King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:29 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:29 in the King James Version says “This is the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their portions, s...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 48:29 · KJV

Context

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.

30

And these are the goings out of the city on the north side, four thousand and five hundred measures.

31

And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi.

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This solemn conclusion to the land distribution section emphasizes divine authority: ne'um Adonai YHWH (נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, "declares the Lord GOD"). The phrase tappilu nachalaḥ (תַּפִּילוּ נַחֲלָה, "divide by lot for inheritance") recalls the original conquest distribution under Joshua (Joshua 14-19), where casting lots acknowledged God's sovereign assignment of territories.

The use of nachalah (נַחֲלָה, "inheritance") rather than mere eretz ("land") emphasizes that this is covenant gift, not conquest reward. Israel's possession of Canaan was always predicated on God's promise to the patriarchs, not Israel's merit. This eschatological redistribution demonstrates that exile did not void God's covenant—"the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29). What God promises, He performs. The double emphasis on divine speech ("ye shall divide" and "saith the Lord GOD") undergirds the certainty of this restoration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This declaration recalls the original land distribution under Joshua (Joshua 13-21), when lots were cast at Shiloh before the Lord (Joshua 18:10). That distribution was never fully realized—many tribes failed to possess their full inheritance (Judges 1), and the northern tribes were lost to Assyrian conquest (722 BCE), followed by Judah's Babylonian exile (586 BCE). Ezekiel's exilic audience had lost everything; this vision promised comprehensive restoration. The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" occurs over 200 times in Ezekiel, emphasizing divine authority and certainty in a context where all human security had collapsed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the emphasis on divine declaration ('saith the Lord GOD') strengthen faith when circumstances suggest God's promises have failed?
  2. What does the concept of 'inheritance' rather than 'earned possession' teach about our relationship to God's blessings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
זֹ֥את1 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הָאָ֛רֶץ2 of 12

“This is the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר3 of 12
H834

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

תַּפִּ֥ילוּ4 of 12

“which ye shall divide”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מִֽנַּחֲלָ֖ה5 of 12

“for inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

לְשִׁבְטֵ֣י6 of 12

“by lot unto the tribes”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל7 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙8 of 12
H428

these or those

מַחְלְקוֹתָ֔ם9 of 12

“and these are their portions”

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

נְאֻ֖ם10 of 12

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֥י11 of 12

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֽה׃12 of 12

“GOD”

H3069

god

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 48:29 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 48:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 13:1-21Ezekiel 47:13-22Numbers 34:2Numbers 34:13

Test Your Knowledge

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

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