King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:31 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:31 in the King James Version says “And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, o...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 48:31 · KJV

Context

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.

32

And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.

33

And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun.

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The gate naming—'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'—commemorates all twelve tribes. Each tribe receives recognition through named gates, preventing tribal hierarchy or favorites. The Hebrew שְׁעָרִים (she'arim, 'gates') serve both functional (access) and symbolic (identity) purposes. The equal gate distribution (three per side, four sides, twelve total) ensures comprehensive representation. Reformed theology sees this as picturing the church: built on twelve apostles (Ephesians 2:20), twelve tribes spiritually constituting spiritual Israel (James 1:1, Revelation 7:4-8), and New Jerusalem having twelve gates named for twelve tribes (Revelation 21:12-13). All God's people receive honor and access.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The twelve-tribe system structured Israelite identity despite historical complexities (Joseph split into Ephraim and Manasseh, Levi landless). The exile scattered tribes, raising questions about future restoration. Ezekiel's vision promises comprehensive restoration—all tribes represented. The gate names ensured memorial perpetuity—future generations would remember tribal heritage. Nehemiah's rebuilt gates had functional names (Sheep Gate, Fish Gate) versus tribal names, but the principle remains: gates memorialize and provide access. Revelation's New Jerusalem combines tribal gates (Revelation 21:12) with apostolic foundations (Revelation 21:14), uniting Old and New Testament saints. The equal representation prevents sectarian divisions—all God's people equally honored.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you honor all God's people (various gifts, backgrounds, denominations) or favor your particular group?
  2. What does equal gate distribution teach about preventing hierarchies and favorites in God's kingdom?
  3. How do you maintain identity (tribal gates) while pursuing unity (single city)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
שַׁ֥עַר1 of 18

“And the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָעִ֗יר2 of 18

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

עַל3 of 18
H5921

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

שְׁמוֹת֙4 of 18

“shall be after the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שִׁבְטֵ֣י5 of 18

“of the tribes”

H7626

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

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

שַׁ֥עַר7 of 18

“And the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

שְׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה8 of 18

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

צָפ֑וֹנָה9 of 18

“northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

שַׁ֥עַר10 of 18

“And the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

רְאוּבֵ֞ן11 of 18

“of Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

אֶחָֽד׃12 of 18

“one”

H259

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

שַׁ֥עַר13 of 18

“And the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

יְהוּדָה֙14 of 18

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֶחָֽד׃15 of 18

“one”

H259

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

שַׁ֥עַר16 of 18

“And the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לֵוִ֖י17 of 18

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

אֶחָֽד׃18 of 18

“one”

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 48:31 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 48:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 21:12-13Isaiah 26:1-2Revelation 21:21Isaiah 60:11Revelation 21:25Isaiah 54:12

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