King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:27 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:27 in the King James Version says “And by the border of Zebulun, from the east side unto the west side, Gad a portion.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 48:27 · KJV

Context

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

29

This is the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their portions, saith the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And by the border of Zebulun, from the east side unto the west side, Gad a portion. Gad's placement as the sixth and southernmost tribe before the final southern border is significant. Gad was Zilpah's son (Leah's handmaid), and his name means "troop" or "fortune" (Genesis 30:11). Jacob's blessing declared: "Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last" (Genesis 49:19)—a prophecy of military struggle ending in victory. Moses blessed Gad as one who "dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head" (Deuteronomy 33:20).

Historically, Gad settled east of the Jordan (Transjordan), making them frontier defenders against Ammonite and Moabite incursions. Yet in Ezekiel's vision, Gad receives territory west of the Jordan in the main promised land—no longer on the margins but fully incorporated. This relocation symbolizes that in the restoration, all God's people dwell securely in the inheritance without the vulnerability of frontier exposure. The warrior tribe receives rest from warfare.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh requested to settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32), which Moses granted on condition they help conquer Canaan proper. Gad's territory (Joshua 13:24-28) faced constant pressure from Moab and Ammon. The Gadites were renowned warriors—David's mighty men included valiant Gadites "whose faces were like the faces of lions" (1 Chronicles 12:8). When Assyria conquered the northern kingdom (722 BCE), the Transjordanian tribes were among the first exiled (1 Chronicles 5:26). Ezekiel's vision restores them fully to the land.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Gad's relocation from the vulnerable frontier to the secure inheritance teach about God's ultimate rest for His warriors?
  2. How does this vision of former 'margin-dwellers' receiving full inheritance speak to those who feel on the periphery of God's people?

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

זְבוּלֻ֗ן3 of 10

“of Zebulun”

H2074

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

פְּאַת4 of 10

“side”

H6285

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

קָדִ֛מָה5 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

גָּ֥ד9 of 10

“Gad”

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

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 48:27 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 48:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 13:24-28Genesis 30:10-11

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