Old Testament
Ezekiel 48:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The suburbs of the city will extend 250 to the north, 250 to the south, 250 to the east, and 250 to the west.
Compare translations
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.
What Ezekiel 48:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Ezekiel describes the layout of a city and its surrounding areas. The suburbs, or the open spaces around the city, will stretch 250 units in each direction: north, south, east, and west. This creates a balanced and equal space around the city, emphasizing order and structure. The specific measurements highlight the importance of planning and organization in community living. By defining these boundaries, the passage illustrates how a well-structured environment can foster a sense of safety and belonging. The equal distances also symbolize fairness and accessibility for all residents. This vision of the city reflects a harmonious community where everyone has their place and space to thrive. It serves as a reminder of the value of thoughtful design in our own lives and communities, encouraging us to create environments that promote peace and connection among people. Understanding this layout can inspire us to think about how we organize our own spaces and relationships, ensuring they are welcoming and inclusive.
How to apply Ezekiel 48:17 to your life
Consider how you organize your own living space and relationships. Are they structured in a way that promotes harmony and connection? Just as the city in Ezekiel is designed for balance, strive to create environments that foster inclusivity and support for everyone around you. Small changes can make a big difference in your community's well-being!
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.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 48:17
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 48:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 48:17 mean?
Ezekiel 48:17 describes the layout of a city and its suburbs, indicating that the open spaces around the city will extend 250 units in all four directions. This emphasizes order and structure in community living.
What is the significance of the measurements in Ezekiel 48:17?
The measurements of 250 units in each direction symbolize balance and equality in the city's design. This reflects the importance of planning and organization in creating a harmonious community.
How can I apply the message of Ezekiel 48:17 to my life?
You can apply this message by organizing your living space and relationships to promote harmony and connection. Creating balanced environments can enhance inclusivity and support within your community.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 48:17?
Key themes in Ezekiel 48:17 include community, organization, balance, safety, and belonging. These themes highlight the importance of thoughtful design in fostering a supportive environment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.