King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:13 in the King James Version says “And over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand i...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.”

Ezekiel 48:13 · KJV

Context

11

It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok; which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray. It: or, The sanctified portion shall be for the priests charge: or, ward, or, ordinance

12

And this oblation of the land that is offered shall be unto them a thing most holy by the border of the Levites.

13

And over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.

14

And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD.

15

And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane place for the city, for dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth—the Levitical portion mirrors the priestly dimensions (25,000x10,000 cubits), honoring their ministerial role while maintaining hierarchical distinction. The phrase over against (לְעֻמַּת, le-ummat) means "corresponding to" or "parallel with," emphasizing ordered symmetry in God's design.

The repetition of measurements—all the length shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand—serves rhetorical emphasis, underscoring permanence and precision. Unlike the fluid, contested borders of monarchic Israel, this allocation reflects eschatological stability where each tribe receives its divinely ordained inheritance without encroachment or dispute.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levites received no territorial inheritance in the original conquest (Numbers 18:20-24), instead receiving 48 cities scattered throughout Israel plus tithes for their temple service. Ezekiel's vision grants them a contiguous territorial portion, elevating their status in the restored community while maintaining their special relationship to the sanctuary and priestly tribe.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision for the Levites demonstrate that those who serve Him will never lack?
  2. What does the parallel-but-distinct allocation to priests and Levites teach about unity and order in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְהַלְוִיִּ֗ם1 of 19

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

לְעֻמַּת֙2 of 19

“And over against”

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

גְּב֣וּל3 of 19

“the border”

H1366

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

הַכֹּהֲנִ֔ים4 of 19

“of the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה5 of 19

“shall be five”

H2568

five

וְעֶשְׂרִים֙6 of 19

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אֲלָפִֽים׃7 of 19

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אֹ֗רֶךְ8 of 19

“all the length”

H753

length

וְרֹ֖חַב9 of 19

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת10 of 19

“and ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אֲלָפִֽים׃11 of 19

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

כָּל12 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹ֗רֶךְ13 of 19

“all the length”

H753

length

חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה14 of 19

“shall be five”

H2568

five

וְעֶשְׂרִים֙15 of 19

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אֲלָפִֽים׃16 of 19

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְרֹ֖חַב17 of 19

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת18 of 19

“and ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אֲלָפִֽים׃19 of 19

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

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 48:13 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 48:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 45:3Ezekiel 45:5Deuteronomy 12:19Luke 10:7

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 48 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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