Old Testament

Ezekiel 47:19

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

On the south side, the boundary runs from Tamar to the waters of strife in Kadesh, then along the river to the great sea. This is the south side.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward.

What Ezekiel 47:19 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, Ezekiel describes the southern boundary of the land that is being allocated. It starts at a place called Tamar and extends to a location known as the waters of strife in Kadesh. From there, the boundary continues along a river until it reaches the great sea. This description is significant because it outlines the territory that will belong to the people. Understanding these boundaries helps us appreciate the importance of land and identity. The mention of specific locations gives a sense of history and connection to the land. It reminds us that places have stories and meanings that shape our lives. The great sea symbolizes vastness and the unknown, inviting us to explore beyond our familiar territories. This passage encourages us to think about our own boundaries and the places that define us, both physically and spiritually. It invites reflection on how we relate to our environment and the significance of the spaces we inhabit in our lives and communities.

How to apply Ezekiel 47:19 to your life

Consider the boundaries in your own life. What places hold significance for you? Reflect on how these spaces shape your identity and experiences. Just as the land was important to the people, our environments influence who we are and how we connect with others. Embrace the stories of your surroundings and their impact on your journey.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Ezekiel 47:19

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Ezekiel 47:19

At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel

Author
Ezekiel the prophet
Written
Around 590 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Exiled Israelites in Babylon

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezekiel 47:19 mean?

Ezekiel 47:19 describes the southern boundary of the land allocated to the people, starting from Tamar and extending to the waters of strife in Kadesh, then along a river to the great sea. This verse outlines the geographical limits that define the territory, emphasizing the importance of land in shaping identity.

What is the significance of Tamar in Ezekiel 47:19?

Tamar is mentioned as the starting point of the southern boundary in Ezekiel 47:19, indicating its historical and geographical importance in the allocation of land. It serves as a reference point that helps to define the territory belonging to the people.

What does 'waters of strife' refer to in Ezekiel 47:19?

The 'waters of strife' in Ezekiel 47:19 likely refers to a specific location known for conflict or difficulty, symbolizing challenges faced by the people. This phrase highlights the historical context of the land and the struggles associated with it.

What is the great sea mentioned in Ezekiel 47:19?

The great sea mentioned in Ezekiel 47:19 refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which represents a significant boundary for the territory being described. It symbolizes vastness and the potential for exploration beyond familiar lands.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.