TRV
Translation
King James Version
And by the border of Manasseh, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Ephraim.
Complete Jewish Bible
"'Efrayim's territory will run alongside the territory of M'nasheh from east to west.
Berean Standard Bible
Ephraim will have one portion bordering the territory of Manasseh from east to west.
American Standard Version
And by the border of Manasseh, from the east side unto the west side, Ephraim, one portion.
World English Bible Messianic
By the border of Manasseh, from the east side to the west side, Ephraim, one portion.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And by the border of Manasseh from the East side vnto the West side a portion for Ephraim.
Young's Literal Translation
and by the border of Manasseh, from the east side unto the west side, Ephraim one,
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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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.
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SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:5 provides a meticulous detail within the grand eschatological vision of a restored Israel, specifically outlining the future land allotment for the tribe of Ephraim. Positioned immediately south of Manasseh's designated territory, this portion is prophetically described as extending "from the east side unto the west side," symbolizing a complete, undivided, and expansive inheritance. This verse is an integral component of a larger divine blueprint for the renewed temple and the precise re-apportionment of the land among the twelve tribes, powerfully underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness, meticulous order, and comprehensive plan for His people in a future era of divine peace and perfect communal harmony.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. Precision and Detail are paramount, as the meticulous description of borders ("by the border of Manasseh") and geographical extent ("from the east side unto the west side") serves to underscore the divine order and the certainty of the prophetic vision. This detailed mapping creates a sense of concrete reality for the future restoration, assuring the exiles of God's faithful plan. The phrase "from the east side unto the west side" functions as a Merism, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent a whole (in this case, the entire breadth of the land). This emphasizes the completeness and expansive nature of the inheritance, leaving no part unassigned. Furthermore, the entire section of Ezekiel 40-48, including this verse, functions as Prophetic Vision, a divinely revealed blueprint for a future reality that transcends immediate historical circumstances, offering hope and a comprehensive theological framework for understanding God's ultimate plan for His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:5, in its precise allocation of land to Ephraim, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His meticulous attention to detail in the restoration of His people. It speaks to a future where divine order is perfectly established, and every aspect of Israel's life, including their territorial inheritance, is divinely appointed. This vision of a restored, unified Israel, with each tribe receiving its full portion, points to a comprehensive and complete redemption that goes beyond mere physical return, encompassing spiritual renewal and perfect communal harmony under God's rule. It assures believers that God's plans are not haphazard but are executed with perfect wisdom and precision, even when human circumstances seem chaotic or hopeless.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Ezekiel 48:5, describing Ephraim's specific, east-to-west land portion, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness, even in the midst of chaos and brokenness. Just as He has a designated place and inheritance for each tribe in His future kingdom, so too does He have a unique purpose and place for every individual believer within His grand redemptive plan. This vision encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan for our lives and for the world, even when we cannot see the full picture. It assures us that His promises are certain, His provisions are precise, and His restoration is comprehensive. We are called to live with hope, knowing that our God is actively working to bring about His perfect will, ensuring that every part of His creation finds its intended place and fulfillment in Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Ephraim's specific land portion in Ezekiel 48?
Answer: The significance lies in several layers. Historically, Ephraim was a dominant tribe in the northern kingdom and often represented the entire northern kingdom, which had been scattered by Assyria centuries before Ezekiel's prophecy. Its inclusion in this detailed land division signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant with all twelve tribes of Israel, promising a complete re-gathering and restoration, even for those long dispersed. The precise "east to west" allocation emphasizes that Ephraim, like the other tribes, receives a full, undivided, and distinct inheritance, highlighting the divine order and completeness of the future restoration. It assures that no tribe, even those that had fallen into idolatry and exile, would be forgotten in God's ultimate plan.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 48:5 describes a literal land division for the tribe of Ephraim in a future earthly kingdom, its ultimate theological fulfillment finds its deepest resonance in Christ. The concept of a "portion" or "inheritance" for God's people, meticulously prepared and divinely secured, points forward to the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as Ephraim's portion was "from the east side unto the west side," signifying a complete and expansive possession, so too is the spiritual inheritance in Christ boundless and all-encompassing. In Christ, believers are grafted into the true Israel, becoming heirs according to the promise (see Galatians 3:29). The "border" of Manasseh and Ephraim, defining distinct territories, foreshadows the unity found in Christ, where the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is broken down, creating one new humanity (as seen in Ephesians 2:14). The precise order and divine allocation in Ezekiel anticipate the perfect order and eternal dwelling place prepared for all who are in Christ, where every believer has a secure and eternal "portion" in the heavenly city (revealed in Revelation 21:1-4). Ultimately, the meticulous provision for Ephraim's earthly inheritance points to the infinitely greater, eternal inheritance secured for us by the perfect sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our true and everlasting portion.