King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:17 in the King James Version says “And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty,...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.”

Ezekiel 48:17 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.

17

And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.

18

And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy portion shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy portion; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

19

And they that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes of Israel.

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The suburbs of the city (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash)—open lands surrounding the city, measuring 250 cubits on each side, provided pasture and agricultural space. Levitical cities similarly had migrash zones (Numbers 35:2-5), blending urban and agrarian life while preventing overcrowding.

The four-directional description—toward the north...south...east...west—repeats the comprehensive spatial pattern, ensuring balanced development without privileging one direction. This egalitarian design prevents the economic stratification where one city quarter becomes elite while others decay, reflecting God's justice extending to urban planning itself. The 250-cubit buffer (approximately 375 feet) creates breathing room between sacred center and productive periphery.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cities often lacked planned green space, leading to unsanitary conditions. The Levitical cities' migrash provision (Numbers 35) established precedent for open lands supporting urban populations. Archaeological evidence from Iron Age Israelite cities shows some preserved open areas, though economic pressure often led to encroachment—a problem Ezekiel's vision prevents through fixed measurements.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's concern for sustainable city planning challenge modern urban sprawl and environmental exploitation?
  2. What does the balanced four-directional development teach about equity and justice in community design?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהָיָ֣ה1 of 15
H1961

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

מִגְרָשׁ֮2 of 15

“And the suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

לָעִיר֒3 of 15

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

צָפ֙וֹנָה֙4 of 15

“shall be toward the north”

H6828

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

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים5 of 15

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃6 of 15

“two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְנֶ֖גְבָּה7 of 15

“and toward the south”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים8 of 15

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃9 of 15

“two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְקָדִ֙ימָה֙10 of 15

“and toward the east”

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים11 of 15

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃12 of 15

“two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְיָ֖מָּה13 of 15

“and toward the west”

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

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים14 of 15

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃15 of 15

“two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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 48:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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