Ezekiel 42:20
Ezekiel 42:20 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
He took its measure on the four sides: and it had a wall all round, five hundred long and five hundred wide, separating what was holy from what was common.
So he measured all four sides. There was a wall surrounding it, five hundred cubits long and five hundred cubits wide, separating the holy from the common.
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.
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.
He measured it on the four sides. It had a wall around it, the length five hundred cubits, and the width five hundred cubits, to make a separation between that which was holy and that which was common.
He measured it by the four sides: it had a wall around, five hundred reeds long, and five hundred broad, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.
By the four winds he measured the wall thereof on every side round about, five hundred cubits long and five hundred cubits broad, making a separation between the sanctuary and the place of the people.
That wall separated the area which was sacred/holy from the areas that were not sacred.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 42:20
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 42:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/אַרְבַּ֨ע
רוּח֜וֹת
מְדָד֗/וֹ
ח֤וֹמָה
ל/וֹ֙
סָבִ֣יב
סָבִ֔יב
אֹ֚רֶךְ
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
מֵא֔וֹת
וְ/רֹ֖חַב
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
מֵא֑וֹת
לְ/הַבְדִּ֕יל
בֵּ֥ין
הַ/קֹּ֖דֶשׁ
לְ/חֹֽל
לְ/אַרְבַּ֨ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Prep | Adj
רוּח֜וֹת
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cp
מְדָד֗/וֹ
mâdad
H4058
to measure
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
ח֤וֹמָה
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
N-fs
ל/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
סָבִ֣יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
סָבִ֔יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
אֹ֚רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
length
N-ms
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
מֵא֔וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
וְ/רֹ֖חַב
rôchab
H7341
width
Conj | N-ms
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
מֵא֑וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
לְ/הַבְדִּ֕יל
bâdal
H914
to separate
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הַ/קֹּ֖דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Art | N-ms
לְ/חֹֽל
chôl
H2455
common
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 42:20
לְ/אַרְבַּ֨ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Prep | Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
רוּח֜וֹת
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cp
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.
מְדָד֗/וֹ
mâdad
H4058
"to measure"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
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.
ח֤וֹמָה
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.
ל/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
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.
סָבִ֔יב
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.
אֹ֚רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
"length"
N-ms
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Definition: 1) length 1a) physical length 1b) of time 2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] forever, length, long. See also: Genesis 6:15; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 21:5.
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
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.
מֵא֔וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
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.
וְ/רֹ֖חַב
rôchab
H7341
"width"
Conj | 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.
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
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.
מֵא֑וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
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.
לְ/הַבְדִּ֕יל
bâdal
H914
"to separate"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/קֹּ֖דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Art | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
לְ/חֹֽל
chôl
H2455
"common"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word describes something or someone as common or unholy, like the profane place in Jeremiah 3:2. It means not set apart for God's use. This idea is seen in Ezekiel 22:26.
Definition: profaneness, commonness, unholy, profane, common, sand
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: common, profane (place), unholy. See also: Leviticus 10:10; Ezekiel 22:26; Ezekiel 48:15.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 42:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 42:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 42:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 42:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 42:20
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 42:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
- Sermons on Ezekiel 42:20
Context — The Outer Measurements
18He measured the south side to be five hundred cubits long.
19And he came around and measured the west side to be five hundred cubits long.
20So 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.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 45:2 | Within this area there is to be a section for the sanctuary 500 cubits square, with 50 cubits around it for open land. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 22:26 | Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 40:5 | 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. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 44:23 | They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean. |
| 5 | Zechariah 2:5 | For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 48:15 | The remaining area, 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, will be for common use by the city, for houses, and for pastureland. The city will be in the center of it |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 6:17 | “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” |
| 9 | Ezekiel 48:20 | The entire portion will be a square, 25,000 cubits by 25,000 cubits. You are to set apart the holy portion, along with the city property. |
| 10 | Isaiah 25:1 | O LORD, You are my God! I will exalt You; I will praise Your name. For You have worked wonders— plans formed long ago— in perfect faithfulness. |
Ezekiel 42:20 Summary
Ezekiel 42:20 talks about a special area that is separated from the rest of the world, kind of like a sacred space. This area is a perfect square, with each side being five hundred cubits long, which symbolizes God's perfect plan. Just like this area is set apart, God wants us to be set apart for Him, as seen in Leviticus 20:26 and 1 Peter 2:9. By following God's commands and living a life that honors Him, we can be part of His holy and separate people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the wall mentioned in Ezekiel 42:20?
The wall is to separate the holy from the common, as stated in Ezekiel 42:20, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, such as in Leviticus 10:10 and Ephesians 2:14, where God separates the sacred from the profane.
How big is the area being measured in Ezekiel 42:20?
The area is five hundred cubits long and five hundred cubits wide, as stated in Ezekiel 42:20, forming a square shape, similar to the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16.
What is the significance of the measurements in Ezekiel 42:20?
The measurements in Ezekiel 42:20 emphasize the perfection and completeness of God's plan, as the number five hundred represents a perfect square, symbolizing God's sovereignty and order, as seen in other measurements in Ezekiel and Revelation.
