Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince.

EZEKIEL 48:22KJV
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Ezekiel 48:22 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:22 mean?

Ezekiel 48:22 explains that the land belonging to the Levites and the city, which lies between the territories of Judah and Benjamin, will be included in the special portion set aside for the prince. This verse clarifies the boundaries and ownership of land in the new arrangement described by Ezekiel.

In this part of Ezekiel, the prophet is describing a future division of land among the tribes of Israel, as seen in his vision. God, through Ezekiel, is giving detailed instructions about how the land should be distributed, including a special allotment for the prince, who will have authority over an area that includes land previously assigned to the Levites and the city itself. This arrangement sits between the tribal territories of Judah and Benjamin.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:22

  • "possession" (אֲחֻזָּה, ʾăḥuzzāh): This word means a permanent holding or inheritance. Its use here emphasizes that the land is not just temporarily assigned but is meant as a lasting portion for the prince.
  • "midst" (תָּוֶךְ, tāwek): This word means "in the middle of." It highlights that the city and Levites' land are surrounded by the prince's territory, showing a central and possibly unifying role for the prince's allotment.
  • "prince" (נָשִׂיא, nāśîʾ): This word refers to a leader or ruler, not necessarily a king. In Ezekiel, the prince has a special role in leading and representing the people, and his portion of land reflects his importance.

Why Ezekiel 48:22 matters

  • Ezekiel 48:22 helps clear up confusion about how the land is to be divided, especially regarding the roles of the Levites, the city, and the prince in the new order.
  • The verse shows that the prince’s territory is set apart and includes areas that were previously considered separate, underlining the prince’s central role in Ezekiel’s vision of Israel’s future.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage by showing how all the tribes, leaders, and sacred spaces are given their place, reflecting order and fairness in the new land distribution.

Where else these words appear

“possession” Hebrew H272 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 17:8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
  • Leviticus 25:41 And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.
  • Joshua 21:41 All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs.

“prince's” Hebrew H5387 · used in 120 verses

  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Numbers 7:54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
  • 2 Chronicles 1:2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.