King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:17 in the King James Version says “And the border from the sea shall be Hazarenan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamat...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 47:17 · KJV

Context

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

19

And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward. strife: or, Meribah river: or, valley is the south side southward: or, is the south side toward Teman

Read Ezekiel 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Northern boundary summarized: מִן־הַיָּם (min-hayyām, 'from the sea') to חֲצַר עֵינוֹן (Ḥăṣar ʿÊnôn, Hazar-enan), גְּבוּל דַּמֶּשֶׂק (gĕbûl Dammeśeq, 'border of Damascus'), וְצָפוֹן צָפוֹנָה (wĕṣāphôn ṣāphônāh, 'and north northward'), וּגְבוּל חֲמָת (ûgĕbûl Ḥămāt, 'and border of Hamath'). וְאֵת פְּאַת צָפוֹן (wĕʾēt pĕʾat ṣāphôn, 'and this is the north side').

The repetition and summary ('this is the north side') confirms the description's completion. Biblical boundaries often listed systematically (north, east, south, west—Numbers 34:1-12), demonstrating orderly divine planning. God's sovereignty extends to geographical details—no territory outside His control. This comprehensive boundary description assures Israel: your inheritance is secure, defined, and guaranteed by divine oath.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Boundary descriptions follow ancient Near Eastern treaty patterns—precise geographical markers prevented disputes. Modern archaeology uses these biblical descriptions to locate ancient sites. Ezekiel's boundaries, while similar to Numbers 34, include variations suggesting either updated geography or idealized millennial distribution. Regardless, the precision demonstrates that God's promises aren't vague spiritual concepts but concrete realities.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do biblical boundaries follow systematic patterns (north, east, south, west)?
  2. How does geographical precision in prophecy demonstrate God's sovereignty?
  3. What do land boundaries teach about God's attention to detail in promise fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהָיָ֨ה1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וּגְב֣וּל2 of 15

“And the border”

H1366

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

מִן3 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיָּ֗ם4 of 15

“from the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

חֲצַ֤ר5 of 15
H0
עֵינוֹן֙6 of 15

“shall be Hazarenan”

H2703

chatsar-enon, a place in palestine

וּגְב֣וּל7 of 15

“And the border”

H1366

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

דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק8 of 15

“of Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

צָפֽוֹן׃9 of 15

“And this is the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

צָפֽוֹן׃10 of 15

“And this is the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וּגְב֣וּל11 of 15

“And the border”

H1366

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

חֲמָ֑ת12 of 15

“of Hamath”

H2574

chamath, a place in syria

וְאֵ֖ת13 of 15
H853

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

פְּאַ֥ת14 of 15

“side”

H6285

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

צָפֽוֹן׃15 of 15

“And this is the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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 47:17 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 47:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 48:1Numbers 34:9

Places in This Verse

DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
Great SeaBody of Water · Modern: Mediterranean Sea · 31.80°N, 34.17°E36 verses across 14 books
Hamath 1Settlement · Modern: Hama · 35.14°N, 36.75°E21 verses across 9 books
Hazar-enanSettlement · Modern: Al Qaryatayn · 34.23°N, 37.24°E4 verses across 2 books
View all places in Ezekiel 47 →

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