King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 42:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 42:17 in the King James Version says “He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.”

Ezekiel 42:17 · KJV

Context

15

Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth toward the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it round about.

16

He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about. side: Heb. wind

17

He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.

18

He measured the south side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed.

19

He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.

Read Ezekiel 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about. After the east, the angel measures the north—moving clockwise around the temple complex. The repetition of five hundred reeds confirms the perfect square: all four sides equal, creating geometrical perfection that reflects divine order. The consistency of measurement from side to side demonstrates that God's standards don't vary based on visibility or importance—the back and sides receive the same attention as the front.

The north side in temple orientation held significance: it was the direction from which God's glory-throne was envisioned in Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 14:13, referencing the mythical 'mount of assembly in the far north'), and from which invading judgment came (Jeremiah 1:14-15, 4:6). Yet in Ezekiel's vision, the north side is enclosed and protected, measured and secure. What was once the direction of threat becomes part of the sacred perimeter. This pictures redemption: God transforms places of vulnerability into fortified sanctuary.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israelite cosmology, the north held ambiguous significance. Mount Zaphon, the sacred mountain of Baal located north of Israel, was considered the dwelling place of gods in Canaanite mythology. Isaiah polemically places Yahweh's throne in 'the far north' (Isaiah 14:13), claiming this cosmic direction for Israel's God alone. Historically, Israel's enemies invaded from the north—Assyria, Babylon, later the Seleucids and Romans. The north represented danger and divine judgment. Yet in Ezekiel's temple, the north side is incorporated into the perfect square of sacred space. This demonstrates that God's redemptive plan encompasses all directions, neutralizing ancient threats and sanctifying all space. In the new creation, there will be no vulnerable direction, no unprotected flank—God's presence secures all.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'north sides'—vulnerable areas or past wounds—does God protect when you dwell in His presence?
  2. How does the equal measurement of all four sides challenge our tendency to neglect less visible areas of spiritual life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מָדַ֖ד1 of 9

“He measured”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

ר֣וּחַ2 of 9

“side”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

הַצָּפ֑וֹן3 of 9

“the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

חֲמֵשׁ4 of 9

“five”

H2568

five

מֵא֥וֹת5 of 9

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

בִּקְנֵ֥ה6 of 9

“reed”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

בִּקְנֵ֥ה7 of 9

“reed”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

הַמִּדָּ֖ה8 of 9

“with the measuring”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

סָבִֽיב׃9 of 9

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 42:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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