Ezekiel 48:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And by the border {H1366} of Manasseh {H4519}, from the east {H6921} side {H6285} unto the west {H3220} side {H6285}, a {H259} portion for Ephraim {H669}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:5 is embedded within the climactic section of the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapters 40-48, which present an elaborate vision of a new temple, its associated rituals, and the re-division of the land of Israel among the twelve tribes. This vision follows extensive prophecies of judgment against Israel and the nations, as well as promises of restoration and renewal. Chapters 40-47 describe the new temple's architecture, dimensions, and the life-giving river flowing from it. Chapter 48 then shifts to the precise geographical distribution of the land. The chapter begins with the northernmost tribes (Dan, Asher, Naphtali) and proceeds southward, detailing the "holy oblation" (the sacred district for the temple and priests) in the center, flanked by tribal allotments. Verse 5 specifically places Ephraim's portion immediately adjacent to Manasseh's, emphasizing a systematic and divinely ordered arrangement for each tribe's inheritance in this future, restored commonwealth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were given during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma, loss, and theological questioning for the Jewish people. The land of Israel lay desolate, the temple destroyed, and the tribal identities, though remembered, were no longer tied to specific territorial inheritances in the same way they had been since Joshua's conquest. Historically, the land had been divided among the tribes (as seen in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land")), but centuries of apostasy, civil war, and foreign invasions had blurred these boundaries. The northern kingdom (including Ephraim and Manasseh) had fallen to Assyria centuries earlier. Thus, Ezekiel's vision of a precise, divinely ordained re-division of the land "from the east side unto the west side" would have resonated deeply with a people longing for restoration, order, and the fulfillment of ancient covenant promises. It speaks to a future beyond the current desolation, where God's original design for His people and their land is perfectly re-established.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Order**. The highly detailed nature of the land distribution, down to specific borders and east-to-west extensions, underscores God's absolute control and His precise planning for the future, leaving nothing to chance. Secondly, it emphasizes **Restoration and Re-gathering of Israel**. The re-apportionment of land to all twelve tribes, including those of the former northern kingdom like Ephraim and Manasseh, signifies a complete and unified restoration of God's people, a theme powerfully articulated in prophecies such as the vision of the dry bones in [Ezekiel 37:21-22](/ezekiel/37-21 "Ezekiel 37:21-22 - The Reunification of Israel"). Thirdly, it speaks to **Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment, God remains true to His promises concerning the land and the descendants of Jacob, ensuring each tribe receives its designated inheritance, echoing the original promise given to Abraham in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** This term (H1366) properly refers to a cord or line, implying a boundary or limit. By extension, it denotes the territory enclosed by such a boundary. In Ezekiel 48:5, its use emphasizes the precise and defined nature of Ephraim's allotted territory, indicating a distinct and non-negotiable demarcation from the adjacent tribe of Manasseh. It speaks to order and clear ownership within the divine restoration.
* **west (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** This word (H3220) primarily means "sea" (referring to the Mediterranean Sea), but by local convention, it also signifies the direction of the west, as the sea was to the west of Israel. When paired with "east" (H6921, _qâdîym_), it delineates the full breadth of the land strip, "from the east side unto the west side," emphasizing that Ephraim's portion spans the entire width of the promised land, a complete and expansive inheritance.
* **a [portion] (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** This numeral (H259) means "one" or "united." While the KJV inserts "portion" for clarity, the literal Hebrew reads "and Ephraim one," implying a single, undivided, and distinct portion for the tribe of Ephraim. This highlights the singularity and integrity of each tribe's inheritance, ensuring that Ephraim receives its own unique and complete share, integrated into the overall divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And by the border of Manasseh":** This phrase establishes the immediate geographical context for Ephraim's allotment. It indicates that Ephraim's territory is directly contiguous with, and immediately south of, the land assigned to the tribe of Manasseh, highlighting the systematic and orderly arrangement of the tribal portions in God's future blueprint.
* **"from the east side unto the west side":** This specifies the full breadth of Ephraim's inheritance. It means the land strip allocated to Ephraim stretches across the entire width of the restored land, from its easternmost boundary to its westernmost boundary. This emphasizes the completeness and integrity of their portion, ensuring a full and unfragmented inheritance, mirroring the divine promise of a comprehensive restoration.
* **"a [portion for] Ephraim":** This clause identifies the recipient of this specific land strip. The KJV's addition of "[portion for]" clarifies the Hebrew "and Ephraim one," which signifies that this entire east-to-west strip is designated as a single, distinct, and complete inheritance for the tribe of Ephraim. It underscores the divine allocation and the re-establishment of tribal identity and territory in the eschatological vision.

#### 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.

* [Ezekiel 37:21-22](/ezekiel/37-21 "Ezekiel 37:21-22 - The Reunification of Israel")
* [Joshua 16:9](/joshua/16-9 "Joshua 16:9 - Ephraim's Historical Inheritance")
* [Isaiah 49:8](/isaiah/49-8 "Isaiah 49:8 - God's Promise of Restoration")

### 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
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plan for land division in Ezekiel 48:5 deepen your trust in His care and precision for your own life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a "portion" or "inheritance" for Ephraim resonate with your understanding of your own spiritual blessings and calling in Christ?**
* **How can the promise of a perfectly ordered future in Ezekiel inspire hope and perseverance in the face of present-day disorder or uncertainty?**

### 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](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). 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](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). 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](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). 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.

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 17:8

[Now] Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh [belonged] to the children of Ephraim;

Joshua 17:10

Southward [it was] Ephraim's, and northward [it was] Manasseh's, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.

Joshua 17:14

¶ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

Joshua 17:18

But the mountain shall be thine; for it [is] a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, [and] though they [be] strong.

Joshua 16:1

¶ And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,

Joshua 16:10

And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.