Ezekiel 48:1

Authorized King James Version

Now 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵ֖לֶּה

H428

these or those

שְׁמ֣וֹת

H8034

Now these are the names

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

הַשְּׁבָטִ֑ים

H7626

of the tribes

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

מִקְצֵ֣ה

H7097

end

an extremity

צָפ֙וֹנָה֙

H6828

From the north

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַ֣ד

H3027

to the coast

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

דֶּֽרֶךְ

H1870

of the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

חֶתְלֹ֣ן׀

H2855

of Hethlon

chethlon, a place in palestine

#10

לְֽבוֹא

H935

as one goeth

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

חֲמָ֔ת

H2574

of Hamath

chamath, a place in syria

#12

חֲצַ֣ר

#13

עֵינָן֩

H2704

Hazarenan

chatsar-enan, a place in palestine

#14

גְּב֨וּל

H1366

the border

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

#15

דַּמֶּ֤שֶׂק

H1834

of Damascus

damascus, a city of syria

#16

צָפ֙וֹנָה֙

H6828

From the north

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

#17

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

יַ֣ד

H3027

to the coast

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#19

חֲמָ֔ת

H2574

of Hamath

chamath, a place in syria

#20

וְהָיוּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#21

ל֧וֹ

#22

פְאַת

H6285

for these are his sides

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

#23

קָדִ֛ים

H6921

east

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

#24

הַיָּ֖ם

H3220

and west

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

#25

דָּ֥ן

H1835

portion for Dan

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

#26

אֶחָֽד׃

H259

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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