King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:26 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:26 in the King James Version says “And by the border of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side, Zebulun a portion.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 48:26 · KJV

Context

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.

28

And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar unto the waters of strife in Kadesh, and to the river toward the great sea. strife: or, Meribahkadesh

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And by the border of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side, Zebulun a portion. Zebulun, another of Leah's sons and Issachar's full brother, receives the fifth southern position. The name Zevulun (זְבוּלֻן) relates to zaval ("to dwell/honor"), as Leah declared "now will my husband dwell with me" at his birth (Genesis 30:20). Jacob's blessing prophesied: "Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships" (Genesis 49:13).

Though Zebulun's historical territory was inland, this prophetic blessing points to commercial prosperity and international connections. Moses blessed Zebulun to "rejoice in thy going out" alongside Issachar's "rejoice in thy tents" (Deuteronomy 33:18-19), suggesting complementary callings—Zebulun the merchant-traveler, Issachar the settled agriculturalist. Their adjacent positions in Ezekiel's restoration reflect their fraternal bond and complementary economic roles. Notably, much of Jesus's Galilean ministry occurred in Zebulun's territory (Matthew 4:13-15, citing Isaiah 9:1-2), making this tribe's portion prophetically significant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zebulun's actual territory (Joshua 19:10-16) extended from the Mediterranean coast inland toward the Sea of Galilee, giving access to both maritime and overland trade routes. During the judges period, Zebulun answered Deborah's call against Sisera, producing warriors who "jeoparded their lives unto the death" (Judges 5:18). Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel ten years (Judges 12:11-12). The tribe's strategic location made it prosperous in peacetime and vulnerable in war. Nazareth, Jesus's hometown, stood in Zebulun's territory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Zebulun's calling to 'go out' complement the church's dual mandate of gathered worship and scattered witness?
  2. What does Jesus's ministry in Zebulun's territory reveal about God's heart for those in 'Galilee of the Gentiles'?

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

יִשָׂשכָ֗ר3 of 10

“of Issachar”

H3485

jissaskar, a son of jacob

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

זְבוּלֻ֥ן9 of 10

“Zebulun”

H2074

zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe

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 48:26 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 48:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:10-16Genesis 30:19-20

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