And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali.

EZEKIEL 48:3KJV
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Ezekiel 48:3 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:3 mean?

Ezekiel 48:3 describes how the land of Israel will be divided among the tribes, specifically stating that the tribe of Naphtali will receive a portion of land next to the border of Asher, stretching from the east side to the west side. This verse is part of a detailed list of tribal allotments in a future vision of Israel’s territory.

In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying a vision from God to the exiled Israelites, outlining how the land will be organized when they are restored. The verse is part of a larger section where each tribe is assigned a specific territory, showing careful order and fairness in the distribution.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:3

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word refers to a boundary or border, emphasizing the clear and fixed limits of each tribe’s land. It highlights the structured and organized nature of the allotment.
  • "east" (קֶדֶם, qedem) and "west" (יָם, yam): These words literally mean "east" and "sea" (referring to the Mediterranean Sea, which is west), showing the full span of the land from one side to the other. This detail underlines that each tribe’s portion runs the entire width of the land, not just a small area.

Why Ezekiel 48:3 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that the land distribution in Ezekiel’s vision is meant to be equitable, with each tribe receiving a portion that stretches from east to west, rather than being clustered or uneven.
  • By naming specific tribes and borders, Ezekiel 48:3 connects the restoration vision to Israel’s ancient tribal identities, reinforcing the idea of a renewed and united people.
  • The careful listing of borders and tribes in this chapter shows God’s concern for order and fairness in the restoration of Israel, which would have been especially meaningful to exiles longing for home.

Where else these words appear

“Asher” Hebrew H836 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
  • Numbers 26:46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.
  • Judges 1:31 Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:

“Naphtali” Hebrew H5321 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

“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.