Ezekiel 40:5

Ezekiel 40:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And I saw a wall surrounding the temple area. Now the length of the measuring rod in the man’s hand was six long cubits (each measuring a cubit and a handbreadth), and he measured the wall to be one rod thick and one rod high.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And, behold, a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man’s hand a measuring reed six cubits long, of a cubit and a handbreadth each: so he measured the thickness of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And there was a wall on the outside of the house all round, and in the man's hand there was a measuring rod six cubits long by a cubit and a hand's measure: so he took the measure of the building from side to side, one rod; and from base to top, one rod.

Free Bible Version FBV

I could see a wall that surrounded the Temple. The measuring rod the man was holding was six long cubits in length (a long cubit is a cubit plus a handbreadth). He measured the wall as six cubits thick and six cubits high.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And beholde, I sawe a wall on the outside of the house round about: and in the mans hand was a reede to measure with, of sixe cubites long, by the cubite, and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the buylding with one reede, and the height with one reede.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And lo, a wall on the outside of the house all round about, and in the hand of the man a measuring-reed, six cubits by a cubit and a handbreadth, and he measureth the breadth of the building one reed, and the height one reed.

World English Bible WEB

Behold, there was a wall on the outside of the house all around, and in the man’s hand a measuring reed six cubits long, of a cubit and a hand width each. So he measured the thickness of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And behold a wall on the outside of the house around, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and a hand-breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed: and the hight, one reed.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And behold there was a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man’s hand a measuring reed of six cubits and a handbreadth: and he measured the breadth of the building one reed, and the height one reed.

Translation for Translators T4T

In the vision I saw that there was a wall that completely surrounded the temple area. The measuring stick in the man’s hand was ◄10-1/2 feet/3.3 meters► long. He measured the wall: It was ◄10-1/2 feet/3.3 meters► thick and ◄10-1/2 feet/3.3 meters► high.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 40:5

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 40:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה חוֹמָ֛ה מִ/ח֥וּץ לַ/בַּ֖יִת סָבִ֣יב סָבִ֑יב וּ/בְ/יַ֨ד הָ/אִ֜ישׁ קְנֵ֣ה הַ/מִּדָּ֗ה שֵׁשׁ אַמּ֤וֹת בָּֽ/אַמָּה֙ וָ/טֹ֔פַח וַ/יָּ֜מָד אֶת רֹ֤חַב הַ/בִּנְיָן֙ קָנֶ֣ה אֶחָ֔ד וְ/קוֹמָ֖ה קָנֶ֥ה אֶחָֽד

וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

חוֹמָ֛ה chôwmâh H2346 wall N-fs

מִ/ח֥וּץ chûwts H2351 outside Prep | N-ms

לַ/בַּ֖יִת bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms

סָבִ֣יב çâbîyb H5439 around N-cs

סָבִ֑יב çâbîyb H5439 around N-cs

וּ/בְ/יַ֨ד yâd H3027 hand Conj | Prep | N-cs

הָ/אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

קְנֵ֣ה qâneh H7070 branch N-ms

הַ/מִּדָּ֗ה middâh H4060 `great stature` Art | N-fs

שֵׁשׁ shêsh H8337 six Adj

אַמּ֤וֹת ʼammâh H520 cubit N-fp

בָּֽ/אַמָּה֙ ʼammâh H520 cubit Prep | N-fs

וָ/טֹ֔פַח ṭôphach H2948 handbreadth Conj | N-ms

וַ/יָּ֜מָד mâdad H4058 to measure Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

רֹ֤חַב rôchab H7341 width N-ms

הַ/בִּנְיָן֙ binyân H1146 building Art | N-ms

קָנֶ֣ה qâneh H7070 branch N-ms

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

וְ/קוֹמָ֖ה qôwmâh H6967 height Conj | N-fs

קָנֶ֥ה qâneh H7070 branch N-ms

אֶחָֽד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 40:5

וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

חוֹמָ֛ה chôwmâh H2346 "wall" N-fs

A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.