How does Ezekiel 42:20 relate to other parts of the Bible?
Ezekiel 42:20 is part of a larger vision of the restored temple and the holy city, which is also described in other books, such as Revelation 21:1-22:5, where God dwells with His people in a holy and separate city.
Reflection Questions
- What does the concept of separating the holy from the common mean to me personally, and how can I apply it in my daily life?
- How can I ensure that I am living a life that is set apart for God, just like the area in Ezekiel 42:20 is set apart from the common?
- What are some ways that I can create boundaries in my life to protect my relationship with God and maintain a sense of holiness?
- How does the idea of a perfect and complete plan, as represented by the measurements in Ezekiel 42:20, give me hope and confidence in God's sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 42:20
He measured it by the four sides,.... Which were equilateral, parallel to each other, each measuring five hundred reeds; which in all made up two thousand reeds, or seven thousand yards: this shows
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 42:20
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
He measured it, the whole wall, by the four sides, repeating the measure of the whole, according to the number of the sides. It had a wall; the whole had such a wall: had each side been five hundred reeds, the prophet must in propriety of speech have said they, i.e. the sides, not it, i.e. the whole compass of the wall. Five hundred reeds long: in such an equilateral square there is properly no length, for all sides are equal, but because in the temple structure there was length and breadth, therefore that latus, or side, which runs in straight line, parallel with the length of the temple, is here taken for the length; the other, which was parallel to the breadth of the temple, is the breadth of this isopleuron, or equilateral square. Five hundred broad: he speaks not here of the thickness, though sometimes breadth and thickness are the same. To make a separation; to distinguish, and accordingly to exclude or admit persons, for all might not go in. The sanctuary; not the temple, this is not here meant; but we must remember here that the Jews accounted the whole earth profane, i.e. common or unclean, compared with Canaan, and Canaan common or less holy than Jerusalem, and every part nearer the temple the more holy; and so here the outward court was enclosed to distinguish it by its comparative holiness, it was more holy than all without it. Thus, enveloped in clouds and darkness, thou hast, good reader, a conjecture at many things, which, I need not blush to confess, are more above mine own comprehension than above some others. The mystical sense I refer to thy thoughts.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
Ezekiel 42:20 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.Ver. 20. He measured it by the four sides.] The Church is fair and firm, for it is quadrangular; so is every true member thereof homo quadratus, square, steadfast and immovable, ανικητοςκαιακινητος, always abounding in the work of the Lord, &c. His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. He quits himself well in all estates, and comes off a gainer. Gold is purged in the fire, shines in the water; as, on the other side, clay is scorched in the fire, dissolved in the water. The new Jerusalem is said to lie square.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
(20) It had a wall.—Around this vast enclosure on all sides was a wall, not of the slight character of that in Ezekiel 42:7; but the same word is used as in Ezekiel 40:5, of the massive wall surrounding the outer court. The object of this enclosure was to protect the sanctity of the Temple and its courts, “to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
Verse 20. It had a wall round about-to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.] The holy place was that which was consecrated to the Lord; into which no heathen, nor stranger, nor any in a state of impurity, might enter. The profane place was that in which men, women, Gentiles, pure or impure, might be admitted. Josephus says War, lib. vi., c. 14, that in his time there was a wall built before the entrance three cubits high, on which there were posts fixed at certain distances, with inscriptions on them in Latin and Greek, containing the laws which enjoined purity on those that entered; and forbidding all strangers to enter, on pain of death. See Calmet.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 42:20
20. sanctuary … profane place] Rather: between that which was holy and that which was profane (common). Holy and profane are used here relatively, just as Ezekiel 42:13 the inner court is relatively holy in contrast with the outer to which the people had access. Cf. Ezekiel 43:12, where the limits of the house are said to be “most holy.” In Ezekiel 45:4 the priests’ land surrounding the temple is called holy, and in Ezekiel 48:12 most holy.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 42:20
The “sanctuary” proper is probably here the most holy place as distinguished from the rest of the temple Ezekiel 41:23; Ezekiel 45:3; but the term was capable of extension first to the whole temple,
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:20
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.
Sermons on Ezekiel 42:20
| 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 |
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Christ a Stranger (1984 Conference) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of time people have for prayer and Bible study due to their busy lives and distractions. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizi |
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Who Qualifies to Stand in the Gap? by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the critical role of intercession in his sermon 'Who Qualifies to Stand in the Gap?', using Moses as a prime example of someone who stood in the gap for th |
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Matthew 7:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of discernment in the Christian faith, particularly in the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:6. He warns against the dangers of indiscri |
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The Future of Israel (Part 2) by Richard Ganz | In this sermon, the preacher shares a conversation he had with an elderly man who was passionate about karate. Despite his age, the man was still actively involved in full-contact |
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(Power From on High) 2. the Baptism With the Holy Ghost by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the baptism with the Holy Ghost, explaining that it is Christ who baptizes us with the Spirit, enabling us to live a life reflective of |
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Comfort for the Church by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the comforting presence of God in the midst of His church, emphasizing that despite external and internal enemies, God's refuge and strength are always |