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

EZEKIEL 48:27KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 48:27 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:27 mean?

Ezekiel 48:27 describes how the tribe of Gad is assigned a portion of land in the new division of Israel, with its territory stretching from the eastern border to the western border, next to the territory of Zebulun. This verse is part of a detailed list showing how the land will be divided among the tribes in Ezekiel’s vision of Israel’s future.

In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions about the layout of the land after Israel’s restoration. The focus is on specific tribal boundaries, with Gad’s territory being clearly marked out next to Zebulun’s. The passage is part of a larger vision where each tribe receives a fair and organized share of the land, reflecting a sense of order and restoration for the people.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:27

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means a boundary or border, emphasizing the clear and fixed limits set for each tribe’s territory in the vision.
  • "east" (קֵדֶם, qedem) and "west" (יָם, yam): These terms specify the orientation of the land division, showing that the territory runs from the eastern edge to the western edge, highlighting the full span of the land given to Gad.
  • "side" (פֵּאָה, pe’ah): This word means “side” or “edge,” and its repetition underlines the exactness of the borders being described.

Why Ezekiel 48:27 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that the land distribution in Ezekiel’s vision is not random but carefully measured, with each tribe receiving a specific and fair portion.
  • By naming the tribes and their borders, Ezekiel 48:27 connects to the broader theme of restoration and unity for Israel after exile, showing that every tribe has a place in God’s plan.
  • The mention of both east and west borders emphasizes the completeness of the territory, reinforcing the idea of full restoration and inclusion for the tribe of Gad.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“Gad” Hebrew H1410 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Samuel 22:5 And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.