Ezekiel 48:31

KJV

¶ And the gates of the city [shall be] after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the gates {H8179} of the city {H5892} shall be after the names {H8034} of the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}: three {H7969} gates {H8179} northward {H6828}; one {H259} gate {H8179} of Reuben {H7205}, one {H259} gate {H8179} of Judah {H3063}, one {H259} gate {H8179} of Levi {H3878}.

Berean Standard Bible

Beginning on the north side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. On the north side there will be three gates: the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi.

American Standard Version

and the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel, three gates northward: the gate of Reuben, one; the gate of Judah, one; the gate of Levi, one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:31 is a specific detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a restored Israel, a new temple, and a holy city in the eschatological future. This verse precisely describes the naming convention for three of the city's gates on its northern side, assigning them to the tribes of Reuben, Judah, and Levi. It underscores God's meticulous divine order, the enduring importance of tribal identity, and the promise of inclusion and access for all of God's people within His future dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:31 is situated within the final section of the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail a comprehensive, visionary blueprint for a new temple, a re-divided land, and a holy city. This extensive prophecy, received by Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, served as a profound message of hope and restoration to a disheartened people. Chapter 48 concludes this vision by outlining the specific tribal allotments of the land, with the holy district and the city at its heart. Verses 30-35 specifically describe the city's perimeter, its twelve gates named after the tribes of Israel, and its ultimate, climactic name, "[The LORD is There](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - Yahweh Shammah")," also known as *Yahweh Shammah*. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 48:1-29) meticulously detail the tribal land divisions, emphasizing the precise order and divine allocation of territory, leading up to the description of the central city.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision given to Ezekiel occurred during a period of deep despair for the Israelite people, who were in exile in Babylon following the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BC. Their land was desolate, their temple destroyed, and their national identity shattered. In this context, Ezekiel's elaborate vision offered a powerful counter-narrative of restoration, divine presence, and a meticulously ordered future. In ancient Near Eastern cities, gates were far more than mere entrances; they were vital centers of commerce, justice, social gathering, and defense. Their design and naming often reflected the city's identity, its protectors, or its aspirations. The naming of gates after the tribes of Israel would have resonated deeply with a people whose identity was intrinsically linked to their tribal heritage, emphasizing their continued significance and inclusion in God's future plan, even after generations of dispersion. This vision served to rekindle hope in God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate intention to dwell among His reunited people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader vision in Ezekiel 40-48, contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Meticulous Planning**. The precise description of the gates, their number, and their tribal names underscores God's systematic and intentional plan for future restoration. Every detail, down to the specific tribes assigned to each gate, speaks to a divine blueprint that leaves nothing to chance, ensuring perfect harmony and function. Secondly, the theme of **Tribal Identity and Inclusion** is paramount. The naming of the gates after the twelve tribes of Israel signifies that each tribe has a distinct place and guaranteed access within this holy city. It emphasizes the enduring importance of Israel's tribal identity and God's covenant faithfulness to His entire people, even after dispersion and exile. This detailed organizational plan underscores God's commitment to the [restoration and reunification of His people](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Vision of the Dry Bones and the Reunification of Israel"). Finally, the **Symbolism of Gates** is significant. As crucial points of entry, security, and interaction in ancient cities, naming them after tribes implies not just physical entrance, but also the identity, character, and perhaps even the responsibilities associated with those who pass through or guard them. It speaks to a secure and accessible city, where every part of God's people has a vital role, echoing the promise of [open gates in the eschatological age](/isaiah/60-11 "Isaiah 60:11 - Gates Always Open").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gates (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** From Strong's H8179, this word refers to an "opening, i.e. door or gate." In the context of a city, gates were not merely points of passage but significant structures that controlled access, symbolized authority, and served as places of public gathering, judgment, and commerce. Their presence and naming in Ezekiel's vision underscore the city's security, accessibility, and the structured order of its inhabitants.
* **names (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From Strong's H8034, this primitive word signifies "an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character." The naming of the gates "after the names of the tribes" implies more than just labels; it signifies that the identity, honor, and character of the tribes are intrinsically linked to, and represented by, these entry points into the holy city. It underscores their enduring significance in God's plan.
* **tribes (Hebrew, _shêbeṭ'_):** From Strong's H7626, this word literally means "a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.)" but figuratively refers to "a clan" or "tribe." In the context of Israel, "tribe" denotes a distinct family group descended from one of Jacob's sons, forming the fundamental social and political units of the nation. The emphasis on the tribes here reaffirms the continuity of God's covenant with the entirety of Israel, ensuring each lineage a place in the restored community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the gates of the city [shall be] after the names of the tribes of Israel:"** This opening clause establishes the fundamental principle governing the city's entrances. It declares that the twelve gates of this visionary city will not be named arbitrarily, but specifically in correspondence with the twelve tribes of Israel. This immediately signifies a deep connection between the city, representing God's dwelling, and His covenant people, emphasizing their collective identity and their privileged access.
* **"three gates northward;"** This specifies the orientation and number of gates on one side of the city. The city is described as having four sides, each with three gates, totaling twelve. This detail highlights the precise, symmetrical, and divinely ordered layout of the city, reinforcing the theme of meticulous planning. "Northward" (Hebrew, _tsâphôwn'_), from Strong's H6828, denotes the geographical direction, indicating a specific quadrant of the city's perimeter.
* **"one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi."** This final clause provides the specific names of the three tribes whose gates are located on the northern side. The selection of these particular tribes for the northern orientation is significant. Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob, Judah was the royal tribe from which the Davidic line descended, and Levi was the priestly tribe. Their inclusion here, not necessarily in birth order, suggests a deliberate theological arrangement that honors different aspects of Israel's heritage and function within the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:31 primarily employs **Symbolism** and **Repetition**. The entire vision of the new temple and city in Ezekiel 40-48 is deeply symbolic, representing God's future restoration, His renewed presence among His people, and the perfect order of His kingdom. The "gates" themselves are symbolic, representing access, security, and the entry points into God's holy dwelling. Naming them after the "tribes of Israel" symbolizes the inclusion and distinct identity of God's entire covenant people within this restored community. The specific mention of Reuben, Judah, and Levi carries further symbolic weight, invoking their historical and theological significance within Israel's narrative. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "one gate of..." for each tribe listed ("one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi") emphasizes the individual recognition and distinct place afforded to each tribe, reinforcing the theme of divine order and comprehensive inclusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:31, with its meticulous description of the city gates named after the tribes of Israel, profoundly underscores God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His commitment to the full restoration of His people. The vision of a perfectly ordered city, accessible through gates bearing the names of all twelve tribes, speaks to a future where God's presence is central, and His people, united and distinct, dwell securely in His presence. This divine blueprint for the eschatological city emphasizes not only God's sovereignty and meticulous planning but also the enduring significance of His chosen people, ensuring their inclusion and access to His holy dwelling. It portrays a community characterized by divine order, spiritual unity, and unfettered access to the Lord, who is "[Yahweh Shammah](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The LORD is There")" – "The LORD is There."

