And over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.

EZEKIEL 48:13KJV
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Ezekiel 48:13 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:13 mean?

Ezekiel 48:13 describes a specific portion of land set aside for the Levites, measuring 25,000 units in length and 10,000 units in width, located next to the land given to the priests. This verse is part of a detailed vision about how land will be divided among the tribes and special groups in Israel.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel during their exile. The context is a vision of a future restored land, where the Levites—descendants of the tribe chosen to serve in temple duties—are given their own territory. The careful measurement and placement of this land highlight the importance of order and fairness in the distribution.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:13

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, g'vul): This word refers to a boundary or territory. Its use here emphasizes the clear and defined limits of each group's land, showing that each has a rightful place.
  • "Levites" (לֵוִי, Leviyy): This term identifies the tribe set apart for temple service, reminding the reader that their role is distinct from the priests (כֹּהֵן, kohen) but still honored with a special inheritance.
  • "length" (אֹרֶךְ, orekh) and "breadth" (רֹחַב, rokhav): These words specify the dimensions of the land, underlining the precision and fairness in God's instructions for dividing the land.

Why Ezekiel 48:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Levites, though not priests, are still given a significant and specific inheritance, correcting any idea that only priests receive special land.
  • The detailed measurements show the value placed on fairness and order in God's plan for the restored community.
  • Ezekiel 48:13 connects to the larger vision of chapters 40–48, where God promises a new, just arrangement for Israel, with every group recognized and provided for.

Where else these words appear

“against” Hebrew H5980 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:27 Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:8 And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.
  • Ezekiel 3:13 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing.

“breadth” Hebrew H7341 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:20 And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.
  • Ezekiel 41:2 And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits.

“length” Hebrew H753 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
  • Ezekiel 40:33 And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, were according to these measures: and there were windows therein and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.