Definition: wall

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.

מִ/ח֥וּץ chûwts H2351 "outside" Prep | N-ms

This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.

Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside

Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.

לַ/בַּ֖יִת bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

סָבִ֣יב çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cs

This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.

Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side

Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.

סָבִ֑יב çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cs

Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side

Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.

וּ/בְ/יַ֨ד yâd H3027 "hand" Conj | Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

הָ/אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

קְנֵ֣ה qâneh H7070 "branch" N-ms

This word describes a branch or reed, and is used to represent measurement, strength, or support. In the Bible, it is used to describe objects like the rod of a steelyard or the branches of a lampstand.

Definition: : branch 1) reed, stalk, bone, balances 1a) stalk 1b) water-plant, reed 1c) calamus (aromatic reed) 1d) derived meanings 1d1) measuring-rod 1d2) reed (as unit of measure-6 cubits) 1d3) beam (of scales-for scales themselves) 1d4) shaft (of lampstand) 1d5) branches (of lampstand) 1d6) shoulder-joint

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, [idiom] spearman, stalk. See also: Genesis 41:5; Isaiah 19:6; Psalms 68:31.

הַ/מִּדָּ֗ה middâh H4060 "`great stature`" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something that is measured, like height, width, or a portion of something. It can also refer to a garment or tribute, like a tax. It is used to describe Goliath's great stature in 2 Samuel 21:20.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.20; son of: Rapha (H7497A); brother of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902) § (BDB) tribute

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: garment, measure(-ing, meteyard, piece, size, (great) stature, tribute, wide. See also: Exodus 26:2; Isaiah 45:14; Psalms 39:5.

שֵׁשׁ shêsh H8337 "six" Adj

This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.

Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)

Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.

אַמּ֤וֹת ʼammâh H520 "cubit" N-fp

A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.

Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)

Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.

בָּֽ/אַמָּה֙ ʼammâh H520 "cubit" Prep | N-fs

Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.

וָ/טֹ֔פַח ṭôphach H2948 "handbreadth" Conj | N-ms

Similar to H2947, this word also refers to the width of a hand, used in 1 Kings 7:26 and 2 Chronicles 4:5 to describe the size of the molten sea. The molten sea was large.

Definition: span, hand breadth

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: hand-breadth (broad). See also: Exodus 25:25; Ezekiel 40:5; Ezekiel 43:13.

וַ/יָּ֜מָד mâdad H4058 "to measure" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.

Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

רֹ֤חַב rôchab H7341 "width" N-ms

This Hebrew word means width or breadth, used to describe physical size or space. It appears in the Bible to describe the width of the earth or a room. In the KJV, it is translated as breadth or broad.

Definition: breadth, width, expanse

Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: breadth, broad, largeness, thickness, wideness. See also: Genesis 6:15; Ezekiel 40:13; Isaiah 8:8.

הַ/בִּנְיָן֙ binyân H1146 "building" Art | N-ms

In the original Hebrew, this word means a building or structure, referring to any kind of edifice. It is used in various contexts to describe physical buildings.

Definition: structure, building Aramaic equivalent: bin.yan (בִּנְיָן "building" H1147)

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: building. See also: Ezekiel 40:5; Ezekiel 42:1; Ezekiel 42:10.

קָנֶ֣ה qâneh H7070 "branch" N-ms

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, [idiom] spearman, stalk. See also: Genesis 41:5; Isaiah 19:6; Psalms 68:31.

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

וְ/קוֹמָ֖ה qôwmâh H6967 "height" Conj | N-fs

Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: 1) height 1a) height, stature 1b) height

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] along, height, high, stature, tall. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:23; Isaiah 10:33.

קָנֶ֥ה qâneh H7070 "branch" N-ms

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, [idiom] spearman, stalk. See also: Genesis 41:5; Isaiah 19:6; Psalms 68:31.

