King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:16 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:16 in the King James Version says “Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which is by ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran. Hazarhatticon: or, the middle village”

Ezekiel 47:16 · KJV

Context

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;

16

Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran. Hazarhatticon: or, the middle village

17

And the border from the sea shall be Hazarenan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side.

18

And the east side ye shall measure from Hauran, and from Damascus, and from Gilead, and from the land of Israel by Jordan, from the border unto the east sea. And this is the east side. from (Hauran, Damascus, Gilead, the land): Heb. from between

Read Ezekiel 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran—Specific cities marking boundaries: חֲמָת (Ḥămāt, Hamath), בֵּרוֹתָה (Bêrôtāh, Berothah), סִבְרַיִם (Sibrāyim, Sibraim), גְּבוּל דַּמֶּשֶׂק (gĕbûl Dammeśeq, 'border of Damascus'), חֲמָת (Ḥămāt, Hamath again), חָצֵר הַתִּיכוֹן (Ḥāṣēr hattîkhôn, Hazar-hatticon), חַוְרָן (Ḥawrān, Hauran).

This precision demonstrates God's specific knowledge of geography and sovereignty over exact territories. Not vague promises but detailed boundaries. Damascus (capital of Syria/Aram) marks the northeastern limit—Israel's traditional rival would border but not threaten. Millennial peace enables exact boundary observance without war. Specific geographical promises demonstrate that spiritual promises are equally precise and certain.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These locations (northern Syria/Lebanon region) marked Israel's maximum historical extent under David/Solomon. Hamath (modern Hama, Syria) was northern limit (Numbers 34:8, 1 Kings 8:65). Damascus (still a major city) was Aramean capital, often hostile. Ezekiel's precise boundaries show God's intimate knowledge of terrain and His authority to assign territories. Detailed fulfillment of geographical prophecy authenticates spiritual promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does precise geographical detail teach about God's specific knowledge?
  2. How do physical boundary promises relate to spiritual promise precision?
  3. Why is Damascus (Syria) significant as Israel's northern neighbor?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
חֲמָ֑ת1 of 16

“Hamath”

H2574

chamath, a place in syria

בֵּר֙וֹתָה֙2 of 16

“Berothah”

H1268

berothah or berothai, a place north of palestine

סִבְרַ֔יִם3 of 16

“Sibraim”

H5453

sibrajim, a place in syria

אֲשֶׁר֙4 of 16
H834

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

בֵּין5 of 16
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

גְּב֥וּל6 of 16

“and the border”

H1366

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

דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק7 of 16

“of Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וּבֵ֖ין8 of 16
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

גְּב֥וּל9 of 16

“and the border”

H1366

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

חֲמָ֑ת10 of 16

“Hamath”

H2574

chamath, a place in syria

חָצֵר֙11 of 16
H0
הַתִּיכ֔וֹן12 of 16

“Hazarhatticon”

H2694

chatsar-hat-tikon, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֖ר13 of 16
H834

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

אֶל14 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גְּב֥וּל15 of 16

“and the border”

H1366

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

חַוְרָֽן׃16 of 16

“of Hauran”

H2362

chavran, a region east of the jordan

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 47:16 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 47:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 13:21Ezekiel 48:12 Samuel 8:8Zechariah 9:2Genesis 14:151 Kings 8:65

Places in This Verse

BerothahSettlement · Modern: Brital · 33.94°N, 36.15°E1 verse across 1 book
DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
Hamath 1Settlement · Modern: Hama · 35.14°N, 36.75°E21 verses across 9 books
HauranRegion · Modern: Hauran · 32.73°N, 36.37°E2 verses across 1 book
Hazer-hatticonSettlement · Modern: Al Qaryatayn · 34.23°N, 37.24°E1 verse across 1 book
SibraimSettlement · Modern: between Damascus and Hamath · 34.40°N, 36.64°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Ezekiel 47 →

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 47 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 47 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes