As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin shall have a portion.

EZEKIEL 48:23KJV
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Ezekiel 48:23 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:23 mean?

Ezekiel 48:23 states that the tribe of Benjamin will receive its own portion of land, stretching from the east side to the west side, as part of the division of territory among the tribes of Israel. This verse is part of a detailed description of how the land is to be allotted to each tribe in a future arrangement.

The prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the people of Israel during their exile, describing a vision of the land’s restoration and how it will be divided among the tribes. In this section, each tribe is assigned a specific portion, and here Benjamin’s territory is being defined. The focus is on fairness and order in the distribution, showing that every tribe, including Benjamin, has a rightful place in the restored land.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:23

  • "rest" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means "what is left" or "the remainder." Here, it points to the remaining tribes who have not yet been assigned their land portions, emphasizing that the process is systematic and inclusive.
  • "tribes" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet): This term refers specifically to the tribal groups of Israel, highlighting the collective identity and inheritance of each group.
  • "east" (קֶדֶם, qedem) and "west" (יָם, yam): These words mark the boundaries of the land portions, showing that each tribe’s territory stretches fully from one side of the land to the other, not just a small area.
  • "side" (פֵּאָה, pe’ah): This word means "edge" or "border," clarifying that the land is being divided from boundary to boundary, ensuring each tribe receives a fair share.

Why Ezekiel 48:23 matters

  • Ezekiel 48:23 clarifies that the land distribution is not random or partial; each tribe, including Benjamin, receives a full and clearly defined portion.
  • The verse connects to the larger vision in Ezekiel of restoration and hope for the exiled Israelites, assuring them that their tribal identities and inheritances will be honored in the future.
  • This careful listing and boundary-setting counter misunderstandings that the land promises were only symbolic or limited to certain tribes, showing that all are included in God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“side” Hebrew H6285 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 25:26 And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof.
  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Ezekiel 47:20 The west side also shall be the great sea from the border, till a man come over against Hamath. This is the west side.

“east” 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.

“rest” Hebrew H3499 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • 1 Kings 22:39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 27:7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.