And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy portion shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy portion; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

EZEKIEL 48:18KJV
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Ezekiel 48:18 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:18 mean?

Ezekiel 48:18 describes a section of land set aside next to the holy offering, measuring ten thousand cubits both to the east and to the west, with its produce meant to provide food for those who work in service to the city. This verse is part of a detailed plan for dividing land among the people after their return from exile.

In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the Israelites about how the land should be distributed when they return to their homeland. The focus here is on practical arrangements: land is not just for worship or leaders, but also for the everyday needs of those who maintain the city. The verse shows careful planning to ensure that those serving the community are provided for.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:18

  • "residue" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means what is left over or the remainder. Here, it refers to the land left after the special holy portion is set aside, emphasizing that every part of the land has a purpose.
  • "oblation" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah): This means an offering or contribution, often something set apart for God. The verse uses this word to describe the special holy section, highlighting its sacred use.
  • "increase" (תְּבוּאָה, tevuah): This word means produce or yield, usually of crops. It shows that the land’s main value here is its ability to feed those serving the city, not just its location or size.
  • "serve" (עָבַד, avad): This means to work or serve, and in this context, it refers to those who perform duties for the city, not just religious leaders but all who keep the city running.

Why Ezekiel 48:18 matters

  • Ezekiel 48:18 clarifies that the land distribution after exile was meant to be practical and fair, ensuring that those who serve the community are supported with food from the land.
  • The verse shows that the holy and the ordinary are connected: the land near the sacred offering is also used to meet everyday needs, not just set apart for ritual.
  • This arrangement ties into the larger vision of Ezekiel 40–48, where God’s restored people live in a well-ordered, just society with clear roles and provisions for everyone.

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.

“increase” Hebrew H8393 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 47:24 And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.
  • Deuteronomy 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
  • Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

“oblation” Hebrew H8641 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • Numbers 15:19 Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.
  • Ezra 8:25 And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:

“eastward” Hebrew H6921 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 41:6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
  • Ezekiel 40:32 And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.
  • Ezekiel 48:2 And by the border of Dan, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Asher.