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King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
He measured it on the four sides: it had a wall around it, the length five hundred, and the breadth five hundred, to make a separation between that which was holy and that which was common.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He measured it by the foure sides: it had a wall round about, fiue hundreth reedes long, and fiue hundreth broade to make a separation betweene the Sanctuarie, and the prophane place.
Young's Literal Translation
At the four sides he hath measured it, a wall is to it all round about, the length five hundred, and the breadth five hundred, to separate between the holy and the profane place.
मराठी · MRCV
याप्रकारे त्याने चारही बाजूंचे माप घेतले. त्याच्याभोवती एक भिंत होती, जी पाचशे हात लांब आणि पाचशे हात रुंद असून पवित्रस्थानाला सर्वसाधारण स्थानापासून वेगळी करीत होती.
Translation
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ezekiel 42:15–20.
Passage under commentEzekiel 42:15–20
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.
16He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
17He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
18He measured the south side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed.
19He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.
20He 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.
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Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(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 42:20 culminates the detailed architectural specifications of the visionary temple complex, meticulously outlining the dimensions of its outermost wall. This verse precisely defines the boundary as a square, 500 reeds long and 500 reeds broad, serving the singular, paramount purpose of establishing an absolute and unyielding separation between the consecrated space of the sanctuary and the common, or profane, area outside. This demarcation powerfully underscores the unblemished holiness of God and the indispensable necessity of purity for His divine presence to dwell among His people, a foundational theological theme woven throughout Ezekiel's profound prophetic vision.
Context
Literary Context
Ezekiel 42:20 stands as the concluding statement in a meticulously detailed architectural blueprint revealed to the prophet Ezekiel, a vision that commenced in Ezekiel 40. Chapters 40 through 42 meticulously delineate the dimensions, intricate gates, various chambers, and expansive courts of this new, idealized temple. This particular verse specifically concludes the description of the outer wall, which serves to define and encompass the entirety of the sacred precinct. It follows the precise measurements of the outer court and its numerous chambers, providing the final, overarching boundary for the holy area. The pervasive precision of these measurements throughout the vision, including the specific dimensions of the wall detailed in Ezekiel 42:15-20, profoundly emphasizes the divine origin and perfect order inherent in this future sanctuary. Subsequent chapters transition from the physical structure to the glorious return of God's presence to the temple, as described in Ezekiel 43, and the subsequent regulations for its worship.
Historical & Cultural Context
The profound vision of the new temple was granted to Ezekiel during the harrowing period of the Babylonian exile, a time marked by deep national despair for the Israelites, approximately between 593 and 571 BC. Solomon's Temple, their cherished first temple, had been utterly destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leaving the people far from their homeland and its central place of worship. In this context of profound loss and displacement, Ezekiel's vision offered an immense beacon of hope and divine reassurance. It served as a divine promise that God had not forsaken His covenant people and that His glorious presence would one day return to a purified sanctuary. The deeply ingrained concept of a distinct "sanctuary" and "profane place" was fundamental to Israelite culture, finding its roots in the Mosaic Law, which rigorously prescribed rules for ritual purity and separation to maintain the holiness requisite for God's dwelling among them, as exemplified in passages like Leviticus 10:10. Furthermore, the meticulous measurements presented in the vision reflect common ancient Near Eastern architectural practices, where precise dimensions frequently conveyed divine authority, cosmic order, and immutable perfection.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully articulates and reinforces several pivotal themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel. Foremost among these is the theme of God's Holiness and Purity. The explicit stated purpose of the wall—"to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place"—underscores God's absolute transcendence, His unapproachable purity, and His unwavering demand for an unblemished environment for His presence. This stands in stark contrast to the defilement of the first temple that precipitated the exile, a desecration vividly detailed in earlier chapters such as Ezekiel 8. Secondly, the theme of Divine Order and Restoration is prominently displayed. The precise, divinely ordained measurements signify God's meticulous planning, His sovereign control over the restoration of His people, and the re-establishment of their worship. This vision is not a chaotic dream but a divine blueprint of perfect order and divine perfection. Finally, the verse contributes significantly to the overarching theme of God's Dwelling Presence (Shekinah). The entirety of the temple vision anticipates the glorious return of God's presence, as prophesied in Ezekiel 43:1-5, and the wall ensures that the sacred space prepared for this divine indwelling is thoroughly protected from any potential defilement, thereby creating an environment supremely suitable for the Holy One of Israel.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This feminine noun (H2346), derived from a root apparently meaning "to join," refers specifically to a protective barrier, most commonly a city wall. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, it denotes the encompassing wall of the sacred precinct. Its presence signifies security, robust demarcation, and defense. Symbolically, this wall is not merely a physical structure but a spiritual bulwark, safeguarding the sanctity of God's dwelling place against any form of defilement.
This masculine noun (H6944) signifies that which is "holy" or "set apart" for God. It refers to a sacred place or object, consecrated exclusively for divine worship and the manifestation of God's presence. In the ancient Israelite worldview, "qôdesh" represented the inviolable sphere of God's holiness, demanding absolute purity, reverence, and separation from all who approached or entered it. The wall's explicit purpose was to preserve this "qôdesh" from any intrusion of the common or unholy.
This masculine noun (H2455), derived from a root meaning "exposed" or "common," denotes that which is ordinary, common, or unholy, standing in direct contrast to the sacred. It represents the realm of everyday life, distinct from the consecrated space. The explicit mention of the "profane place" in conjunction with the "sanctuary" underscores the absolute necessity of a clear, physical, and spiritual boundary between God's transcendent holiness and anything that might defile or compromise it.