* [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - The Gates of New Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 60:11](/isaiah/60-11 "Isaiah 60:11 - Gates Always Open")
* [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:31 offers a powerful and comforting vision for believers today, reminding us of God's meticulous care, His unwavering faithfulness, and His ultimate plan for restoration. In a world often marked by chaos, division, and uncertainty, this verse points to a future where divine order reigns supreme, and every part of God's redeemed community has a secure and recognized place. It assures us that God's promises are steadfast, even when circumstances seem bleak, just as they were for the exiles in Babylon. We are reminded that our identity in Christ does not erase our unique heritage or individual calling, but rather integrates us into a larger, divinely ordered body. This vision encourages us to live with hope, knowing that God is actively working out His perfect plan, ensuring that all who are His will have access to His presence in the New Jerusalem, a city of peace, security, and perfect communion with God. It calls us to embrace our unique place within the body of Christ, contributing to the overall beauty and function of God's kingdom, much like each tribe contributed to the identity of the holy city's gates.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Ezekiel's vision, particularly concerning the gates, deepen your understanding of God's character and His plan for His people?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "tribal identity" within the gates resonate with or challenge your understanding of individual identity within the unified body of Christ today?**
* **What hope does the promise of a divinely ordered and accessible city offer you in times of personal or communal brokenness?**
* **How can you, as an individual believer, embody the "open gate" of welcome and access to God's presence for others in your community?**

