Ezekiel 48 23

Ezekiel 48:23 kjv

As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin shall have a portion.

Ezekiel 48:23 nkjv

"As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side to the west, Benjamin shall have one section;

Ezekiel 48:23 niv

"As for the rest of the tribes: Benjamin will have one portion; it will extend from the east side to the west side.

Ezekiel 48:23 esv

"As for the rest of the tribes: from the east side to the west, Benjamin, one portion.

Ezekiel 48:23 nlt

"These are the territories allotted to the rest of the tribes. Benjamin's territory lies just south of the prince's lands, and it extends across the entire land of Israel from east to west.

Ezekiel 48 verses

Ezekiel 48 23 Meaning

This verse describes the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin in the promised land, specifically their portion within the division of the land as laid out by Ezekiel. It states that Benjamin's allotment is adjacent to the portion designated for the Levites, a priestly tribe.

Ezekiel 48 23 Context

This verse is found in the final chapter of Ezekiel, which describes a detailed vision of a restored Israel and its land. Following extensive prophecies about judgment and restoration, this chapter provides a blueprint for the future, encompassing the temple, the land division, and the arrangement of cities and tribes. Ezekiel chapter 48 specifically details the boundaries of the land and how it is to be apportioned among the twelve tribes. Benjamin's portion is strategically placed adjacent to the sacred area and the Levites' portion, signifying its integration within the renewed covenant community. This vision of the restored land and people points towards ultimate redemption and God's dwelling with His people.

Ezekiel 48 23 Word Analysis

• And: (Hebrew: וְ, ve) - A conjunction connecting clauses and ideas. Here, it links the description of Benjamin's territory to the preceding tribal portions and the allocation of the land.

• to (Hebrew: לְ, le) - A preposition indicating direction, possession, or belonging. It shows that the following segment of land belongs to or is allocated for Benjamin.

• Benjamin (Hebrew: בִּנְיָמִין, Binyamin) - Means "son of my right hand." The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The tribe associated with him.

• [is] - The verb "to be" is often implied in Hebrew descriptive sentences.

• for them (Hebrew: לָהֶם, lahem) - Refers to the tribe of Benjamin.

• [to] (Hebrew: לְ, le) - Again, indicating possession or allocation.

• their (Hebrew: חֶבְלֵי, hevlei) - Rooted in חֵבֶל (chebel), meaning a rope, measuring line, or portion. It signifies their inheritance, their allocated share.

• allotment (Hebrew: נַחֲלָה, nachalah) - Inheritance, possession. Refers to the portion of land designated for the tribe.

• according to (Hebrew: לְפִי, lefi) - According to, in accordance with.

• their (Hebrew: לְפִי, lefi) - Their own; belonging to them.

• families (Hebrew: מִשְׁפְּחֹת, mishpechot) - Plural of מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpachah), meaning family, clan. Denotes the subdivisions within the tribe.

• And (Hebrew: וְ, ve) - Conjunction.

• unto (Hebrew: וּלְ, u'le) - And to.

• the (Hebrew: אֶת, et) - Definite article, pointing to a specific entity.

• north (Hebrew: צָפוֹנָה, tzafonah) - The northern direction.

• side (Hebrew: יָמִין, yamin) - Means right hand, but can also denote side or direction when coupled with directional terms. However, here the word translated as 'side' might be part of a phrase indicating boundary.

• border (Hebrew: גְּבוּל, gvul) - Boundary, limit, border.

• the north border (Hebrew: גְּבוּל הַצָּפוֹן, gvul hatzafon) - The northern boundary.

• And (Hebrew: וְ, ve) - Conjunction.

• its (Hebrew: וּבִּמְדֹּב, u'vimdov) - This Hebrew term (בִּמְדֹּב) is somewhat challenging and appears in translations as "its" or "its western boundary." The root is likely related to measuring or direction.

• western (Hebrew: יָמִין, yamin) - Right, west.

• border (Hebrew: גְּבוּל, gvul) - Boundary, limit, border.

• was (implied)

• from (Hebrew: מִ, mi) - Preposition indicating origin or separation.

• the (Hebrew: מִן, min) - Article used with a preposition.

• east (Hebrew: קֶדֶם, qedem) - East, beginning, front.

• side (Hebrew: יָמִין, yamin) - Again, referring to a side or boundary.

• to (Hebrew: וְעַד, v'ad) - And unto, up to.

• the (Hebrew: אֶל, el) - To.

• west (Hebrew: יָמָה, yamah) - West.

• border (Hebrew: גְּבוּל, gvul) - Boundary.

• of (Hebrew: יָמָה, yamah) - Again, west.

• the (Hebrew: אֶל, el) - To.

• west (Hebrew: יָמָה, yamah) - West.

• Grouped Analysis:

  • "their allotment" (חֶבְלֵי נַחֲלָה, hevlei nachalah): This phrase signifies the inherited portion of land, demarcated by boundaries. It's not just land, but a sacred inheritance promised by God.
  • "north border" (גְּבוּל הַצָּפוֹן, gvul hatzafon) and "west border" (גְּבוּל הַגְּבוּל הַיָּמִין, gvul hagvul hayamin or variations): These terms define the territorial limits of Benjamin's land within this visionary framework.
  • "from the east side to the west side": This describes the extent of the territory across the land from one boundary to another, implying a specific longitudinal measurement or expanse.

Ezekiel 48 23 Bonus Section

The positioning of Benjamin's territory adjacent to the Levitical cities in this vision highlights the tribe's close association with priestly service and the holy site, reflecting its historical proximity to Jerusalem, the center of worship, even after the division of the kingdom. This arrangement can be seen as a spiritual precursor to the unity and centrality of Christ in the New Testament church, where all believers, regardless of tribal or ethnic background, are brought near to God. The entirety of Ezekiel's land division vision is highly symbolic, pointing not just to a future geographical restoration of Israel but to a spiritual fulfillment in the messianic age.

Ezekiel 48 23 Commentary

Ezekiel's vision of tribal land distribution in the restored Israel places Benjamin's inheritance in a significant geographical location. It lies adjacent to the central sacred district and the Levitical cities. This placement signifies Benjamin's integral role within the renewed covenant community and its proximity to the center of worship and divine presence. The detailed boundary descriptions underscore the importance of order and precise assignment in God's restored kingdom. The mention of Benjamin also carries historical weight, as this tribe was prominent in the early monarchy (Saul) and survived the Assyrian captivity when the northern kingdom fell, being absorbed into the kingdom of Judah. This visionary land division, while highly symbolic for future fulfillment, echoes the earlier inheritances described in Joshua, recalibrating the tribal map around a restored temple and purified worship.