Ezekiel 48:17

KJV

And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the suburbs {H4054} of the city {H5892} shall be toward the north {H6828} two hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}, and toward the south {H5045} two hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}, and toward the east {H6921} two hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}, and toward the west {H3220} two hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The city is to have outside it a border of land 440 feet wide on each side - north, south, east and west.

Berean Standard Bible

The pastureland of the city will extend 250 cubits to the north, 250 cubits to the south, 250 cubits to the east, and 250 cubits to the west.

American Standard Version

And the city shall have suburbs: toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:17 meticulously details the uniform dimensions of the open land, or "suburbs," surrounding the holy city within the visionary sacred district. This precise measurement—two hundred and fifty reeds on each of the four sides—underscores the divine order, holiness, and meticulous planning inherent in God's future kingdom, providing a buffer zone that both separates and sustains the sacred core.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:17 is situated within the climactic section of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail a visionary blueprint for a new temple, a reorganized priesthood, and a re-divided land for Israel. This particular verse describes the precise dimensions of the "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) surrounding the holy city, which itself is part of the larger "holy oblation" (or sacred district) designated for the priests, Levites, and the prince, as outlined in [Ezekiel 48:8-20](/ezekiel/48-8 "Ezekiel 48:8-20 - The Holy Oblation"). The meticulous measurements throughout this section, including the "two hundred and fifty" reeds mentioned here, are consistent with the detailed architectural and land division plans established from the beginning of this vision, where the measuring reed is introduced in [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measuring Reed"). The uniformity of these dimensions across all four sides emphasizes the perfection and symmetry of this divinely ordained future.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel received this elaborate vision during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a time of profound national despair for the Israelites following the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple. In this context, the vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring faithfulness, assuring the exiles of a glorious future beyond their present desolation. The concept of "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) was familiar from earlier Israelite law, particularly in relation to the [Levitical cities](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Levitical Cities and Their Suburbs"), where open land was designated around cities for pasture and common use. This cultural precedent lends a practical dimension to the visionary plan, even as its scale and precision elevate it to a symbolic representation of divine order. The unit of measurement, the "reed," established in [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measuring Reed"), was six cubits long, indicating the immense scale of these visionary dimensions.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail in Ezekiel 48:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, **Divine Order and Precision** is paramount; the extreme specificity of the measurements, down to the exact dimensions of the suburbs, underscores God's meticulous planning and the perfect, unblemished order of His future kingdom. Every aspect is divinely ordained and precisely measured, reflecting a God who is sovereign over all details. Secondly, **Holiness and Separation** is a core theme; the designated "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) served to create a buffer zone, separating the holy city from the surrounding profane world. This boundary emphasizes the city's sacredness and the necessity of distinct spaces for divine presence, echoing the call for God's people to be set apart, as seen in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Thirdly, **God's Provision** is evident; this land, being part of the larger "holy oblation," signifies God's comprehensive provision for His people, ensuring not only space for worship and governance but also for common use and sustenance around the spiritual center. Finally, the entire vision, including these precise measurements, carries profound **Symbolism of the Future**; many scholars interpret these detailed plans as symbolic of God's ultimate spiritual kingdom, perhaps even pointing toward the [New Jerusalem described in Revelation](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends"), where God's presence is perfectly established, and divine order reigns supreme and eternally.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This term refers to open pasture land or common land surrounding a city. In ancient Israel, it was often associated with the Levitical cities, providing space for cattle and sustenance. In Ezekiel's vision, its inclusion emphasizes both the practical and orderly nature of the future holy city, ensuring ample space around its sacred core while also serving as a boundary for holiness.
* **city (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** This word denotes a fortified or guarded place, a town, or a city in the broadest sense. In Ezekiel 48, it refers to the holy city within the sacred district, distinct from the temple area but intrinsically linked to the divine presence. The "suburbs" define the immediate perimeter of this significant urban center.
* **west (Hebrew, _yâm'_):):** While primarily meaning "sea" (referring to the Mediterranean Sea from the perspective of Israel), this term is consistently used to denote the western direction due to the sea's geographical location relative to the land. Its inclusion here, alongside north, south, and east, completes the description of the four cardinal directions, emphasizing the comprehensive and symmetrical nature of the measurements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty":** This clause introduces the specific area being measured—the "suburbs" or open land immediately surrounding the holy city. It then specifies the dimension of this area on its northern side as two hundred and fifty (reeds, understood from the broader context of Ezekiel 40-48). This precise numerical value immediately conveys a sense of divine order and intentionality.
* **"and toward the south two hundred and fifty":** This continues the description, indicating that the southern side of the suburbs will also measure two hundred and fifty reeds. The repetition of the exact measurement underscores the perfect symmetry and balance of the divine design.
* **"and toward the east two hundred and fifty":** Following the pattern, the eastern side of the suburbs is likewise specified to be two hundred and fifty reeds. This consistent dimension across all directions reinforces the geometric perfection and comprehensive nature of the plan.
* **"and toward the west two hundred and fifty":** Finally, the western side is also given the identical measurement of two hundred and fifty reeds. The complete enumeration of all four cardinal directions with uniform dimensions highlights the meticulousness of God's blueprint, ensuring a perfectly square or symmetrical area around the holy city.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:17 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated phrase "two hundred and fifty" applied to each of the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west). This insistent repetition not only emphasizes the precise and uniform dimensions but also creates a sense of immutable order and divine perfection. The consistent enumeration of directions also serves as a form of **Enumeration** or detailed listing, a characteristic feature of Ezekiel's later chapters, which meticulously catalog every aspect of the visionary temple and land. This detailed cataloging functions as a literary technique to convey the absolute comprehensiveness and divine authority of the blueprint. Furthermore, the entire passage is steeped in **Symbolism**. The precise numbers and dimensions, while literal within the vision, also symbolize God's meticulousness, His desire for holiness, and the perfect order of His future kingdom. The "suburbs" themselves symbolize a necessary buffer, a sacred boundary that separates the holy from the common, reflecting a theological principle of distinction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:17, with its precise and uniform measurements of the holy city's suburbs, speaks volumes about the character of God and the nature of His kingdom. It reveals a God of meticulous order, who leaves nothing to chance and designs everything with perfect symmetry and purpose. This divine precision underscores the sanctity of the space—the holy city and its surroundings—emphasizing that God's dwelling place and the life around it are governed by divine standards, not human caprice. The concept of a designated "suburb" or common land also highlights God's provision for His people, ensuring practical space for sustenance even within a highly sacred context. The vision, therefore, serves as a powerful assurance of God's faithfulness to restore and establish a perfectly ordered and holy community, a testament to His sovereign control over all things.

* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem")
* [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:17, though a verse detailing ancient prophetic measurements, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our God is a God of order, precision, and holiness. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and moral ambiguity, this vision provides a comforting assurance of God's meticulous planning and ultimate control. Just as the holy city had its precisely defined "suburbs" to maintain its distinctiveness and sacredness, so too are believers called to cultivate areas of "holy separation" in their lives. This involves setting intentional boundaries—in our thoughts, actions, relationships, and digital consumption—that protect our spiritual walk and distinguish us as God's people. It encourages us to live lives that reflect the [holiness God calls us to in 1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"), demonstrating that our lives are ordered by His divine principles. Furthermore, recognizing God's provision in these details can inspire confidence that He provides not only for our spiritual needs but also for the practical aspects of our existence, sustaining us as we live within His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the extreme precision of Ezekiel's vision, including the measurements of the suburbs, challenge or comfort your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to establish clearer "suburbs" or boundaries to protect your spiritual walk and foster greater holiness?**
* **How does the concept of God's meticulous order in this passage encourage you to trust in His plans, even when your own circumstances seem chaotic?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the precise measurements in Ezekiel 48:17?**

Answer: The precise measurements of "two hundred and fifty" reeds on each side of the holy city's suburbs are highly significant. They underscore God's meticulous attention to detail and His absolute sovereignty. In a time when Jerusalem lay in ruins, these exact dimensions conveyed a message of hope and certainty: God's future restoration would be perfectly ordered, divinely planned, and utterly comprehensive. It emphasizes that God is not a God of chaos but of perfect order, and His future kingdom will be established with divine precision, reflecting His holiness and glory. This detailed blueprint assures the exiles that God's promises are concrete and reliable, not vague hopes.

**What were these "suburbs" for in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) in Ezekiel 48:17 refer to the open, common land immediately surrounding the holy city within the larger sacred district. Culturally, such land was known from the [Levitical cities in Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Levitical Cities and Their Suburbs"), where it provided pasture for livestock and space for common use. In Ezekiel's visionary context, these suburbs serve multiple purposes: they act as a buffer zone, physically separating the sacred city from the profane world outside, thereby emphasizing its holiness and distinctiveness. They also represent God's comprehensive provision, ensuring that the holy community has not only a place of worship and governance but also practical space for sustenance and daily life, all within a divinely ordered framework.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 48:17 describes a literal vision of a future temple and city, its ultimate theological fulfillment and spiritual resonance are found in Christ and the New Covenant. The meticulous order and perfect dimensions of the "suburbs" around the holy city foreshadow the perfect, unblemished nature of God's eternal kingdom established through Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the ultimate embodiment of divine order and holiness, the one through whom God's presence truly dwells among His people, not in a physical temple but in the community of believers ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation, a Holy Temple in the Lord")). The "suburbs" can be seen as a symbolic representation of the expansive reach and inclusive nature of God's kingdom under Christ, where boundaries are not for exclusion but for the preservation of holiness and the provision of abundant life. The ultimate reality toward which Ezekiel's vision points is the [New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21-22](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), where God's dwelling is with humanity, and Christ is its light and temple ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22-23 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")). In this eternal city, the perfect order and boundless provision symbolized by Ezekiel's precise measurements are fully realized in the presence of the Lamb, who makes all things new and perfectly ordered for His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.