At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.

EZEKIEL 48:34KJV
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Ezekiel 48:34 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:34 mean?

Ezekiel 48:34 describes the west side of a future city, stating that it will measure four thousand five hundred units and have three gates named after the tribes of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. This verse is part of a detailed vision outlining the layout and gates of a restored Jerusalem.

In this section, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the Israelites about the design of a new city after their exile. Each gate on the west side is named for a different tribe, showing that all tribes have a place in the future community. The verse fits into a larger passage where Ezekiel lists the measurements and tribal names for each side of the city, emphasizing order, inclusion, and restoration.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:34

  • יָם (yam, "west"): This word literally means "sea" and often refers to the west because the Mediterranean Sea lies to Israel’s west. Its use here anchors the direction in familiar geography.
  • שַׁעַר (sha'ar, "gate"): This word appears multiple times, highlighting the importance of access points and the symbolic welcoming of each tribe.
  • גָּד (Gad), אָשֵׁר (Asher), נַפְתָּלִי (Naphtali): These are the names of the tribes, and their inclusion here shows that even tribes sometimes considered less prominent are given equal honor in the new city.

Why Ezekiel 48:34 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that the restored city is meant to include all the tribes of Israel, not just the most famous or central ones, reinforcing the theme of unity.
  • The specific mention of measurements and gate names shows the careful planning and orderliness expected in the new community, which contrasts with the chaos of exile.
  • By naming the gates after tribes, Ezekiel connects the future hope of restoration to Israel’s ancestral past, reminding readers of their shared heritage and God’s ongoing relationship with all his people.

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.

“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.