Verse Breakdown
"He measured it by the four sides:"
This opening clause identifies the divine guide, often understood as an angelic figure or a manifestation of God Himself, who is meticulously leading Ezekiel through the visionary temple. The act of measuring signifies divine precision, intentionality, and the absolute authority underlying this architectural blueprint. The phrase "by the four sides" indicates a complete, perfectly enclosed area, emphasizing the comprehensive and symmetrical nature of the boundary being established.
"it had a wall round about, five hundred [reeds] long, and five hundred broad,"
This segment provides the precise dimensions of the outermost wall, forming a perfect square. The unit of "reeds" (approximately 10.5 feet or 6 cubits per reed) indicates a structure of monumental scale, translating to roughly 1.05 miles (1.69 km) on each side. This immense size underscores the grandeur, significance, and protective capacity of the sacred precinct, establishing it as a vast, divinely protected zone. The emphatic repetition of "five hundred" highlights the perfect symmetry, completeness, and divine perfection of the design.
"to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place."
This is the pivotal purpose clause, revealing the profound theological significance of the wall. Its primary function is not merely defensive but fundamentally demarcative. It establishes an absolute, unyielding distinction between the holy (the "sanctuary" or sacred precinct) and the common or unholy (the "profane place"). This radical separation is foundational to maintaining the purity and reverence required for God's dwelling and worship, reinforcing the immutable principle that God's absolute holiness cannot tolerate defilement in His immediate presence.
Literary Devices
Ezekiel 42:20, like the broader temple vision, employs Symbolism extensively. The wall itself is a potent symbol of divine Holiness and Separation. Its immense dimensions (500 reeds by 500 reeds) symbolize the absolute, uncompromisable nature of God's purity, conveying that the sacred space is not merely set apart but is vast, thoroughly protected, and impenetrable to external defilement. The detailed Measurements provided throughout the vision, culminating in this verse, serve as a literary device to convey divine precision, perfect order, and absolute authority. They emphasize that this is not a human construct or a mere dream, but a divinely ordained blueprint, meticulously planned and executed by God Himself. The explicit juxtaposition of "sanctuary" and "profane place" constitutes a powerful form of Antithesis, highlighting the fundamental theological distinction between the sacred and the common, a core principle of ancient Israelite worship and an enduring attribute of God's character.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ezekiel 42:20 profoundly articulates the immutable theological principle of divine holiness and the indispensable necessity of separation. The massive wall serves as a tangible and unequivocal representation of God's absolute purity, which inherently cannot coexist with anything common, defiled, or unholy. This principle is foundational to understanding God's character and His interactions with humanity throughout the entirety of Scripture, from His initial commands for a holy people in the wilderness to His ultimate dwelling in the New Jerusalem. The meticulous measurements underscore God's intentionality and precision in establishing a pure and consecrated space for His presence, emphasizing that His dwelling among humanity necessitates a profound commitment to sanctification and spiritual distinction. This visionary temple, therefore, is not merely about a physical structure but about the spiritual reality of God's transcendent nature and His unwavering desire for a people set apart exclusively for Him.
Reflection and Application
Ezekiel's visionary temple, with its imposing and perfectly measured wall of separation, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. While we no longer worship in a physical temple in the same manner, the spiritual principle of holiness and separation remains critically relevant and eternally true. We are called to recognize that God's presence, whether in our individual lives or collectively within the Church, is inherently holy and demands a life consecrated and set apart for Him. This mandates cultivating a discerning spirit, enabling us to recognize what truly aligns with God's character and what stands in opposition to it, and actively choosing to distance ourselves from influences, practices, or attitudes that would defile our spiritual walk. Just as the wall physically protected the sanctuary from external profanity, we are spiritually called to guard our hearts, minds, and actions, ensuring that our entire lives reflect the purity, reverence, and devotion due to our Holy God. This involves a continuous, Spirit-empowered process of sanctification, striving daily to live in a manner worthy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, thereby making our very lives a "sanctuary" where God's presence can truly dwell, be honored, and be glorified.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "500 reeds" measurement?
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 profoundly 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, meticulous planning, and perfect design involved in preparing a dwelling place for God's glory, ensuring its complete separation and purity.
Does this verse describe a literal future temple or is it symbolic?
The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the specific details in Ezekiel 42:20, varies among biblical scholars and theological traditions. Some interpret it as a precise blueprint for a literal temple to be constructed 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 perfected New Jerusalem, or a future spiritual state of communion. Regardless of whether one holds a literal or symbolic interpretation, the profound theological principles conveyed—God's holiness, the indispensable need for separation from defilement, and the meticulousness of His divine plan—remain profoundly significant and universally applicable.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Ezekiel 42:20, with its emphatic delineation between the holy and the profane, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple system, with its physical boundaries, walls, and elaborate sacrificial rituals, served as a mere shadow of things to come, Christ is the ultimate reality (Colossians 2:17). He is the true and living "sanctuary," as He Himself declared concerning His body (John 2:19-21), through whom we now gain direct access to God's holy presence without the need for physical walls or animal sacrifices. More profoundly, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus Himself became the ultimate "separation" and "purification." He bore the full defilement of human sin, thereby making it possible for sinful humanity to be reconciled to a perfectly holy God. Believers, united with Christ by faith, are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming living temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19), called to live lives of holiness and spiritual separation from the world's profanity—not by physical barriers, but by the transforming and sanctifying power of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). 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, thereby fulfilling the ancient longing for God to dwell purely and intimately among His redeemed people (Revelation 21:3).