And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun.

EZEKIEL 48:33KJV
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Ezekiel 48:33 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:33 mean?

Ezekiel 48:33 describes the southern side of a future city, stating it will measure four thousand five hundred units and have three gates, each named after one of the tribes of Israel: Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun. The verse is part of a detailed vision outlining the layout and gates of this city.

In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the people of Israel during their exile, describing a restored city in a future time. The verse lists the measurements and the specific tribal names assigned to the gates on the south side, showing how each tribe has a place in this renewed community. This is part of a larger vision in the final chapters of Ezekiel, where the prophet details the boundaries, divisions, and features of a new, idealized Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:33

  • "south" (נֶגֶב, negev): This word means "south" and refers to the direction of the city wall being described. In ancient Israel, directions were often given with reference to the land’s geography.
  • "measures" (מִדָּה, middah): This word means "measure" or "measurement," and it shows that the numbers given are precise and intentional, emphasizing order and planning in the city’s design.
  • "gates" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): The word for "gate" is used repeatedly, highlighting the importance of access and the inclusion of all tribes in the new city.

Why Ezekiel 48:33 matters

  • Ezekiel 48:33 helps clarify that each tribe of Israel is given a place of honor and access in the future city, symbolized by their names on the gates, which counters any idea of exclusion or favoritism.
  • The verse emphasizes the careful organization and equality in the distribution of space and recognition among the tribes, reflecting God’s intention for order and unity.
  • This detail connects to the larger vision in Ezekiel’s final chapters, where the prophet describes a restored land and city, offering hope and a sense of belonging to a people in exile.

Where else these words appear

“Simeon” Hebrew H8095 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 29:33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.
  • Numbers 1:6 Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
  • Joshua 21:9 And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name,

“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.

“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.