And these are the goings out of the city on the north side, four thousand and five hundred measures.

EZEKIEL 48:30KJV
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Ezekiel 48:30 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:30 mean?

Ezekiel 48:30 describes the northern boundary of a future city, stating that the city’s northern side will measure four thousand five hundred units in length. This measurement is part of a detailed vision outlining the layout and dimensions of Jerusalem as seen by the prophet Ezekiel.

In this passage, Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the people of Israel about the design of a restored city after their time in exile. The verse is part of a larger section where Ezekiel lists the measurements and gates of the city, emphasizing order and precision in the new community God promises to establish.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:30

  • צָפוֹן (tsafon, “north”): This word specifies the direction, making clear that the measurement applies to the city’s northern boundary, which helps set the orientation for the rest of the city’s layout.
  • מִדָּה (middah, “measure”): This term refers to a unit of measurement, often understood as a cubit in biblical contexts, though the exact length can vary. The use of this word highlights the careful, exact planning involved in the city’s design.
  • יָצָא (yatsa, “out”): Here, this word is often understood as “goings out” or “exits,” describing the extent or boundary of the city rather than a literal exit or gate. It signals the outermost limits of the city’s northern side.

Why Ezekiel 48:30 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Ezekiel’s vision is highly specific and organized, with exact measurements for each side of the city, showing a concern for order and structure in the restored community.
  • By naming the northern boundary first, the verse sets a pattern for describing the city’s layout, which continues in the following verses for the other sides and gates.
  • The detailed measurements connect this vision to earlier promises of restoration and renewal for Israel, giving hope to exiles that God’s future plans are concrete and carefully prepared.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H8444 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:
  • Joshua 15:11 And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.
  • Joshua 18:19 And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast.

“measures” Hebrew H4060 · used in 53 verses

  • Exodus 26:2 The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
  • Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
  • Ezekiel 40:24 After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.

“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.

“north” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.