King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:24 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:24 in the King James Version says “And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon shall have a portion.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 48:24 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, Issachar a portion.

26

And by the border of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side, Zebulun a portion.

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon shall have a portion. Simeon's placement south of Benjamin is remarkable given this tribe's problematic history. Jacob's deathbed prophecy pronounced scattering for Simeon and Levi due to their violence at Shechem (Genesis 49:5-7). While Levi's scattering became sanctified through priestly service, Simeon was absorbed into Judah's territory (Joshua 19:1, 9) and virtually disappears from biblical history after the judges period.

Yet in this eschatological vision, Simeon receives full restoration and equal inheritance—a powerful picture of God's redemptive grace. The identical formula gam-Shimon echad (גַּם־שִׁמְעוֹן אֶחָד, "Simeon [shall have] one [portion]") used for all twelve tribes demonstrates that divine grace transcends historical failure. This parallels the New Testament reality where those once "not a people" become God's people through Christ (1 Peter 2:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Simeon's history illustrates the consequences of violence and the power of grace. After the Shechem massacre (Genesis 34), Jacob cursed Simeon and Levi to be scattered. Simeon received cities within Judah's territory rather than a distinct region (Joshua 19:1-9). The tribe's population dramatically decreased between the two census counts (Numbers 1:23 vs. 26:14), and Simeon receives no blessing in Moses' farewell (Deuteronomy 33). By David's time, Simeon had largely been absorbed into Judah, making this restoration prophecy all the more gracious.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Simeon's full restoration despite historical failure illustrate the gospel of grace?
  2. What hope does this offer to individuals or communities with troubled spiritual histories?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְעַ֣ל׀1 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גְּב֣וּל2 of 10

“And by the border”

H1366

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

בִּנְיָמִ֗ן3 of 10

“of Benjamin”

H1144

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

פְּאַת4 of 10

“side”

H6285

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

קָדִ֛ימָה5 of 10

“from the east”

H6921

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

עַד6 of 10
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

פְּאַת7 of 10

“side”

H6285

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

יָ֖מָּה8 of 10

“unto 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

שִׁמְע֥וֹן9 of 10

“Simeon”

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

אֶחָֽד׃10 of 10

“shall have a”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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 48:24 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 48:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:1-9Genesis 29:33Genesis 49:5-7

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