King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:13 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of I...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.”

Ezekiel 47:13 · KJV

Context

11

But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt. shall not: or, and that which shall not be healed

12

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine. shall grow: Heb. shall come up new: or, principal for medicine: or, for bruises and sores

13

Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.

14

And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: concerning the which I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance. lifted: or, swore

15

And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;

Read Ezekiel 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions—Land division: גְּבוּל (gĕbûl, 'border/boundary') for שְׁנֵי עָשָׂר שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (shĕnê ʿāśār shivṭê yiśrāʾēl, 'twelve tribes of Israel'). יוֹסֵף חֲבָלִים (yôsēph ḥăbālîm, 'Joseph [receives] two portions').

Joseph's double portion (through Ephraim and Manasseh—Genesis 48:5) maintains twelve tribal divisions despite Levi receiving no land (Numbers 18:20, 23-24). This fulfills Jacob's blessing (Genesis 48:22) and rewards Joseph's faithfulness. The vision's detailed boundaries (47:13-48:29) demonstrate God's sovereignty over land distribution and covenant faithfulness to patriarchal promises (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). Israel's restoration includes territorial restoration—fulfilled partially in post-exilic return, completely in millennial kingdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Original tribal allotments (Joshua 13-21) gave Joseph's sons (Ephraim, Manasseh) territories, while Levi received cities. Ezekiel's vision prescribes different boundaries—more symmetrical than historical allotments—suggesting idealized future distribution. Whether literal millennium or symbolic, the vision demonstrates God's faithfulness to land promises. Modern Israel's existence (since 1948) reflects ongoing fulfillment, though complete realization awaits Messiah's return.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Joseph receive double portion even in millennial land distribution?
  2. How do Ezekiel's boundaries differ from Joshua's original allotments?
  3. What is the relationship between modern Israel and prophetic land promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כֹּ֤ה1 of 16
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙2 of 16

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 16

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה4 of 16

“GOD”

H3069

god

גֵּ֤ה5 of 16

“This”

H1454

this

גְבוּל֙6 of 16

“shall be the border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּתְנַחֲל֣וּ8 of 16

“whereby ye shall inherit”

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֶת9 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֔רֶץ10 of 16

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לִשְׁנֵ֥י11 of 16

“according to the twelve”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָׂ֖ר12 of 16
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שִׁבְטֵ֣י13 of 16

“tribes”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל14 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יוֹסֵ֖ף15 of 16

“Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

חֲבָלִֽים׃16 of 16

“shall have two portions”

H2256

ruin

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 47:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 47:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 48:5Ezekiel 48:4-6Jeremiah 3:18Numbers 34:2-12Jeremiah 31:11 Chronicles 5:1

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