Ezekiel 40 5

Ezekiel 40:5 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.

Ezekiel 40:5 nkjv

Now there was a wall all around the outside of the temple. In the man's hand was a measuring rod six cubits long, each being a cubit and a handbreadth; and he measured the width of the wall structure, one rod; and the height, one rod.

Ezekiel 40:5 niv

I saw a wall completely surrounding the temple area. The length of the measuring rod in the man's hand was six long cubits, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth. He measured the wall; it was one measuring rod thick and one rod high.

Ezekiel 40:5 esv

And behold, there was a wall all around the outside of the temple area, and the length of the measuring reed in the man's hand was six long cubits, each being a cubit and a handbreadth in length. So he measured the thickness of the wall, one reed; and the height, one reed.

Ezekiel 40:5 nlt

I could see a wall completely surrounding the Temple area. The man took a measuring rod that was 10 1?2 feet long and measured the wall, and the wall was 10 1?2 feet thick and 10 1?2 feet high.

Ezekiel 40 verses

Ezekiel 40 5 Meaning

Ezekiel 40:5 describes the commencement of a divinely revealed blueprint for a future temple. The prophet beholds a substantial outer wall encircling the envisioned sanctuary, and the divine guide accompanying him holds a precise measuring reed. This reed is specifically defined as being six cubits long, based on a unique "cubit and a hand breadth," which denotes a larger standard unit often called the long or royal cubit. With this specific tool, the angelic figure measures the thickness (breadth) and height of this foundational outer wall, each dimension being precisely one reed in length. This meticulous detail emphasizes the exactness and divine origin of the entire architectural vision.

Ezekiel 40 5 Context

Ezekiel 40:5 inaugurates a lengthy, detailed architectural description (chapters 40-42) of a visionary temple complex shown to Ezekiel during his Babylonian exile. The entire vision (chapters 40-48) takes place on the 10th day of the first month, in the 25th year of Israel's captivity (Eze 40:1), approximately 14 years after the destruction of Solomon's Temple and Jerusalem (Eze 33:21). At this time, the Jewish exiles were deeply disheartened, their land desolate, and the physical manifestations of God's presence—the temple—destroyed. This comprehensive vision, introduced by an angel with specific measuring tools, serves as a profound promise of restoration, the return of God's glory, and a meticulously ordered dwelling place for Him among His people. The immediate context of verse 5 follows Ezekiel being transported in a vision to a very high mountain in the land of Israel (Eze 40:2), where he meets a "man, whose appearance was like the appearance of bronze" (Eze 40:3), equipped with a measuring line and a measuring reed, tasked with revealing God's detailed plans.

Ezekiel 40 5 Word analysis

• And behold (וְהִנֵּה, vĕhinnēh): An interjection, meaning "look!" or "indeed!" It functions as an intensifier, drawing immediate and strong attention to the significant detail that follows, highlighting the revelatory nature of the vision. It emphasizes the direct, visual presentation to the prophet.
• a wall (חֹומָה, chômâh): A fortification, a strong barrier. This is the outer boundary of the entire temple complex, signaling demarcation between sacred and common, and perhaps protective security for the holy precinct. Its very existence implies an enclosed, set-apart space.
• on the outside of the house round about: This phrase defines the wall's position, completely enclosing the broader "house" or temple complex. "House" here refers to the entire sacred precinct rather than just the main temple building. It emphasizes a comprehensive separation and enclosure.
• and in the man's hand: The measuring instrument is held by the angelic guide mentioned in verse 3, whose "appearance was like the appearance of bronze." This indicates divine authorization and accurate, divinely-guided measurement.
• a measuring reed (קְנֵה הַמִּדָּה, q'nê hammiddah): A "reed of measure." Reeds were naturally straight and common as measuring tools in the ancient Near East. This specific term for a measuring implement emphasizes precise architectural rather than rough estimation.
• of six cubits long: This refers to the specific overall length of the measuring reed itself. The reed is a six-unit standard, but the crucial part is what constitutes one unit.
• by the cubit and a hand breadth: This crucial phrase clarifies the definition of a single cubit used in this vision.
  • cubit (אַמָּה, ammah): The basic ancient linear unit, approximately the length from elbow to fingertips. A "standard cubit" was typically considered 6 handbreadths.
  • hand breadth (טֹפַח, ṭōphakh): The width of a hand or four fingers. Approximately 3 inches.
  • the cubit and a hand breadth: This indicates a special, larger cubit, often called the "long cubit" or "royal cubit." Instead of 6 handbreadths, this cubit is 7 handbreadths (6 handbreadths + 1 handbreadth). This makes one of these visionary cubits approximately 20.6 inches (52.5 cm), notably larger than the common cubit of 18 inches (45 cm).
• so he measured: Direct action, signifying the immediate implementation of the divine instruction to record details.
• the breadth of the building: Referring to the thickness of the outer wall of the entire complex. This foundational measurement reveals the massive scale.
• one reed: This is the result of the measurement. The breadth of the wall is exactly one full measuring reed, which translates to 6 long cubits (approx. 10.3 feet or 3.15 meters). This is a very substantial thickness.
• and the height, one reed: The height of this outer wall is also precisely one measuring reed, meaning 6 long cubits high. The symmetrical "one reed by one reed" implies perfect, balanced proportions for this initial element.

