Ezekiel 48:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And at the south {H5045} side {H6285} four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967} measures {H4060}: and three {H7969} gates {H8179}; one {H259} gate {H8179} of Simeon {H8095}, one {H259} gate {H8179} of Issachar {H3485}, one {H259} gate {H8179} of Zebulun {H2074}.

Berean Standard Bible

On the south side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar, and the gate of Zebulun.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:33 meticulously describes the southern boundary of the holy city in the prophet's final vision, detailing its precise dimensions of four thousand five hundred measures and identifying the three gates located on this side. These gates are named after the tribes of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun, symbolizing the ordered and inclusive nature of God's future restoration for His people, where every tribe has its designated place and access within the divinely ordained city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:33 is part of the concluding section of the book of Ezekiel, specifically within chapters 40-48, which detail a grand vision of a new temple, a reordered land, and a holy city. This vision serves as the climactic culmination of Ezekiel's prophecies, offering a profound message of hope and restoration to a people devastated by exile. Following intricate descriptions of the temple's architecture and rituals in [Ezekiel 40-46](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-46 - The New Temple Vision"), and the division of the land among the tribes in [Ezekiel 47-48:29](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47-48:29 - The Land Division"), the narrative shifts to the holy district and the city itself from [Ezekiel 48:30-35](/ezekiel/48-30 "Ezekiel 48:30-35 - The Gates of the City"). This particular verse, along with its surrounding verses, provides the final, precise details of the city's perimeter and its twelve gates, each named after a tribe of Israel, culminating in the ultimate declaration of God's presence in [Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Name of the City").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, coupled with the forced displacement of the people, led to despair and questions about God's faithfulness and the future of the covenant. In this context, Ezekiel's visions served as a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing sense of hopelessness. The meticulous detail of the city's dimensions and gates would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern city planning, where gates were not merely entry points but significant civic and religious centers. The naming of gates after tribes was a common practice, but here it takes on specific theological weight, emphasizing the complete gathering and re-integration of all twelve tribes, a concept deeply significant for a people whose tribal identities had been fragmented by exile and dispersion.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, highlighting God's meticulous design for future restoration, where every detail, down to the dimensions and gate names, is divinely appointed. This reflects a perfect, unblemished future, a stark contrast to the chaos of the exile. Second, the naming of the gates after the tribes reinforces the theme of the **Restoration and Unity of Israel**. The inclusion of tribes like Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun, who had varying historical prominence, emphasizes that in God's ultimate plan, all of His people are gathered and given their inheritance, signifying a complete and unified Israel. This echoes the vision of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - The Gates of the New Jerusalem"), which also features twelve gates named after the tribes. Finally, the presence of these gates speaks to **Accessibility and God's Dwelling Presence**. The twelve gates, three on each side, signify open access for all of God's people to His holy city, where His presence, as declared in [Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Lord Is There"), will eternally reside.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **south (Hebrew, _negeb'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be parched," this term refers to the south, specifically the dry southern district of Judah, or occasionally Egypt (as south to Palestine). In Ezekiel 48:33, it denotes the geographical orientation of one side of the holy city, emphasizing the precise, cardinal layout of the divine blueprint.
* **measures (Hebrew, _middâh'_):** Feminine of a root meaning "extension," this word signifies height or breadth, a standard unit of measure, a portion (as measured), or even tribute. Here, it refers to the precise unit of length (likely a "reed" or "cubit" as referenced elsewhere in Ezekiel's vision) used to define the exact dimensions of the city's side, underscoring the divine exactitude and order.
* **gates (Hebrew, _sha'ar'_):** From a root meaning "to open," this term refers to an opening, specifically a door or gate, often associated with a city or port. In this context, the gates are not just entry points but symbolic representations of access and the identity of those who enter, named after the tribes of Israel, signifying the inclusive nature of God's restored community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures:"** This clause specifies the precise length of the southern wall of the visionary city. The "four thousand and five hundred measures" (likely reeds, where one reed equals six cubits, or approximately 10.5 feet) indicates a remarkable degree of exactitude in God's architectural plan for the restored city. This dimension is consistent with the other three sides of the city (east, north, west, as mentioned in [Ezekiel 48:30-32](/ezekiel/48-30 "Ezekiel 48:30-32 - Dimensions and Gates of the City")), signifying perfect symmetry and divine order.
* **"and three gates;"** This phrase states the number of entry points on the southern side. Each of the four sides of the city is described as having three gates, totaling twelve gates for the entire city. This numerical consistency further emphasizes the divine design and the comprehensive nature of the city's accessibility.
* **"one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun."** This final clause identifies the specific tribes whose names adorn the three gates on the southern side. The naming of gates after the tribes of Israel signifies that each tribe has a designated place and access within the holy city. The inclusion of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun, though perhaps less prominent in Israel's later history, underscores the complete and unified restoration of all twelve tribes in God's future plan.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:33 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the entire vision of the city and its gates is highly symbolic of God's future kingdom and the restored relationship with His people. The city itself symbolizes God's dwelling place, and the gates represent access to His presence. **Numerical Significance** is evident in the precise dimensions ("four thousand and five hundred measures") and the number of gates ("three gates"). The number three often symbolizes divine completeness or perfection, while the consistent dimensions across all sides emphasize divine order and symmetry. The overall twelve gates (three on each of four sides) further underscore the completeness of God's people (the twelve tribes). **Repetition** of the phrase "one gate of [tribe]" across the different gate descriptions (cf. [Ezekiel 48:31-32](/ezekiel/48-31 "Ezekiel 48:31-32 - Gates on Other Sides")) emphasizes the individual identity and inclusion of each tribe within the unified whole. Finally, the **naming convention** of the gates after the tribes serves as a powerful **metonymy**, where the name of the tribe stands for the people themselves, signifying their presence and belonging within the holy city.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:33, as part of the grand vision of the restored city, speaks profoundly to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His meticulous plan for their future. It highlights the divine order that will characterize God's ultimate kingdom, a realm of perfect peace, precision, and accessibility. The inclusion of all twelve tribes, represented by the gates, underscores the theme of comprehensive restoration and unity, signifying that no part of God's people will be forgotten or excluded from His presence. This vision provides a powerful counterpoint to the fragmentation and despair of the exile, offering a glimpse into a future where God's glory dwells centrally among a gathered and purified people.

