Ezekiel 47:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Land will be divided by lot, and foreigners dwelling and raising families among Israel will inherit equally as native-born.
The Context of Ezekiel 47:22
The land division extends inheritance rights equally to foreign residents who have become integrated into Israelite society.
What Does Ezekiel 47:22 Mean?
The division by lot invokes God's direct involvement in the allocation process—not human preference or power determines distribution but divine casting of lots, ensuring justice beyond human prejudice. The inclusion of 'strangers that sojourn among you' extends redemption and inheritance rights to non-Israelites who have made the community their own by dwelling there and raising families.
The phrase 'as born in the country among the children of Israel' removes distinction between native and immigrant, full and partial membership. This radical inclusion reflects God's final restoration as one that transcends ethnic boundary and welcomes the outsider into full family standing. Inheritance—the deepest sign of belonging—extends to all who commit to the community.
Ezekiel 47:22 in the Original Language
ger (גֵּר), 'strangers/sojourners' — in Hebrew law, protected outsiders with limited rights; their full inheritance here marks the eschatological removal of barriers and the restoration's universal scope.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 47:22
What does Ezekiel 47:22 mean?
Land will be divided by lot, and foreigners dwelling and raising families among Israel will inherit equally as native-born.
What is the context of Ezekiel 47:22?
The land division extends inheritance rights equally to foreign residents who have become integrated into Israelite society.