And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.

EZEKIEL 48:32KJV
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Ezekiel 48:32 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:32 mean?

Ezekiel 48:32 describes the eastern side of a future city, stating it will measure four thousand five hundred units and have three gates named after the tribes of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan. The verse is part of a detailed vision about the layout and organization of this city.

In this section, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the people of Israel about the new city to be established after their return from exile. The focus here is on the city’s eastern boundary and the specific tribes honored with gates, reflecting the importance of each tribe in Israel’s history and identity.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:32

  • The word for "east" is קֵדֶם (qedem, H6921), which often means "the direction of sunrise" or "front," emphasizing orientation in ancient city planning.
  • The word for "gates" is שַׁעַר (sha'ar, H8179), which refers to city entrances, often symbolizing access, security, and honor for the tribes named.
  • The names יוסף (Yosef, H3130), בנימין (Binyamin, H1144), and דן (Dan, H1835) are the tribal ancestors, showing that each gate represents a distinct group within Israel.

Why Ezekiel 48:32 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the restored city is meant to include and honor all tribes, not just a select few, showing unity and shared heritage.
  • The specific mention of gate names connects the vision to earlier traditions about the tribes and their roles, tying the future hope to Israel’s past.
  • The detailed measurements and assignments in this chapter highlight God’s orderliness and care in restoring the community after exile.

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.

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 3:10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.