TRV
Translation
King James Version
And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Manasseh.
Complete Jewish Bible
"'M'nasheh's territory will run alongside the territory of Naftali from east to west.
Berean Standard Bible
Manasseh will have one portion bordering the territory of Naphtali from east to west.
American Standard Version
And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, Manasseh, one portion.
World English Bible Messianic
By the border of Naphtali, from the east side to the west side, Manasseh, one portion.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And by the border of Naphtali from the East quarter vnto the West side, a portion for Manasseh.
Young's Literal Translation
and by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, Manasseh one,
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
Copy as
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Chapter 48, verses 1 onwards) And these are the names of the tribes: starting from the northern borders, near the path of Ethalon that goes to Emath, Atrium, Enon, the boundary of Damascus to the north of Emath, and it will have the eastern boundary, the sea. Dan is one tribe. And from the boundary of Dan to the eastern boundary, Asher is one tribe. And beyond the boundary of Asher to the eastern boundary, Nephthali is one tribe. And beyond the boundary of Nephthali to the eastern boundary, Manasseh is one tribe. And over the territory of Manasseh from the eastern border to the sea, Ephraim one. And over the territory of Ephraim from the eastern border to the sea, Reuben one. And over the territory of Reuben from the eastern border to the sea, Judah one. The description of the possession of the Holy Land is given, both according to the present prophecy of Ezekiel and according to the book of Numbers: now the possession of each tribe is described from the eastern border to the western border, that is, the sea. And first, the borders are taken from the north along the route of Ethalon to those going towards Emath, the courtyard or Aser-Enon bordering Damascus to the north near Emath, of which we have already spoken. And so it begins, the first portion goes to the tribe of Dan, the second to Aser, the third to Nephthali, the fourth to Manasseh, the fifth to Ephraim, the sixth to Ruben, the seventh to Judah, which is on the left side, completing the number seven. Then the firstfruits of the priests and the Levites, and the sanctuary of the Lord in the midst, and the holy of holies. The city itself is described on each side in a square, having four thousand and five hundred rods. The suburban areas of the priests and the Levites are also described in order, along with the possession of the prince. And again, on the right side, five tribes succeed from the region similarly to the East, all the way to the region of the West, of which the first is Benjamin; the second is Simeon, having its own possession specifically, and not mixed with Judah as before; the third is Issachar; the fourth is Zebulun; the fifth is Gad; and there are three gates of the city on each side; and the name of this city is contained on the golden plate on the forehead of the high priest. We will discuss all of these in their proper places. And it should be noted that the names of forty-eight cities which are given in the book of Numbers to the Levites for dwelling with their suburbs are omitted here, as well as the cities of refuge: of which three are on the other side of the Jordan, namely Bosor, and Ramoth, and Gaulon, which are given to two and a half tribes; and three are within the Jordan, namely Kadesh, and Sichem, and Kiriatharba. For there was no need in this mystical description and the dwelling of the saints and the perfect conversation to describe the supports of the fugitives, which Israel still needed while in the land and hastening to come to this city through many labors and dangers, and speaking in each of the saints: I am a stranger and a sojourner like all my fathers (Ps. XXXVIII, 13). And in a foreign land: I lived with the inhabitants of Cedar, my soul has traveled far.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Ezekiel 48:4 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:4 meticulously delineates a specific land allocation for the tribe of Manasseh within the prophet's grand eschatological vision of a restored Israel. This verse, part of the concluding chapters of Ezekiel, precisely describes Manasseh's inheritance as a strip of territory situated directly south of Naphtali, extending across the entire breadth of the envisioned holy land from its eastern to its western extremities. It underscores the divine order, the certainty of God's future provision for His people, and the equitable, secure nature of their promised inheritance in the esological temple-city.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Ezekiel 48:4 is embedded within the highly detailed and visionary prophecies of Ezekiel chapters 40-48, which describe a divinely reordered future for Israel. This extensive section, often referred to as Ezekiel's Temple Vision, outlines a new temple, a new Jerusalem, and a meticulous re-division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the general principles of land distribution established in Ezekiel 47:13-23, chapter 48 proceeds to delineate the specific, parallel strips of territory assigned to each tribe, running uniformly from east to west. Verse 4, specifically, outlines the portion designated for Manasseh, immediately adjacent to the tribe of Naphtali, emphasizing the precise and orderly nature of this future inheritance. This detailed mapping serves as a culmination of Ezekiel's prophecies, transitioning from themes of judgment and exile to a glorious vision of complete restoration, divine presence, and perfect order.
Historical & Cultural Context: The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-538 BCE), a period of profound national despair, displacement, and spiritual crisis for the Jewish people. Having lost their land, the First Temple, and their monarchy, the exiles grappled with the apparent failure of God's covenant promises and their very identity as God's chosen people. In this context, Ezekiel's vision of a meticulously re-divided land and a glorious new temple served as a powerful message of hope, assurance, and future restoration. The concept of tribal land inheritance was deeply ingrained in Israelite identity, rooted in the original distribution under Joshua (e.g., Joshua 13). The vision in Ezekiel 48, therefore, speaks directly to their longing for a return to their ancestral land and the re-establishment of their national and spiritual identity, promising a divine order that would surpass any previous arrangement in its perfection and security.