אֶחָֽד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

Study Notes — Ezekiel 40:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 40:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 40:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 40:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 40:5
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 40:5
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5
Sermons on Ezekiel 40:5

Context — The East Gate

3So He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze. He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. 4“Son of man,” he said to me, “look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Report to the house of Israel everything you see.”

5And I saw a wall surrounding the temple area. Now the length of the measuring rod in the man’s hand was six long cubits (each measuring a cubit and a handbreadth), and he measured the wall to be one rod thick and one rod high.

6Then he came to the gate facing east and climbed its steps. He measured the threshold of the gate to be one rod deep. 7Each gate chamber was one rod long and one rod wide, and there were five cubits between the gate chambers. The inner threshold of the gate by the portico facing inward was one rod deep.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 42:20	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.
2	Isaiah 26:1	In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation is established as its walls and ramparts.
3	Revelation 21:12	The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.
4	Zechariah 2:5	For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’”
5	Isaiah 60:18	No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.
6	Deuteronomy 3:11	(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)
7	Psalms 125:2	As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.

Ezekiel 40:5 Summary

In Ezekiel 40:5, the prophet sees a wall surrounding the temple area, which represents the separation between what is holy and what is not. This wall is measured with precision, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail in God's plans. Just as the wall separates the sacred from the secular, we are called to live lives that are set apart for God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. By focusing on the small things and seeking to live in harmony with God's design, we can reflect the beauty and order of His creation, as described in Psalm 19:1-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the wall surrounding the temple area in Ezekiel 40:5?

The wall represents the separation between the holy and the profane, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Revelation 21:12-14, where the New Jerusalem is also surrounded by a wall, emphasizing the distinction between the sacred and the secular.

Why is the measuring rod in the man's hand six long cubits, each measuring a cubit and a handbreadth?

The precise measurement of the rod emphasizes the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in God's plans, as also seen in 1 Kings 6:1-10, where the construction of the temple is described with similar attention to measurement and detail.

What is the spiritual significance of the wall being one rod thick and one rod high?

The uniform thickness and height of the wall may symbolize the balance and harmony that exist in God's design, reflecting the perfection and order of His creation, as described in Psalm 19:1-6, where the heavens declare the glory of God.

How does this vision of the temple wall relate to the rest of Ezekiel's prophecy?

This vision is part of Ezekiel's larger prophecy of the restoration of Israel and the reconstruction of the temple, as seen in Ezekiel 40-48, where God provides detailed instructions for the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of worship in Israel, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21:1-22:5.

Reflection Questions

What does the image of the wall surrounding the temple area evoke in my heart, and how does it relate to my own walk with God?
In what ways can I apply the principle of separation between the holy and the profane in my own life, as reflected in this verse?
How does the attention to detail in this verse encourage me to be more mindful of the small things in my own life and ministry?
What does this vision of the temple wall reveal about God's character and His desire for order and harmony in His creation?
How can I balance the need for separation and distinction with the call to be a light in the darkness, as reflected in Matthew 5:14-16?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 40:5

And behold, a wall on the outside of the house round about,.... The first thing that presents itself to the view of the prophet, after the sight of the architect or chief builder, is a wall

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5

A wall: this was that outmost wall, which did encompass the whole ground on which the temple stood, and the courts that belonged to the temple; a wall that encompassed the whole Mount Zion, upon whose top the temple stood. On the outside: this passage clears which wall it was, viz. the outermost of three, which the floor of the temple and the mount was encircled with. Of the house; house of God, the temple, as ,5. In the man’ s hand: the prophet is called to see and hear, but the standard is not put into his hand: Christ who is this man, hath and keeps the reed in his own hand, as the only fit person to take the measures of all. Reed, or cane, for this measuring rod or staff was of those canes growing in that country, straight, long, and light, and which architects did make use of. Of six cubits long; each cubit consisting of eighteen inches in our common account; and though there is much wrangling about the exact dimensions of this cubit, I will not intermeddle with the dispute, it was about one Roman foot and half, which comes very near to our English foot and half, or eighteen inches, or one half-yard. An hand breadth, added to each six cubits, not, as some have supposed, to each cubit. The breadth; the thickness of the walls, which were one reed and one hand’ s breadth, or three yards and three inches, thick. The height; and the height equal, taking the measure, not from the bottom of the wall in the valley on the outside, which was of different height, as the valley was of different depth, but taking the measure from the area, or floor, on the inside of the wall, it was in the whole circuit of equal height, as here.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5

