Ezekiel 48:4

KJV

And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a [portion for] Manasseh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And by the border {H1366} of Naphtali {H5321}, from the east {H6921} side {H6285} unto the west {H3220} side {H6285}, a {H259} portion for Manasseh {H4519}.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"), 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](/ezekiel/47-13-23 "Ezekiel 47:13-23 - Principles for Land Division"), 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](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land West of Jordan")). 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](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant with Abraham") to the detailed divisions in [the book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua - Conquest and Division of the Land"). 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](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** (H1366) Properly, a cord (as twisted), by implication a boundary; by extension the territory enclosed. In Ezekiel 48:4, "border" denotes the precise line or demarcation that separates the tribal territories. It emphasizes the clear, unalterable, and divinely ordained nature of God's division of the land, speaking to the secure and defined nature of each tribe's inheritance. This term underscores the meticulousness of God's plan, ensuring no ambiguity in the allocation.
* **east (Hebrew, _qâdîym'_):** (H6921) The fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the East. This word, paired with "west," defines the full horizontal extent of Manasseh's allocated territory. It signifies that the portion stretches across the entire width of the envisioned land, from one extremity to the other, indicating a complete, unhindered, and expansive inheritance. This detail highlights the generosity and wholeness of the divine provision.
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, _Mᵉnashsheh'_):** (H4519) Meaning "causing to forget." Manasseh was one of the two sons of Joseph, and this name refers to the tribe descended from him, as well as its territory. The inclusion of Manasseh here, alongside the other tribes, underscores the comprehensive nature of the restoration. It signifies that all of Jacob's descendants, without exception, receive their specific, divinely appointed share in the renewed land, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His entire covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And by the border of Naphtali,"**: This opening clause precisely establishes the immediate geographical context for Manasseh's allocated portion. It signifies that Manasseh's territory is directly adjacent to, and immediately south of, the land designated for the tribe of Naphtali. This detail underscores the meticulous and sequential order of the tribal allotments in God's future plan, emphasizing divine precision in the new arrangement of the land.
* **"from the east side unto the west side,"**: This phrase defines the lateral extent and complete breadth of Manasseh's territory. It specifies that this portion stretches across the entire width of the envisioned land, from its eastern boundary to its western boundary. This emphasizes the completeness, unhindered nature, and full possession of the inheritance, implying a secure and expansive territory without any internal limitations within the defined sacred space. It speaks to the wholeness of God's provision.
* **"a [portion for] Manasseh."**: This concluding clause identifies the recipient of this specifically defined and expansive land. The term "a portion" (implied in the KJV, but clearly "one" or "a" in the Hebrew, referring to a single, distinct share) underscores that this is a designated, unique, and singular inheritance for the tribe of Manasseh. It highlights the divine provision and the equitable, individualized distribution among all the tribes in the restored land, ensuring each receives its rightful and secure place.

#### 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.

* [Joshua 13:7](/joshua/13-7 "Joshua 13:7 - Command to Divide the Land")
* [Psalm 16:5-6](/psalm/16-5-6 "Psalm 16:5-6 - The Lord is My Allotment and My Portion")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")

### 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
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plan for land division in Ezekiel encourage your trust in His provision and order for your own life, especially in times of uncertainty?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a secure, divinely appointed "portion" for Manasseh resonate with your understanding of your spiritual inheritance in Christ and your place in God's kingdom?**
* **How can the hope of God's ultimate restoration and perfect order, as depicted in Ezekiel's vision, shape your perspective on current challenges and motivate your walk of faith?**

### 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](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven 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](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary and Burdened") 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](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and an Inheritance") 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](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation"). Ultimately, Christ is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), 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](/revelation/21-22-23 "Revelation 21:22-23 - No Temple in 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.

Cross-References

Joshua 17:1

¶ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he [was] the firstborn of Joseph; [to wit], for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

Joshua 17:11

And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries.

Joshua 13:29

And Moses gave [inheritance] unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and [this] was [the possession] of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.

Joshua 13:31

And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, [were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, [even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

Genesis 41:51

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, [said he], hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.

Genesis 30:22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Genesis 30:24

And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.