King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:25 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:25 in the King James Version says “And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, Issachar a portion.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 48:25 · KJV

Context

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.

27

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

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, Issachar a portion. Issachar, one of Leah's sons, receives the fourth position south of the sacred district. This tribe's name derives from sakar (שָׂכָר, "wages/reward"), reflecting Leah's declaration at his birth (Genesis 30:18). Jacob's blessing described Issachar as "a strong ass couching down between two burdens" who "saw that rest was good" and "became a servant unto tribute" (Genesis 49:14-15)—traditionally interpreted as choosing agricultural productivity over military glory.

The Chronicler notes that the "men of Issachar" had "understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chronicles 12:32), suggesting this tribe's wisdom and discernment. In this restored order, Issachar's portion demonstrates that both contemplative wisdom and practical labor have their place in God's kingdom—the tribe that valued rest and fruitful labor receives eternal inheritance alongside warrior tribes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Issachar's territory in the Jezreel Valley (Joshua 19:17-23) was exceptionally fertile, making it one of the richest agricultural regions in ancient Israel. This location between the Mediterranean and the Jordan Valley made it vulnerable to foreign powers traveling through, which may inform Jacob's prophecy about bearing burdens. During the judges period, Issachar produced Tola (Judges 10:1) and Deborah's contemporary Barak came from this region. The tribe's wisdom tradition and agricultural expertise contributed significantly to Israel's economy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Issachar's blessing challenge modern assumptions about success being defined by power rather than productivity?
  2. What does this tribe's 'understanding of the times' teach about the value of wisdom in God's economy?

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

שִׁמְע֗וֹן3 of 10

“of Simeon”

H8095

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

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

יִשָׂשכָ֥ר9 of 10

“Issachar”

H3485

jissaskar, a son of jacob

אֶחָֽד׃10 of 10

“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 48:25 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 48:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:17-23Genesis 30:14-18

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 48 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes