Ezekiel 48:3
Ezekiel 48:3 in Multiple Translations
Naphtali will have one portion bordering the territory of Asher from east to west.
And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali.
And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, Naphtali, one portion.
And on the limit of Asher, from the east side to the west side: Naphtali, one part.
Naphtali's allocation borders that of Asher from east to west.
And by the border of Asher from the East parte euen vnto the West parte a portion for Naphtali.
and by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, Naphtali one,
“By the border of Asher, from the east side even to the west side, Naphtali, one portion.
And by the border of Asher, from the east side even to the west side, a portion for Naphtali.
And by the border of Aser, from the east side even to the side of the sea, one portion for Nephthali.
South of their land will be the territory for the tribe of Naphtali.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 48:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 48:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַ֣ל
גְּב֣וּל
אָשֵׁ֗ר
מִ/פְּאַ֥ת
קָדִ֛ימָ/ה
וְ/עַד
פְּאַת
יָ֖מָּ/ה
נַפְתָּלִ֥י
אֶחָֽד
וְ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
אָשֵׁ֗ר
ʼÂshêr
H836
Asher
N-proper
מִ/פְּאַ֥ת
pêʼâh
H6285
side
Prep | N-fs
קָדִ֛ימָ/ה
qâdîym
H6921
east
N-ms | Suff
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
פְּאַת
pêʼâh
H6285
side
N-fs
יָ֖מָּ/ה
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms | Suff
נַפְתָּלִ֥י
Naphtâlîy
H5321
Naphtali
N-proper
אֶחָֽד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 48:3
וְ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
אָשֵׁ֗ר
ʼÂshêr
H836
"Asher"
N-proper
Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and one of the twelve tribes of Israel, mentioned in Genesis 30:13. The tribe of Asher was known for its happy and blessed people. Asher is also the name of a region in Palestine.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.13; son of: Israel (H3478) and Zilpah (H2153); brother of: Gad (H1410); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Imnah (H3232), Ishvah (H3438), Ishvi (H3440), Beriah (H1283) and Serah (H8294); also translated "pine" or "cypress wood" at Ezk.27.6(?); Ashurite at 2Sa.2.9(?); § Asher = "happy" 1) son of Jacob and Zilpah 2) the tribe descended from Asher 3) a city east of Shechem in Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Asher See also: Genesis 30:13; Joshua 17:11; Ezekiel 48:34.
מִ/פְּאַ֥ת
pêʼâh
H6285
"side"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to the side or corner of something, like the edge of a room or a region. It is used in the Bible to describe geography or location. In the KJV, it is translated as 'corner' or 'side'.
Definition: 1) corner, edge, side, quarter, extremity 1a) corner 1b) side
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: corner, end, quarter, side. See also: Exodus 25:26; Jeremiah 25:23; Jeremiah 9:25.
קָדִ֛ימָ/ה
qâdîym
H6921
"east"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means the direction east or the east wind, often used to describe geographical locations or the direction of the wind.
Definition: 1) east, east wind 1a) east (of direction) 1b) east wind
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: east(-ward, wind). See also: Genesis 41:6; Ezekiel 43:17; Psalms 48:8.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
פְּאַת
pêʼâh
H6285
"side"
N-fs
This word refers to the side or corner of something, like the edge of a room or a region. It is used in the Bible to describe geography or location. In the KJV, it is translated as 'corner' or 'side'.
Definition: 1) corner, edge, side, quarter, extremity 1a) corner 1b) side
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: corner, end, quarter, side. See also: Exodus 25:26; Jeremiah 25:23; Jeremiah 9:25.
יָ֖מָּ/ה
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms | Suff
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
נַפְתָּלִ֥י
Naphtâlîy
H5321
"Naphtali"
N-proper
Naphtali was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant, and is first mentioned in Genesis 30:8. Naphtali's descendants lived in the region of Galilee.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Naphtali living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.8; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Dan (H1835H); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Jahzeel (H3183), Guni (H1476), Jezer (H3337) and Shillem (H8006) Also named: Nephthaleim (Νεφθαλείμ "Naphtali" G3508) § Naphtali = "wrestling" 1) the 5th son of Jacob and the 2nd by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel 2) the tribe descended from Naphtali the son of Jacob 3) the territory assigned to the tribe of Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Naphtali. See also: Genesis 30:8; Judges 1:33; Psalms 68:28.
אֶחָֽד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 48:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 48:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 48:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 48:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 48:3
Context — The Portions for the Tribes
1“Now these are the names of the tribes: At the northern frontier, Dan will have one portion bordering the road of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath and running on to Hazar-enan on the border of Damascus with Hamath to the north, and extending from the east side to the west side.
2Asher will have one portion bordering the territory of Dan from east to west.
3Naphtali will have one portion bordering the territory of Asher from east to west.
