Ezekiel 47:17
And the border from the sea shall be Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֨ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וּגְב֣וּל
And the border
H1366
וּגְב֣וּל
And the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַיָּ֗ם
from the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֗ם
from the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
4 of 15
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
וּגְב֣וּל
And the border
H1366
וּגְב֣וּל
And the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
צָפֽוֹן׃
And this is the north
H6828
צָפֽוֹן׃
And this is the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
צָפֽוֹן׃
And this is the north
H6828
צָפֽוֹן׃
And this is the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
וּגְב֣וּל
And the border
H1366
וּגְב֣וּל
And the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Ezekiel 48:1Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.Numbers 34:9And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazar-enan: this shall be your north border.
Historical Context
Boundary descriptions follow ancient Near Eastern treaty patterns—precise geographical markers prevented disputes. Modern archaeology uses these biblical descriptions to locate ancient sites. Ezekiel's boundaries, while similar to Numbers 34, include variations suggesting either updated geography or idealized millennial distribution. Regardless, the precision demonstrates that God's promises aren't vague spiritual concepts but concrete realities.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do biblical boundaries follow systematic patterns (north, east, south, west)?
- How does geographical precision in prophecy demonstrate God's sovereignty?
- What do land boundaries teach about God's attention to detail in promise fulfillment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the border from the sea shall be Hazarenan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side—Northern boundary summarized: מִן־הַיָּם (min-hayyām, 'from the sea') to חֲצַר עֵינוֹן (Ḥăṣar ʿÊnôn, Hazar-enan), גְּבוּל דַּמֶּשֶׂק (gĕbûl Dammeśeq, 'border of Damascus'), וְצָפוֹן צָפוֹנָה (wĕṣāphôn ṣāphônāh, 'and north northward'), וּגְבוּל חֲמָת (ûgĕbûl Ḥămāt, 'and border of Hamath'). וְאֵת פְּאַת צָפוֹן (wĕʾēt pĕʾat ṣāphôn, 'and this is the north side').
The repetition and summary ('this is the north side') confirms the description's completion. Biblical boundaries often listed systematically (north, east, south, west—Numbers 34:1-12), demonstrating orderly divine planning. God's sovereignty extends to geographical details—no territory outside His control. This comprehensive boundary description assures Israel: your inheritance is secure, defined, and guaranteed by divine oath.