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 48:34KJVWhat 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.