### FAQ
**Is the city described in Ezekiel 40-48, including its gates, meant to be interpreted literally or symbolically?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's visionary temple and city, including its gates, is a subject of ongoing theological discussion. Many scholars understand the vision to be primarily symbolic, representing the ideal future dwelling of God among His people, characterized by perfect order, holiness, and divine presence, rather than a literal blueprint for a physical structure. Others interpret it as a literal temple and city that will be built during a future millennial reign of Christ. A common mediating view suggests that while the details are highly symbolic of spiritual realities (God's presence, restored worship, unified people), they may also point to a future reality that transcends our current understanding, a "heavenly Jerusalem" that is both literal and spiritual. The emphasis on the names of the tribes on the gates, for example, points to the enduring identity and inclusion of God's people, whether in a physical or spiritual sense.

**Why are Reuben, Judah, and Levi specifically named for the northern gates?**

Answer: The specific arrangement of the tribes on the gates (Ezekiel 48:31-34) does not follow a simple geographical or birth order. Reuben was Jacob's firstborn, Judah was the royal tribe from which the Messiah would come, and Levi was the priestly tribe. Their placement on the northern side may symbolize a divinely ordained order that transcends typical human logic, perhaps highlighting their foundational roles in Israel's history and covenant. It could signify a theological arrangement emphasizing different aspects of Israel's identity—primogeniture, kingship, and priesthood—all converging at the point of access to God's holy city, underscoring that access is granted through the entirety of God's covenant people. This deliberate, non-sequential listing further emphasizes God's sovereign choice and meticulous design, rather than a human-derived system.

**How does this Old Testament vision of gates and tribes connect with the New Testament understanding of God's people?**

Answer: This vision finds profound connections in the New Testament, particularly in the description of the [New Jerusalem in Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). Revelation 21:12-14 explicitly states that the New Jerusalem has "twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel," and its foundations bear "the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." This continuity highlights God's consistent plan of salvation, uniting Old and New Covenant believers into one people of God. The gates symbolize access to God's presence, now made possible through Christ. The inclusion of both tribal names and apostolic names signifies that the church, comprising believers from all nations, is built upon the foundation of both the Old Testament promises to Israel and the New Testament revelation through Christ and His apostles, forming one unified spiritual house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 48:31, with its vision of gates named after the tribes of Israel, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament vision speaks of a physical city and its entrances, Christ is the quintessential "gate" through whom all God's people gain access to His presence. As Jesus Himself declared in [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate"), "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." He is the sole means of entry into the spiritual reality of God's kingdom and the restored relationship with the Father. The twelve gates, symbolizing the inclusion of all Israel, are ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who gathers together both Jew and Gentile into one new humanity, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The tribes, representing God's covenant people, are now spiritually embodied in the Church, the body of Christ, where believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are united in Him ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")). The meticulously ordered city, with its accessible gates, foreshadows the New Jerusalem, where Christ is the very light and temple, and His redeemed people dwell in perfect communion with God, having entered through Him, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice opened the way to eternal life.

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.

Cross-References

Revelation 21:12

And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

Revelation 21:13

On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

Isaiah 26:1

¶ In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will [God] appoint [for] walls and bulwarks.

Isaiah 26:2

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.

Isaiah 60:11

Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that [men] may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and [that] their kings [may be] brought.

Revelation 21:21

And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Revelation 21:25

And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.