And by the border of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side, Zebulun a portion.

EZEKIEL 48:26KJV
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Ezekiel 48:26 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:26 mean?

Ezekiel 48:26 describes how the tribe of Zebulun will receive its assigned portion of land in the new division of Israel, with its territory lying next to the border of Issachar, stretching from the east side to the west side. This verse is part of a detailed list outlining the future tribal allotments in Ezekiel’s vision.

In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the exiled Israelites about how the land will be divided among the twelve tribes when they return. The verse is part of a larger vision that gives hope and structure for a restored Israel, showing that each tribe will have a specific, well-defined inheritance.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:26

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word refers to a boundary or territory line, emphasizing that each tribe’s land has clear, set limits.
  • "east" (קֵדֶם, qedem) and "west" (יָם, yam): These words show the full width of the territory, from sunrise to sunset, highlighting the completeness of the allotment.
  • "side" (פֵּאָה, pe’ah): This word means an edge or extremity, making it clear that the measurement is from one end of the land to the other.
  • "Zebulun" (זְבוּלוּן, Zevulun) and "Issachar" (יִשָּׂשכָר, Yissakhar): These are the names of the tribes, showing the specific order and neighbors in the new land arrangement.

Why Ezekiel 48:26 matters

  • Ezekiel 48:26 helps clarify that the restored land of Israel is to be divided in an orderly, equitable way, with each tribe receiving a distinct portion.
  • The verse connects to the broader vision in Ezekiel 40–48, where God promises a future restoration and a new beginning for the people after exile.
  • By naming the tribes and their borders, the passage reassures the exiles that their identity and inheritance are not lost, but will be honored in God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“Issachar” Hebrew H3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 30:18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
  • Numbers 26:25 These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.
  • 1 Kings 15:27 And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.

“Zebulun” Hebrew H2074 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 30:20 And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • Judges 12:12 And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulun.

“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.