Ezekiel 48 1

Ezekiel 48:1 kjv

Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.

Ezekiel 48:1 nkjv

"Now these are the names of the tribes: From the northern border along the road to Hethlon at the entrance of Hamath, to Hazar Enan, the border of Damascus northward, in the direction of Hamath, there shall be one section for Dan from its east to its west side;

Ezekiel 48:1 niv

"These are the tribes, listed by name: At the northern frontier, Dan will have one portion; it will follow the Hethlon road to Lebo Hamath; Hazar Enan and the northern border of Damascus next to Hamath will be part of its border from the east side to the west side.

Ezekiel 48:1 esv

"These are the names of the tribes: Beginning at the northern extreme, beside the way of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath, as far as Hazar-enan (which is on the northern border of Damascus over against Hamath), and extending from the east side to the west, Dan, one portion.

Ezekiel 48:1 nlt

"Here is the list of the tribes of Israel and the territory each is to receive. The territory of Dan is in the extreme north. Its boundary line follows the Hethlon road to Lebo-hamath and then runs on to Hazar-enan on the border of Damascus, with Hamath to the north. Dan's territory extends all the way across the land of Israel from east to west.

Ezekiel 48 verses

Ezekiel 48 1 Meaning

Ezekiel 48:1 describes the borders of the land divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. It specifically names the northern border and the northernmost point, Reuben, extending to the entrance of Hamath. This signifies the complete and divinely ordained division of the land, fulfilling promises made to Abraham and his descendants. The north-south alignment suggests a clear delineation for each tribe's inheritance within the promised territory.

Ezekiel 48 1 Context

Ezekiel 48 concludes the prophet's vision of a restored Israel. Following the detailed prophecies of judgment and restoration in the preceding chapters, this chapter describes a renewed land, temple, and system of worship. Chapter 48 specifically outlines the territorial division of this promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This detailed mapping is set in the context of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, offering a picture of ultimate redemption, order, and divine presence among His people. Historically, this vision would have resonated with an exiled audience, providing hope for a future return and a land to be repossessed according to God's plan.

Ezekiel 48 1 Word Analysis

• Now (וְעַתָּה, ve-'atah): Indicates a transition, signifying the commencement of a new section or a shift in focus, here introducing the list of tribes and their territorial allocations.
• these (אֵלֶּה, 'elleh): A demonstrative pronoun, pointing to the names that follow, directly connecting them to the subject of tribal inheritance.
• are (helek): (Implied verb).
• the names (שְׁמוֹת, shemot): Plural of "shem" (שֵׁם), meaning name. Refers to the identification of each tribe.
• of the tribes (מַטּוֹת, mattot): Plural of "matteh" (מַטֶּה), meaning tribe, rod, staff, or tribe. Denotes the divisions of Israel, emphasizing the organized structure of God's people.
• of Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisrael): The covenant name for Jacob and his descendants, signifying the people to whom this inheritance belongs.
• the first (רִאשׁוֹנָה, rishonah): From "rosh" (רֹאשׁ), meaning head or chief. Indicates the starting point of the division, the first in the sequence.
• one (אַחַת, achat): Feminine form of "echad" (אֶחָד), one. Here specifying the first tribe by its numerical order.
• is (helek): (Implied verb).
• to (לְ): A preposition indicating direction or destination.
• Reuben (רְאוּבֵן, Re'uven): "See, a son." The firstborn son of Jacob.
• throughout (מֵהֵנָּה, mehennah): From "hen" (הֵנָּה), here or hither. Implies a flow or extension.
• its (helek): (Implied pronoun).
• tribes (מַטּוֹת, mattot): Plural of "matteh," denoting the tribal divisions.
• the length (וְגַבְלָהּ, ve-gavlah): "Gavah" (גבה), meaning height or prominence; the 'vav' makes it possessive. Refers to its extent.
• is (helek): (Implied verb).
• one (אַחַת, achat): Feminine form of "echad."
• the ten (עֶשֶׂר, eser): "Eser" (עֶשֶׂר), ten.
• thousand (אֶלֶף, 'elef): "Elef" (אֶלֶף), thousand.
• and (וְ, ve): Conjunction.
• the width (וְרָחְבָּהּ, ve-rachbah): "Rachav" (רחב), meaning breadth or width. The 'vav' indicates possession.
• is (helek): (Implied verb).
• ten (עֶשֶׂר, eser): "Eser" (עֶשֶׂר), ten.
• thousand (אֶלֶף, 'elef): "Elef" (אֶלֶף), thousand.
• the length (מִמֶּנָּה, mimmennah): "Min" (מִן), from. Refers to its extent.
• entrance (בּוֹא, bo): From "bo'" (בֹּא), to come in, entrance.
• of Hamath (חֲמָת, Hamat): A geographical name, often referring to a significant city or region in the north of Canaan.
• unto (עַד, `ad): A preposition indicating a limit or boundary.
• its (helek): (Implied pronoun).
• side (צָפֹנָה, tsafonah): "Tzafon" (צָפוֹן), north.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now these are the names of the tribes of Israel": This opening sets the stage for a precise listing and allocation of land.
• "the first [tribes] one is to Reuben": Identifies the first territorial allocation for the tribe of Reuben.
• "throughout its tribes the length is ten thousand, and the width is ten thousand": Establishes a standardized measure for each tribal allotment in terms of length and width, indicating order and proportion.
• "and the width thereof [is] ten thousand: the length thereof is the entrance of Hamath": Specifies the northern boundary with geographical markers, connecting the measurement to a known region.

Ezekiel 48 1 Bonus Section

The precise units of measurement for the ten thousand are not specified in this verse but are generally understood to be cubits, consistent with other biblical measurements. The repetition of "ten thousand" (often a symbolic number representing completeness or a great multitude) for both length and width of Reuben's territory, and by extension each tribe's portion, highlights the immensity and ample nature of the inheritance. The allocation sequence, starting with Reuben and proceeding to Dan, contrasts with the order in Joshua's conquest, which began in the south. This difference in the prophetic vision underscores a renewed and perfect order under God's direct governance in the messianic age. The mention of Hamath, a northern boundary city, anchors the vision in the historical geography of the Promised Land.

Ezekiel 48 1 Commentary

Ezekiel 48:1 inaugurates the final section of the prophet's vision, detailing the future territorial divisions of the land of Israel among its twelve tribes. The verse establishes the starting point with Reuben, outlining a standardized size for each allotment: ten thousand by ten thousand units (likely cubits, though unspecified in this verse). This uniform dimension emphasizes divine order and fairness in the distribution. The mention of "the entrance of Hamath" marks a significant northern boundary marker. This vision of a divinely re-established nation, precisely apportioned and geographically defined, serves as a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness to His promises of restoration and dwelling among His people. It offers hope for a complete and complete healing of Israel's brokenness.