4Manasseh will have one portion bordering the territory of Naphtali from east to west. 5Ephraim will have one portion bordering the territory of Manasseh from east to west.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 19:32–39 | The sixth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Naphtali: Their border started at Heleph and the great tree of Zaanannim, passing Adami-nekeb and Jabneel as far as Lakkum and ending at the Jordan. Then the border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and ran from there to Hukkok, touching Zebulun on the south side, Asher on the west, and Judah at the Jordan on the east. The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor, Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Naphtali, including these cities and their villages. |
| 2 | Genesis 30:7–8 | And Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, “In my great struggles, I have wrestled with my sister and won.” So she named him Naphtali. |
Ezekiel 48:3 Summary
Ezekiel 48:3 tells us that the tribe of Naphtali will have a special portion of land next to the tribe of Asher, from east to west. This shows us that God has a plan for each of us, just like He had a plan for the tribes of Israel (as seen in Exodus 32:13). He cares about the details of our lives and wants us to trust in His goodness, just as the Israelites were to trust in His promise of a homeland (Deuteronomy 32:8-9). By looking at this verse, we can remember that God is faithful and has a purpose for each of us, and we can trust in His love and care for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Naphtali's portion bordering the territory of Asher from east to west?
This arrangement highlights God's sovereign plan for the allocation of land among the tribes of Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 48:3, and demonstrates His attention to detail in establishing their boundaries, much like He did in Joshua 13-19.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Ezekiel 48?
Ezekiel 48:3 is part of the larger discussion on the division of the land among the tribes, emphasizing the importance of each tribe having its designated portion, as promised by God in Exodus 32:13 and reaffirmed in Ezekiel 47:13-23.
What can we learn about God's character from this verse?
This verse reveals God's faithfulness and orderliness, as He carefully assigns each tribe its territory, demonstrating His commitment to His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:8-9 and Acts 17:26.
How does the east-to-west orientation of Naphtali's portion impact our understanding of the verse?
The east-to-west orientation may symbolize the universal scope of God's plan, as the east often represents the rising sun and new beginnings, while the west can signify completion or fulfillment, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's promises, as in Psalm 103:12 and Isaiah 43:5.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach me about God's sovereignty and attention to detail in my life?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's allocation of resources and boundaries to my own circumstances?
- In what ways can I reflect on the promise of God's faithfulness to me, just as He was faithful to the tribe of Naphtali?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's plan for my life, even when the details are unclear?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 48:3
And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 48:3
And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:3
To the north-west point, where the dividing line ends, being drawn from the north-east point to the north-west in the midland sea.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:3
Ezekiel 48:3 And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a [portion for] Naphtali.Ver. 3. A portion for Naphtali.] There are many portions of inheritance in Christ’ s kingdom; there are also in heaven many mansions, all which shall be divided among the elect.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:3
XLVIII. The closing chapter of Ezekiel is mainly occupied with the distribution of the land in detail. Beginning at the north, a portion is assigned to each of seven tribes (Ezekiel 48:1-7); then the “oblation” is described, with its parts for the Levites, the priests and Temple, the city and those that serve it, and for the prince (Ezekiel 48:8-22), and lastly portions for the remaining five tribes. The chapter and the book close with an account of the size and the twelve gates of the city, the whole ending with its name, “The Lord is there.” The distribution of the land is entirely different from that made under Joshua, nor is it easy to trace any historical reasons for it, except that the central portion, containing the Temple, the land of the priests and the prince, is flanked by the two tribes of the southern kingdom, Judah and Benjamin. The chapter can best be understood by the aid of a small map, the outline of which is traced from Dr. Wm. Smith’s ancient atlas. This might be drawn with the lines between the tribes perpendicular either to the general course of the Jordan, or to the general coast-line of the Mediterranean. The latter would give a little more width for the oblation, but still not enough, and would leave no space at all on the west for the prince. The former arrangement is on the whole preferred.
It will be seen that the tribes are not arranged either according to their seniority or their maternity. The territory falling to each tribe was much smaller than of old, partly because of the large space occupied by the “oblation” (fully one-fifth of the whole), and partly because the remainder was to be divided among the whole twelve tribes, instead of among only nine and a half. The portion thus given to each tribe was rather less than two-thirds that assigned, on the average, by Joshua. (1) These are his sides east and west.—Lit., The east side, the west side, shall be to him, meaning that the portion of Dan stretches across the country from the eastern to the western boundary. So of them all. The original portion of Dan was at the west of Benjamin, but a part of the tribe having conquered Laish, and settled at the extreme north, Dan is now made the most northern of the tribes. Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, and Ephraim are so far approximated to their old places as to be north of the sanctuary. (8) In length as one of the other parts.—The oblation, which has been already spoken of in Ezekiel 45:1-7 in a different connection, is here (Ezekiel 48:8-22) more exactly described. Its whole width is again stated as 25,000 reeds, and its length from the eastern to the western boundaries of the laud “as one of the other parts,” no account being taken in this of the varying distance between the Jordan and the Mediterranean. It cannot, however, be so placed as not to exceed that distance.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 48:3
1–7. The tribes to the north of the sacred oblation.