King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:22 in the King James Version says “Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince.”

Ezekiel 48:22 · King James Version

Context

20

All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.

21

And the residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof.

22

Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince.

23

As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin shall have a portion. A portion: Heb. one portion

24

And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon shall have a portion.

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's—This verse clarifies the prince's territorial allocation, defined by its boundaries: the Levitical possession to the north, the sacred city district, and the tribal lands of Judah (north) and Benjamin (south). The Hebrew la-nassi (לַנָּשִׂיא, "for the prince") emphasizes the mediatorial role of this ruler between the sacred temple district and the secular tribal territories.

The careful geographic precision reflects the new covenant order where sacred space and political authority are distinct yet harmoniously arranged. Unlike the pre-exilic monarchy where kings often encroached on temple prerogatives (Uzziah's presumption in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21), this eschatological arrangement preserves boundaries. The prince's territory literally surrounds the holy district, symbolizing his role as protector rather than proprietor of sacred things—a picture of Christ's kingship that honors His Father's house while ruling over His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This concluding section of Ezekiel's temple vision (chapters 40-48) was received circa 573 BCE during the Babylonian exile, twenty-five years after Jerusalem's fall. The meticulous land division never materialized in the post-exilic return under Zerubbabel and Ezra. The prince (nasi) is consistently distinguished from melek (king), suggesting a more limited, servant-leadership role. This territorial arrangement, with its symmetric tribal allotments and central holy district, presents an idealized restoration that transcends the historical complexities of the actual return, pointing toward the eschatological kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the prince's position—surrounding but not possessing the holy district—model proper spiritual leadership?
  2. What does the clear boundary between sacred and secular space teach about God's order in governance?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּמֵאֲחֻזַּ֣ת1 of 16

“Moreover from the possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

הַלְוִיִּם֙2 of 16

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וּמֵאֲחֻזַּ֣ת3 of 16

“Moreover from the possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

הָעִ֔יר4 of 16

“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)

בְּת֛וֹךְ5 of 16

“being in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 16
H834

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

לַנָּשִׂ֖יא7 of 16

“of that which is the prince's”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

יִֽהְיֶ֑ה8 of 16
H1961

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

בֵּ֣ין׀9 of 16
H996

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

גְּב֣וּל10 of 16

“and the border”

H1366

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

יְהוּדָ֗ה11 of 16

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּבֵין֙12 of 16
H996

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

גְּב֣וּל13 of 16

“and the border”

H1366

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

בִּנְיָמִ֔ן14 of 16

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לַנָּשִׂ֖יא15 of 16

“of that which is the prince's”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

יִהְיֶֽה׃16 of 16
H1961

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

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 48:22 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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