Ezekiel 47:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God establishes the land's borders for inheritance among the twelve tribes, with Joseph receiving two portions.
The Context of Ezekiel 47:13
God announces the land's division among Israel's twelve tribes as the fulfillment of their inheritance promise.
What Does Ezekiel 47:13 Mean?
The vision shifts from eschatological imagery to practical land allocation. The river's restoration culminates in a new distribution of the promised land among Israel's tribes. Joseph receiving two portions—a special honor echoing Jacob's blessing—affirms that even in restoration, God honors the specific covenantal family relationships and promises made to the patriarchs.
This allocation grounds the spiritual renewal in concrete reality. The vision is not merely ethereal or abstract but extends to real territory, real people, and real inheritance. God's restorative work includes restoring what was lost or divided, reestablishing covenant promises, and reorganizing the people in their proper territorial relationship with Him.
Ezekiel 47:13 in the Original Language
nachal (נַחַל), 'inherit' — to take possession of an inheritance; in Hebrew, inseparable from covenant relationship and God's promised provision to His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 47:13
What does Ezekiel 47:13 mean?
God establishes the land's borders for inheritance among the twelve tribes, with Joseph receiving two portions.
What is the context of Ezekiel 47:13?
God announces the land's division among Israel's twelve tribes as the fulfillment of their inheritance promise.