Ezekiel 42:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A complete five-hundred-reed square wall separates the holy temple complex from the surrounding profane world.
The Context of Ezekiel 42:20
The vision concludes with the temple's complete perimeter and its separating function.
What Does Ezekiel 42:20 Mean?
The vision culminates in a clear statement of purpose: the perimeter wall creates an absolute boundary between the sanctuary and the profane. This five-hundred-reed square marks the extent of God's dwelling place, physically distinct from the ordinary world beyond. The wall serves both as barrier and as proclamation of separation.
This final measurement synthesizes the entire vision. Every dimension points toward a temple designed with perfect order, complete separation of holy from common, and precise accommodation for priestly function. The boundary wall makes visible what is spiritual: the presence and order of God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 42:20
What does Ezekiel 42:20 mean?
A complete five-hundred-reed square wall separates the holy temple complex from the surrounding profane world.
What is the context of Ezekiel 42:20?
The vision concludes with the temple's complete perimeter and its separating function.