

¶ And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits [long] by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.

Ezekiel 22:26

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

Ezekiel 48:15

And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane [place] for the city, for dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 44:23

And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

Zechariah 2:5

For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

Isaiah 60:18

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.