King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:32 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:32 in the King James Version says “And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 48:32 · KJV

Context

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.

34

At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The eastern wall of the holy city measures 4,500 cubits (approximately 2.25 miles) with three tribal gates. The eastern orientation is significant—the glory of God departed eastward (Ezekiel 10:18-19, 11:23) and returns from the east (Ezekiel 43:1-4). The eastern gates witness both departure and return.

The tribal selection is theologically loaded: Joseph (representing Ephraim and Manasseh, the northern kingdom), Benjamin (faithful to Judah through the division), and Dan (the northernmost tribe, often associated with idolatry at Bethel and Laish—Judges 18). That Dan receives a gate despite its apostasy demonstrates radical grace—Jacob prophesied Dan would be "a serpent by the way" (Genesis 49:17), yet here Dan has permanent access to God's presence. This is scandalous grace. Joseph's inclusion (though divided into Ephraim/Manasseh elsewhere) suggests restored unity between north and south. Benjamin's presence connects to the tribe of Paul, who brought the gospel to the nations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The eastern gate held special significance in Jerusalem's temple. It faced the Mount of Olives and the wilderness beyond. Solomon's temple and the second temple had eastern gates; Jesus entered Jerusalem from the east (Matthew 21:1), and will return to the Mount of Olives from the east (Zechariah 14:4, Acts 1:11). Dan's northern territory at Laish (Judges 18) became synonymous with idolatry—Jeroboam placed one of his golden calves there (1 Kings 12:29-30). Yet in this eschatological vision, Dan is fully restored, demonstrating that no tribe is beyond redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Dan's inclusion despite its idolatrous history demonstrate the extent of God's grace?
  2. What does the eastern orientation—direction of both glory's departure and return—teach about repentance and restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאֶל1 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פְּאַ֣ת2 of 18

“side”

H6285

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

קָדִ֗ימָה3 of 18

“And at the east”

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

חֲמֵ֤שׁ4 of 18

“and five”

H2568

five

מֵאוֹת֙5 of 18

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְאַרְבַּ֣עַת6 of 18

“four”

H702

four

אֲלָפִ֔ים7 of 18

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

שַׁ֥עַר8 of 18

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

שְׁלֹשָׁ֑ה9 of 18

“and three”

H7969

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

שַׁ֥עַר10 of 18

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

יוֹסֵ֜ף11 of 18

“of Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶחָֽד׃12 of 18

“and one”

H259

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

שַׁ֥עַר13 of 18

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

בִּנְיָמִן֙14 of 18

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֶחָֽד׃15 of 18

“and one”

H259

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

שַׁ֥עַר16 of 18

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

דָּ֖ן17 of 18

“of Dan”

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

אֶחָֽד׃18 of 18

“and 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 48:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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