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.Ver. 5. And behold a wall on the outside of the house.] Betokening God’ s almighty protection of his Church and chosen.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5

(5) By the cubit and an hand breadth.—The sense will be more clearly conveyed by reading, “each being a cubit and a hand-breadth,” i.e., each of the six cubits which made up the reed was an ordinary cubit and a hand-breadth more. It is difficult or impossible to fix with precision the length of the cubit of Scripture, more especially as the value of the measure appears to have changed in the course of ages. In 2 Chronicles 3:3 the measurements of Solomon’s Temple are given “by cubits after the first [or ancient] measure.” It appears, therefore, that the cubit in common use at the time of the compilation of that book (after the return from the captivity) was different from the standard Mosaic cubit. Ezekiel evidently intends to use the latter in his Temple measurements, and therefore adds “an hand breadth” to the common cubit. Different writers vary in their estimate of the length of the measure thus obtained from eighteen to twenty-four inches. By considering it twenty inches we shall have a convenient number for use, and cannot be far wrong. The “reed of six cubits” was therefore about ten feet long. The breadth of the building—i.e., the thickness of the wall surrounding the court. The length of this wall is not given until Ezekiel 40:47. The thickness and height are made equal, evidently for the sake of the symmetry of the measures. (Comp. Revelation 21:16.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5

Verse 5. A measuring reed of six cubits long] The Hebrew cubit is supposed to be about twenty and a half inches; and a palm, about three inches more; the length of the rod about ten feet six inches. The breadth-one reed; and the height, one reed.] As this wall was as broad as it was high, it must have been a kind of parapet, which was carried, of the same dimensions, all round the temple. See AAAA in the plan. Ezekiel 48:35

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 40:5

5. A wall surrounded the whole temple buildings (Ezekiel 42:20). This wall was a reed broad or thick and a reed high. The reed was six cubits, each cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth, i.e. a handbreadth larger than the lesser cubit in use. This larger cubit was probably about 18 inches, and the reed 9 feet. Others, the Egyp. ell, 20½ in. by the cubit and] Six cubits long, each of one cubit and, &c.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 40:5

The boundary wall of the temple-courts. See Plan II. A wall on the outside of the house - The wall enclosing the courts in which were the entrance gates.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:5

5. The length of the measuring reed has been variously estimated, according to the supposed length of Ezekiel’s cubit.

Sermons on Ezekiel 40:5

	Sermon	Description
	Ezekiel 42:20 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the wall of separation in Ezekiel 42:20, emphasizing God's desire to distinguish the holy from the profane. He highlights the challenges o
	Of Church Discipline. by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes that church discipline is rooted in divine authority rather than human laws, asserting that Christ is the sole head and lawgiver of the church. He clarifies th
	The City of Refuge. by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar preaches on the concept of cities of refuge as a divine provision for sinners, illustrating how these cities symbolize the salvation found in Christ. He emphasizes tha
	The Spirit of Nehemiah by Denny Kenaston	Denny Kenaston preaches on the story of Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of prayer, courage, and sacrifice in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem as a testimony of God's strengt
	Epistle 297 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the necessity of remaining in the power of the Lord, as losing this power equates to losing the kingdom characterized by peace, righteousness, and joy. He enc
	Zion's Waymarks by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of returning to the path of righteousness and salvation, using the metaphor of setting up waymarks and making high heaps to guide the bac
	Lesser Known Characters 07 John-Telescopic Vision by Joseph Balsan	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus for salvation, as emphasized by the Gospel of John. He also discusses the four faces seen in a vision, w