Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 42:17
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.
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Context — The Outer Measurements
Ezekiel 42:17 Summary
Ezekiel 42:17 tells us that the north side of the temple area was five hundred cubits long, which shows us that God is very precise and detailed in His plans, just like He was in creation, as seen in Genesis 1:31. This attention to detail can teach us to be more mindful of our own actions and decisions, as we strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17. The uniform measurements of the temple area, including the north side, also remind us of the importance of harmony and balance in our lives, as noted in Ephesians 4:16. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to appreciate God's meticulous nature and strive to live a life that is more orderly and balanced, as we seek to build each other up in love, as described in Ephesians 4:29.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the measurement of the north side of the temple area important in Ezekiel 42:17?
The measurement of the north side is significant because it emphasizes the precision and attention to detail in the vision of the temple, as seen in other measurements in Ezekiel 42:16 and Ezekiel 42:18, highlighting God's meticulous nature as described in Psalm 139:17-18.
How does the length of the north side relate to the rest of the temple area?
The north side, being five hundred cubits long, is consistent with the measurements of the other sides, as seen in Ezekiel 42:16, Ezekiel 42:18, and Ezekiel 42:19, indicating a uniform and balanced design, reflecting the harmony and order found in God's creation, as noted in Genesis 1:31.
What can we learn from the repetition of measurements in Ezekiel 42:16-19?
The repetition of measurements, including Ezekiel 42:17, teaches us about the importance of precision, order, and uniformity in our walk with God, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:16, and the attention to detail that God has for His people, as seen in Matthew 10:30.
How does the measurement of the temple area in Ezekiel 42:17 relate to the New Testament concept of the church as the temple of God?
The detailed measurements of the temple area, including Ezekiel 42:17, foreshadow the New Testament concept of the church as the temple of God, where believers are the living stones, as described in 1 Peter 2:5, and are being built into a spiritual house, as noted in Ephesians 2:21-22.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on the precision of God's measurements in Ezekiel 42:17, how can I apply this attention to detail to my own life and walk with God?
- What does the uniformity of the temple area's measurements, including the north side, teach me about God's character and His desire for harmony in my life?
- How can I, as a living stone in God's spiritual house, contribute to the building of a unified and balanced community of believers, as described in Ephesians 4:16?
- In what ways can I, like the prophet Ezekiel, be faithful in recording and sharing the details of God's vision for His people, as seen in Ezekiel 42:17 and the surrounding verses?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 42:17
He measured the north side, five hundred reeds,.... From the two angles of that side, east and west; and it was of the same dimension as the east side, just five hundred reeds, or one thousand seven
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 42:17
He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:17
Ezekiel 42:17 He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.Ver. 17. He measured the north side, five hundred reeds.] To show that many should come from all coasts and quarters to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 42:17
15–20. Measurements of the whole complex of the temple buildings on the outside The measuring angel began by measuring the height and thickness of the outside surrounding wall (Ezekiel 40:5); then he entered the outer gate, passing into the outer court, the measurements of which were made (Ezekiel 40:6-27); then he entered the inner court, containing the house and cells, all of which he measured (Ezekiel 40:28 to Ezekiel 42:14). These measures being completed, the angel now returns to the outside by the way he entered, the eastern gate, and finishes by measuring the compass of the whole temple buildings outside. This building, its surrounding wall being measured, forms a square of 500 cubits.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:17
15-20. If the present Hebrew text is to be followed, we have here a measurement of an outer wall, encompassing the temple quadrangle, three thousand sacred cubits (three thousand five hundred common cubits) long on every side.