Ezekiel 48:17
And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֣ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֣ה
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)
מִגְרָשׁ֮
And the suburbs
H4054
מִגְרָשׁ֮
And the suburbs
Strong's:
H4054
Word #:
2 of 15
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
לָעִיר֒
of the city
H5892
לָעִיר֒
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
צָפ֙וֹנָה֙
shall be toward the north
H6828
צָפ֙וֹנָה֙
shall be toward the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
two hundred
H3967
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
6 of 15
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
וְנֶ֖גְבָּה
and toward the south
H5045
וְנֶ֖גְבָּה
and toward the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
7 of 15
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
two hundred
H3967
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
9 of 15
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
וְקָדִ֙ימָה֙
and toward the east
H6921
וְקָדִ֙ימָה֙
and toward the east
Strong's:
H6921
Word #:
10 of 15
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
two hundred
H3967
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
12 of 15
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
Historical Context
Ancient cities often lacked planned green space, leading to unsanitary conditions. The Levitical cities' migrash provision (Numbers 35) established precedent for open lands supporting urban populations. Archaeological evidence from Iron Age Israelite cities shows some preserved open areas, though economic pressure often led to encroachment—a problem Ezekiel's vision prevents through fixed measurements.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's concern for sustainable city planning challenge modern urban sprawl and environmental exploitation?
- What does the balanced four-directional development teach about equity and justice in community design?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The suburbs of the city (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash)—open lands surrounding the city, measuring 250 cubits on each side, provided pasture and agricultural space. Levitical cities similarly had migrash zones (Numbers 35:2-5), blending urban and agrarian life while preventing overcrowding.
The four-directional description—toward the north...south...east...west—repeats the comprehensive spatial pattern, ensuring balanced development without privileging one direction. This egalitarian design prevents the economic stratification where one city quarter becomes elite while others decay, reflecting God's justice extending to urban planning itself. The 250-cubit buffer (approximately 375 feet) creates breathing room between sacred center and productive periphery.