Ezekiel 48 34

Ezekiel 48:34 kjv

At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.

Ezekiel 48:34 nkjv

on the west side, four thousand five hundred cubits with their three gates: one gate for Gad, one gate for Asher, and one gate for Naphtali.

Ezekiel 48:34 niv

"On the west side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be three gates: the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher and the gate of Naphtali.

Ezekiel 48:34 esv

On the west side, which is to be 4,500 cubits, three gates, the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher, and the gate of Naphtali.

Ezekiel 48:34 nlt

And on the west wall, also 1 1?2 miles long, the gates will be named for Gad, Asher, and Naphtali.

Ezekiel 48 verses

Ezekiel 48 34 meaning

Ezekiel 48:34 describes a specific aspect of the New Jerusalem, a visionary holy city presented to the prophet. It precisely details the south side of this city, specifying its immense length of 4,500 cubits. Along this southern wall, there are three distinct gates, each named after one of the tribes of Israel: Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun. This verse contributes to the meticulous blueprint of divine order and perfect restoration that defines God's future dwelling place among His people.

Ezekiel 48 34 Context

Ezekiel 48:34 concludes the detailed description of the holy city in the final vision given to Ezekiel (chapters 40-48). This comprehensive vision depicts an ideal future temple and land allocation for the restored nation of Israel. Chapter 48 focuses on the specific division of the land among the twelve tribes, including a central sacred district for the temple and priests, and finally, the layout of the holy city itself.

The immediate verses (48:30-35) introduce the description of the city's perimeter, detailing its square shape and the names of its gates on all four sides. Verse 34 specifically provides the last set of gates for the south side. The historical context is critical: Ezekiel was prophesying during the Babylonian exile (6th century BC). His audience, suffering in a foreign land and yearning for a return to their homeland, needed a profound message of hope and restoration. This vision, therefore, serves as a blueprint of God's perfect plan, providing meticulous details as an assurance of an ultimate, divinely ordered future for Israel. It stands in stark contrast to the destruction and disorder they experienced, emphasizing God's faithfulness and ability to establish a perfect sanctuary and society.

Ezekiel 48 34 Word analysis

• On the south side: From the Hebrew mippē'at negbah (מִפְּאַת נֶגְבָּה), literally "from the side toward the south." Negev often refers specifically to the southern desert region of Judah, highlighting a directional aspect in addition to the geographical. This precise directional placement underscores the ordered design of the entire city, with each side distinct yet integrated.
• 4,500 cubits: ʼarba't alafim va-ḥameš meʼot ʼammah (אַרְבַּעַת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת אַמָּה). A cubit (ammah) varied, roughly 18-21 inches. This measurement, applied to all four sides (Ezek 48:16-17, 30), forms a perfectly square city. The meticulous "by measure" (miqdāh) highlights the divine precision, emphasizing that this is a supernaturally ordered city, unlike the irregular designs of earthly cities. It symbolizes divine perfection, unchangeability, and comprehensive control.
• shall be three gates: shlosha she'arim (שְׁלֹשָׁה שְׁעָרִים). Gates (she'arim) in ancient cities were crucial access points, sites of commerce, justice, and social gathering. The provision of three gates on each side signifies accessible entry into God's dwelling, yet in an orderly, structured manner. The number three often denotes completeness and divine presence in biblical numerology.
• the gate of Simeon, one: Simeon (shimʻon), a son of Leah. Historically, the tribe of Simeon had a challenging narrative (Gen 34; 49:5-7) and eventually its territory was absorbed into Judah (Josh 19:1, 9). Its inclusion as a gate demonstrates God's commitment to the full restoration and remembrance of all Israel, overlooking past shortcomings and ensuring every tribe has a place in His eternal city. The "one" (eḥad) reinforces the unique identity of each gate and the tribe it represents.
• the gate of Issachar, one: Issachar (yissaschar), another son of Leah. The tribe of Issachar was known for its diligence in labor (Gen 49:14-15) and understanding of the times (1 Chr 12:32). Its inclusion reflects God's acceptance of diverse contributions and characteristics within His unified people.
• and the gate of Zebulun, one: Zebulun (zevulun), the sixth son of Leah. This tribe was associated with the seacoast, trade, and blessings of prosperity (Gen 49:13; Deut 33:18-19). Like the others, its representation here underscores God's plan for a fully inclusive and reconciled Israel.

Words-group analysis:

• "On the south side, 4,500 cubits by measure": This phrase grounds the visionary city in tangible dimensions. It creates a picture of exactitude and perfect symmetry for the future city, which would have resonated deeply with an exilic people who had experienced loss and disorder. The unchanging divine standard of "by measure" contrasts with the fallible and often chaotic standards of humanity.
• "shall be three gates": This concise statement underscores both the accessibility and structured nature of the holy city. Three gates on each side, summing to twelve, indicate open invitation for all of God's people (represented by the twelve tribes), but through an orderly, divinely established means.
• "the gate of Simeon, one; the gate of Issachar, one; and the gate of Zebulun, one": The specific naming of these three tribes on the south side is a key feature. Each tribe, with its distinct history and tribal blessing, is acknowledged. This inclusion signifies the unity and totality of the restored nation of Israel. Despite any historical struggles or decline (like Simeon's), God remembers and restores each segment of His people, making them an integral part of His perfect city. The repetition of "one" after each tribe name highlights individual recognition within the collective whole.

Ezekiel 48 34 Bonus section

• The Cube Shape Significance: The city's square dimensions, 4,500 cubits on each side, signify perfection and holiness. This recalls the dimensions of the Holy of Holies in the ancient tabernacle and temple, which was a perfect cube (1 Kgs 6:20), suggesting that the entire city itself will be a holy dwelling place for God, bringing ultimate sacredness to all who reside within.
• The Number Twelve: The total of twelve gates, named after the twelve tribes of Israel (three on each side), consistently emphasizes the fullness of God's covenant people. This concept is spiritually echoed and fulfilled in Revelation's New Jerusalem, which also has twelve gates named after the tribes, signifying both an earthly (Israel) and a heavenly (the church) dimension to God's plan for salvation.
• Tribal Ordering: While a comprehensive and universally agreed-upon pattern for the specific order of tribes on each gate side remains a subject of scholarly discussion, the very act of meticulously listing them reinforces the theological truth that none of God's covenant people will be forgotten or excluded from the ultimate restoration. It portrays a perfectly organized, reconciled community.

Ezekiel 48 34 Commentary

Ezekiel 48:34, as part of the climactic vision of the holy city, unveils God's meticulous and unwavering plan for the ultimate restoration of His people. The description of the city's south side, with its precise dimensions and three gates named after specific tribes, is a powerful statement of divine order and inclusiveness. The exacting measurements underscore that this is not a human construct but a perfect, God-designed reality. The selection of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun for the southern gates demonstrates God's commitment to remembering and providing a place for all the tribes of Israel, regardless of their historical fortunes or past failures. It assures a complete, unified Israel inhabiting a perfectly ordered, accessible divine city. This vision provides an ultimate hope, far transcending any temporary return from exile, pointing towards an eternal fellowship where God dwells centrally among His reconciled and unified people.