Words-group analysis:

• "And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about": This initial imagery immediately establishes the visionary complex as an enclosed, bounded space. The presence of a sturdy outer wall suggests divine separation, protection, and the definition of a holy area. It signifies a distinct precinct for God's renewed presence.
• "in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and a hand breadth": This detailed description of the measuring tool is pivotal. It emphasizes that these are not arbitrary human estimations, but divine specifications, given with ultimate precision. The "long cubit" ensures larger, grander dimensions, distinguishing this visionary temple from typical human constructions and underscoring its unique divine standard. It highlights the rigorous, uncompromised standards of God's holy dwelling.
• "so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed": The immediate application of this precise tool to the initial structural element (the outer wall) demonstrates that the entire structure will be measured with this specific divine accuracy. The substantial breadth and height of this initial wall (approx. 10.3 feet for both) signifies a formidable and well-defined boundary for the sacred complex, emphasizing the holiness and security of the space.

Ezekiel 40 5 Bonus section

• The meticulous nature of these measurements, particularly the unique "long cubit," could be seen as an implicit polemic against imprecise or fraudulent commercial practices prevalent in ancient societies. It underscores God's commitment to truth and exactness, especially in matters pertaining to His worship and dwelling.
• The recurrent theme of "measuring" in prophetic visions (Zech 2; Rev 11; Rev 21) often signifies God's divine assessment, judgment, or, as in Ezekiel, the setting apart and establishing of a new order under His control. It confirms what is rightly His or what is to be built according to His will.
• While detailed, the exact dimensions provided throughout Ezekiel 40-42 present challenges for literal architectural recreation. This has led to diverse interpretations among scholars regarding the temple's ultimate fulfillment: some view it as a blueprint for a future literal temple in Israel, others as symbolic of the New Covenant community (the Church), or a symbolic representation of the eternal dwelling of God with man, culminating in the New Jerusalem. Regardless, the precision emphasizes divine intent and order.

Ezekiel 40 5 Commentary

Ezekiel 40:5 serves as the foundational verse for the extensive temple vision, setting the tone for the absolute precision that characterizes the divine blueprint. By detailing the measuring reed's specific length—six cubits of "the cubit and a hand breadth"—it reveals that God operates by an exacting, sacred standard, superior to common human measures. This "long cubit" (royal cubit) was familiar from grand ancient Near Eastern architecture, indicating that this new temple is not of modest or human scale, but monumental and perfectly ordained. For the exiles, the immediate establishment of a formidable outer wall of significant thickness and height (one reed in both dimensions) would convey a sense of secure re-establishment and a clear demarcation of holiness, preparing the heart for the comprehensive restoration of God's presence. The very act of measuring highlights divine design and control, reassuring those in despair that God's plans are concrete and precisely detailed, culminating in a secure dwelling for His glory among His people.