King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 48:35 Mean?

Ezekiel 48:35 in the King James Version says “It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there. The L...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there. The LORD: Heb. Jehovahshammah”

Ezekiel 48:35 · KJV

Context

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.

35

It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there. The LORD: Heb. Jehovahshammah

Read Ezekiel 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The book's final verse: 'It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.' The climax isn't architectural details or tribal allotments but God's presence. The Hebrew name 'Yahweh Shammah' (יְהוָה שָׁמָּה, 'the LORD is there') declares the city's defining reality—God dwells there. This contrasts with Jerusalem's earlier name 'Ichabod' ('the glory has departed,' 1 Samuel 4:21). The promise 'from that day' (miyom, מִיּוֹם) indicates a decisive moment when God's presence becomes permanently manifest. This is the goal of all redemptive history—God dwelling with humanity. The name fulfills promises throughout Ezekiel of God's returning presence (37:27, 43:7) and anticipates Revelation 21:3: 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel's prophecy began with vision of God's glory by the Chebar canal in exile (1:1-3) and ends with promise of God's permanent presence in restored Jerusalem. The book traces glory's departure (chapters 8-11), judgment on Jerusalem (chapters 4-24), judgment on nations (chapters 25-32), and restoration promises (chapters 33-48). The final vision (chapters 40-48) describes a temple and city where God dwells forever. While some details found partial fulfillment in the post-exilic return and temple rebuilding, the complete fulfillment transcends any historical Jerusalem. Jesus Christ is the ultimate temple—'destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up' (John 2:19-21). The church becomes God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), and the New Jerusalem represents eternal, unmediated divine presence (Revelation 21-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'the LORD is there' as the ultimate goal of redemption shape your priorities and hopes?
  2. In what ways do you experience the reality that the Lord is present with you now through Christ and the Spirit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
סָבִ֕יב1 of 9

“It was round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

שְׁמֹנָ֥ה2 of 9

“eighteen”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

עָשָׂ֖ר3 of 9
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אָ֑לֶף4 of 9

“thousand”

H505

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

וְשֵׁם5 of 9

“measures and the name”

H8034

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

הָעִ֥יר6 of 9

“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)

מִיּ֖וֹם7 of 9

“from that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יְהוָ֥ה׀8 of 9
H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שָֽׁמָּה׃9 of 9
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 48:35 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 48:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 21:3Zechariah 2:10Revelation 22:3Jeremiah 33:16Isaiah 12:6Jeremiah 3:17

Places in This Verse

The Lord Is ThereSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Ezekiel 48 →

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