Ezekiel 48 17

Ezekiel 48:17 kjv

And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.

Ezekiel 48:17 nkjv

The common-land of the city shall be: to the north two hundred and fifty cubits, to the south two hundred and fifty, to the east two hundred and fifty, and to the west two hundred and fifty.

Ezekiel 48:17 niv

The pastureland for the city will be 250 cubits on the north, 250 cubits on the south, 250 cubits on the east, and 250 cubits on the west.

Ezekiel 48:17 esv

And the city shall have open land: on the north 250 cubits, on the south 250, on the east 250, and on the west 250.

Ezekiel 48:17 nlt

Open lands will surround the city for 150 yards in every direction.

Ezekiel 48 verses

Ezekiel 48 17 Meaning

The fourteenth verse of Ezekiel chapter 48 describes the city gates of New Jerusalem, stating that on each of the three sides—north, east, and south—there will be three gates. This indicates a symmetrical and secure design for the eternal city, emphasizing its accessibility for all the tribes of Israel and the nations who will enter. The repeated mention of three gates on each side signifies completeness and divine order.

Ezekiel 48 17 Context

This verse is the culmination of Ezekiel's extensive vision of a restored Israel and a divinely ordained temple. Following the detailed layout of the land and the allocation of portions, chapter 48 focuses on the magnificent city at the heart of this renewed land. The city, named "The Lord Is There," signifies God's direct presence among His people. The specific measurements and gates detailed in this chapter reflect a return to perfection and order, mirroring aspects of Eden and foreshadowing the eternal state described in Revelation. The gates named after the tribes of Israel emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Ezekiel 48 17 Word Analysis

• וְהַשַּׁ֣עַר (vəhašša‘ar): "and the gate." The conjunction "and" links this description to the preceding mention of the city’s dimensions. "Gate" (שַׁ֣עַר - ša‘ar) is significant in the Old Testament, often representing an entrance, a place of judgment, or a place of public assembly. Its repetition signifies the structured access into the holy city.

• לְמִסְפַּ֤ר (ləmispar): "according to the number." This phrase indicates that the gates will correspond to a specific quantity or division, referencing the tribes of Israel.

• שְׁלֹשָׁה (šəlošāh): "three." The number three in Hebrew thought often signifies completeness, perfection, or divine emphasis. The presence of three gates on each of the three specified sides (north, east, south) emphasizes a thorough and divine provision for entry.

• שְׁלֹשָׁה (šəlošāh): "three." The repetition reinforces the idea of abundance and completeness in the access to the city.

• הַצָּפון (haṣṣāp̄ôn): "on the north." One of the cardinal directions mentioned.

• מִמֹּשָׁ֣ל (mimmošāl): "from the side." Denotes direction or orientation relative to the city.

• שְׁלֹשָׁה (šəlošāh): "three."

• לַיּ֔וֹצֵא (layyoṣê'): "on the east." Indicating another side of the city with gates.

• מִבֹּ֘֘()?> (mibbo'): "on the south." The third side specified for gates.

• שֶׁ֤בַע (šəva‘): This word is not in Ezekiel 48:14. It's possible this is a misattribution from a previous verse or an error. The text specifies three gates on the north, three on the east, and three on the south.

Word Group Analysis:

The grouping of "three gates" (שְׁלֹשָׁה שְׁעָרִים - šəlošāh šə‘ārîm) on three sides (north, east, south) emphasizes a structured, complete, and secure design for the city. This design, rooted in God's order, anticipates access for all His people and serves as a symbol of God's pervasive presence.

Ezekiel 48 17 Bonus Section

The verse's description of the city gates, specifically mentioning the north, east, and south sides with three gates each, forms a vital part of Ezekiel’s complex visionary architecture. While this verse details three sides, the subsequent verses (48:15-17) reveal the dimensions of the city’s surrounding area and its separation into sections, including the portion for priests, Levites, and the prince, and the remainder for the common people. The west side is notably distinct, housing the portion for the prince. This spatial arrangement in the visionary city is rich with symbolic meaning, reflecting order, holiness, and proximity to God’s dwelling. The anticipation of gates named after the tribes of Israel further reinforces the theme of covenant continuity and fulfillment, connecting the promises made to the patriarchs with the ultimate restoration under God's eternal reign. This imagery of a perfect, ordered city with appointed gates finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the heavenly Jerusalem where access to God is through Him alone.

Ezekiel 48 17 Commentary

Ezekiel 48:14 presents a vision of New Jerusalem with remarkable symmetry and completeness in its gate structure. The city, destined to be the dwelling place of God's people, is depicted with three gates on the north, three on the east, and three on the south, for a total of nine gates explicitly mentioned in this verse (the west side is allocated to the priests and the prince, with its own implications not directly covered by this specific gate count). This arrangement signifies perfect order, accessibility, and security. The gates, to be named after the twelve tribes of Israel in later verses, highlight God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. The recurring number "three" underscores divine perfection and completion. This architectural detail anticipates the eternal city, New Jerusalem, described in Revelation, where God dwells with humanity, and all are welcomed into His presence. It speaks to a kingdom where access is not based on merit but on God’s grace and the provisions made through Christ, who is the Door.