Ezekiel 47:20 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 47:20 mean?

Ezekiel 47:20 states that the western boundary of the land being described is the "great sea," which is another name for the Mediterranean Sea, stretching from the southern border up to the area opposite Hamath. This verse is part of a detailed description of the borders of the land allotted to Israel in Ezekiel's vision.

In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying God's instructions about the future division of the land among the tribes of Israel. The "great sea" (the Mediterranean) marks the western edge, and Hamath is a region to the north. This verse helps define the physical limits of the land in Ezekiel’s vision, showing how the boundaries are set by prominent geographical features.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 47:20

• "west" (יָם, yam): This word literally means "sea" in Hebrew but is often used to mean "west" because the Mediterranean Sea lies to the west of Israel. Here, it emphasizes that the western border is defined by the sea itself.
• "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means "great" or "large," highlighting the Mediterranean as the dominant sea in the region, not just any body of water.
• "Hamath" (חֲמָת, ḥamat): This is a specific place north of Israel, often marking the northern extent of the land in biblical descriptions. Its mention here helps clarify the northern reach of the western border.

Why Ezekiel 47:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that the land described in Ezekiel’s vision is not symbolic but is tied to real, recognizable geography, grounding the prophecy in physical reality.
• By naming the "great sea" and Hamath, the verse connects Ezekiel’s vision to earlier biblical boundaries, showing continuity with earlier promises about Israel’s land.
• Understanding these borders helps readers see how the land divisions in Ezekiel 47 fit into the larger context of Israel’s history and prophetic hopes.