* [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - The Gates of the New Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 60:11](/isaiah/60-11 "Isaiah 60:11 - Gates Always Open")
* [Psalm 87:2](/psalm/87-2 "Psalm 87:2 - God Loves the Gates of Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:33 offers a profound source of hope and assurance for believers today. In a world often characterized by disorder, uncertainty, and division, this vision reminds us that God is a God of perfect order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. His plans for our ultimate restoration and dwelling with Him are not haphazard but meticulously designed. The open gates named after the tribes signify God's welcoming nature and the universal access to His presence for all who are part of His covenant family. This should inspire confidence that God has a place for each of us within His eternal purposes, inviting us to live in anticipation of that glorious future. Furthermore, the inclusion of all tribes, even those less prominent, serves as a powerful reminder of God's radical inclusivity and His desire to gather all His people into one unified body.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plan in Ezekiel 48:33 strengthen your trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness amidst life's uncertainties?**
* **What does the naming of the gates after the tribes teach us about God's desire for unity and inclusion among His people?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, embody the "open gates" of God's kingdom, offering welcome and access to others in our communities?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "measures" mentioned in Ezekiel 48:33?**

Answer: The "measures" (Hebrew: _middâh_) refer to a precise unit of length, likely a "reed" (approximately 10.5 feet or 3.2 meters), which was a standard measuring tool in Ezekiel's vision (cf. [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measuring Reed")). The mention of "four thousand and five hundred measures" for the south side, consistent with all other sides of the city, signifies the divine precision and perfect symmetry of the holy city. This exactitude underscores that God's future restoration is not chaotic or arbitrary, but perfectly ordered and meticulously planned, reflecting His divine perfection and control.

**Why are these specific tribes (Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun) named for the southern gates?**

Answer: The naming of the gates after specific tribes (Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun on the south; Reuben, Judah, Levi on the east; Joseph, Benjamin, Dan on the north; Gad, Asher, Naphtali on the west, as detailed in [Ezekiel 48:31-32](/ezekiel/48-31 "Ezekiel 48:31-32 - Gates of the City")) symbolizes the complete restoration and unity of all twelve tribes of Israel. While the specific placement of each tribe's gate might have symbolic nuances related to their historical or geographical positions, the overarching message is one of divine inclusion. Even tribes that might have been less prominent or geographically distant are given a designated place and access within God's holy city, emphasizing that in God's future plan, all His people are gathered and have their inheritance. This echoes the vision of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - Gates of the New Jerusalem"), where the gates are similarly named after the twelve tribes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 48:33 describes a literal architectural vision of a future city, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are profoundly realized in Christ. The meticulously measured city and its open gates, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people, find their truest expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "gate" through whom humanity gains access to God's presence, as He Himself declared, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). The twelve gates named after the tribes of Israel, signifying universal access for God's people, foreshadow the New Covenant reality where all who believe in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, are brought into the spiritual Israel, the church, and have access to God through Him ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access Through Christ")). The divine order and precision of the city speak to the perfect plan of salvation accomplished through Christ's sacrifice, establishing a new heavens and new earth where God's presence fully dwells with His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision, with its precise dimensions and welcoming gates, points forward to the ultimate reality of God's kingdom, fully inaugurated in Christ and consummated in the eternal city, the New Jerusalem, where the Lamb is its lamp and its gates are never shut ([Revelation 21:23-25](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23-25 - The Glory of the New Jerusalem")).

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.