Key Themes: This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several significant theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights Divine Order and Meticulous Planning, demonstrating God's sovereign control and His precise, purposeful design for the future of His people. The exact geographical specifications, such as the east-to-west orientation of each tribal strip, underscore a perfect, divine arrangement that leaves no room for chaos or dispute. Secondly, it emphasizes the Restoration of Inheritance, symbolizing the complete and equitable re-establishment of Israel's land, a core promise reiterated throughout the Old Testament, from the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 15:18 to the detailed divisions in the book of Joshua. Each tribe receives its specific, God-ordained "portion," echoing the foundational land distribution. Thirdly, the entire vision, including this verse, offers profound Hope and Future Fulfillment to the exiled Israelites, promising a future where God would re-establish their dwelling and worship in perfect order and peace, ultimately pointing towards God's ultimate eschatological plan for His people and creation, where His presence will dwell among them eternally, as envisioned in Revelation 21:3.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The meticulous detail in Ezekiel 48:4, specifying tribal borders and geographical extent, primarily employs Precision and Symbolism. The Precision in describing the land division, down to the exact alignment of tribal strips from "east side unto the west side," serves to underscore the divine order, the absolute certainty of God's future plan, and His unwavering faithfulness. This level of detail is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, conveying the perfect, unchangeable, and just nature of God's restoration. Furthermore, the entire land division is deeply Symbolic. It represents not just a literal future re-allocation of territory but also the comprehensive and equitable spiritual inheritance God provides for His people. It symbolizes the restoration of covenant relationship, the establishment of perfect peace, and the secure dwelling of God's people in His presence, free from the chaos and displacement of exile. The ordered allocation signifies the ultimate harmony and flourishing that will characterize God's eschatological kingdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:4, within the larger vision of the restored land, speaks profoundly to God's unwavering faithfulness, His meticulous order, and the comprehensive nature of His redemptive plan. The detailed allocation of land to each tribe, including Manasseh, underscores that God remembers His covenant promises and will ultimately bring about a perfect and equitable distribution of blessing and inheritance for His people. This vision assures that no one is forgotten or left out in God's final design, reflecting His justice and grace in providing a secure dwelling place. It points to a future where divine order prevails, and every aspect of life is aligned with God's perfect will, culminating in a state of complete peace and flourishing under His sovereign rule.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:4, though detailing an ancient land division, offers timeless truths for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous order, unwavering faithfulness, and profound generosity. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and uncertainty, this verse provides a comforting assurance that God has a precise, purposeful plan for His people and for all creation. Just as He promised a secure and clearly defined inheritance to the tribes of Israel, He promises a spiritual inheritance to all who are in Christ, one that is perfectly secure, divinely ordered, and eternal. This should inspire profound trust in His sovereign hand, even when our circumstances seem disjointed or bleak. We are called to live with hope, knowing that God's ultimate plan will culminate in perfect peace, justice, and the full restoration of all things, where every believer has a place and a purpose in His eternal kingdom, a place prepared uniquely for them.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Manasseh's specific placement in this vision?
Answer: Manasseh's placement "by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side" is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the meticulous and equitable nature of God's land distribution in the restored vision. Each tribe, including Manasseh, receives a distinct, full-width portion, emphasizing that none are forgotten or shortchanged in God's future order. This speaks to divine justice and comprehensive provision. Secondly, it highlights the comprehensive nature of the restoration; all twelve tribes, representing the entirety of Israel, are included in this future inheritance, signifying a complete national and spiritual restoration. Finally, the east-to-west orientation for each strip, including Manasseh's, suggests a new, divinely ordained order that supersedes the historical, often fragmented, tribal boundaries, establishing a perfect and harmonious arrangement.
Is this land division in Ezekiel 48 meant to be taken literally or symbolically?
Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel 48, including verse 4, is a subject of ongoing debate among biblical scholars. Some interpret it literally, believing it describes a future, physical re-division of the land of Israel during a millennial kingdom, where a rebuilt temple will stand and the tribes will literally inherit these specific territories. This view often aligns with a premillennial eschatology. Others interpret it symbolically, viewing the detailed vision as a representation of spiritual realities in the new covenant or the eternal state. In this view, the "land" signifies the spiritual inheritance and secure dwelling found in Christ, the "temple" represents God's presence among His people (the church), and the "tribes" symbolize the redeemed people of God from all nations. Both interpretations acknowledge the profound theological truths of God's faithfulness, order, and ultimate restoration, whether fulfilled literally, spiritually, or in a combination of both in the new heavens and new earth. The precise details underscore God's commitment to His promises, regardless of the exact mode of fulfillment.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 48:4, with its meticulous detail concerning the land inheritance for Manasseh, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament vision speaks of a physical land and tribal portions, the New Testament reveals that the true and lasting inheritance is spiritual, found in Christ. He is the ultimate "portion" for His people, far surpassing any earthly territory or material possession. Just as the promised land provided rest and security for Israel, Christ offers true spiritual rest and a secure inheritance to all who believe in Him, as Matthew 11:28 promises, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The detailed and equitable distribution of land foreshadows the perfect order and inclusion found in the Body of Christ, where every believer, regardless of background, is given a unique place and purpose, an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven, as 1 Peter 1:3-4 declares. The "east side unto the west side" breadth of Manasseh's portion points to the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work, embracing people from every nation and tribe, bringing them into the one spiritual family of God, a theme powerfully echoed in Revelation 7:9-10. Ultimately, Christ is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity (John 2:19-21), and through Him, we receive not just a piece of land, but eternal life and a secure place in God's glorious, everlasting kingdom, where God's presence fully dwells with His people, as described in Revelation 21:22-23.