Ezekiel 48:17 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:17 mean?

Ezekiel 48:17 describes the specific measurements for the land surrounding the city in Ezekiel’s vision, stating that the suburbs on each side—north, south, east, and west—will each be two hundred and fifty units wide. This verse is part of a detailed layout for the future city and its surrounding areas.

In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the people of Israel about how the land should be divided after their return from exile. The focus here is on the area just outside the city, called the “suburbs,” which serve as open space or pastureland. The verse emphasizes the careful planning and symmetry in the design of the city’s surroundings.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:17

• The word “suburbs” (מִגְרָשׁ, migrāsh) refers to open land or pastureland around a city. This term often means space set aside for practical use, like grazing animals or providing a buffer between the city and the rest of the land.
• The word “city” (עִיר, ʿîr) simply means a populated place or town, emphasizing that these measurements are for the area directly around the main settlement.
• The directions “north” (צָפוֹן, tsāfōn), “south” (נֶגֶב, negev), “east” (קֶדֶם, qedem), and “west” (יָם, yam) show that the measurements are meant to be equal on all sides, highlighting balance and order in the city’s design.

Why Ezekiel 48:17 matters

• Ezekiel 48:17 shows that every detail of the city’s future layout was planned with care, reflecting God’s desire for order and fairness in the new community.
• The verse helps clear up that the “suburbs” were not just empty land, but had a specific function and size, ensuring space for practical needs like livestock and possibly for the well-being of the city’s residents.
• This detail connects to the larger vision of Ezekiel 40–48, where the prophet describes a restored land and temple, showing that spiritual renewal also includes thoughtful, just arrangements for daily life.