Temple Gates, Priestly Roles, and Exclusions
Ezekiel 44:1-31
Eze.44.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המקדש: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- החיצון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הפנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- קדים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- סגור: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 43:1-5 (structural): The vision of the glory of the LORD coming from the east into the temple and entering by the east gate provides the immediate literary context for the east-facing gate that Ezek.44:1 returns to; both describe the temple approach and the eastward orientation.
- Ezekiel 40:6 (verbal): An earlier section of the temple vision that describes the gateway/entrance facing east and the measurements/layout of the gates; echoes the same terminology and orientation used in Ezek.44:1.
- Ezekiel 46:1 (thematic): Prescribes that the east gate of the inner court be shut on working days (with exceptions), echoing the motif of a closed east-facing gate and the temple’s regulated access in Ezek.44:1.
- Psalm 24:7-10 (thematic): Uses gate imagery—'Lift up your heads, O gates'—and the entrance of the 'King of glory,' thematically paralleling motifs of divine entry/exit and the significance of temple gates reflected in Ezek.44:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he brought me back to the way of the outer gate of the house, which faces east; and it was shut.
- And he brought me back by the way of the gate of the outer court that faces east; it was shut.
Eze.44.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- סגור: ADJ,m,sg
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יפתח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- סגור: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 44:1 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse describes return to and the shutting of the east gate, directly linked to the statement that the gate must remain closed because the LORD has entered.
- Ezekiel 43:1-5 (verbal): Earlier vision of the glory of the LORD entering by the east gate; the motif of God’s entrance and the subsequent closing of the gate parallels the rationale given in 44:2.
- Exodus 40:34-35 (thematic): The cloud of the LORD filling the tabernacle so that Moses could not enter parallels the idea that God’s presence in the sacred space restricts human entry.
- 1 Kings 8:10-11 (thematic): When the glory of the LORD filled Solomon’s temple and the priests could not stand to minister, it echoes the theme that God’s manifested presence makes ordinary human access impossible.
- Revelation 21:25-27 (thematic): Though describing the eschatological city whose gates are never shut by day, Revelation emphasizes restricted access (no defiled may enter) in the presence of God’s holiness, paralleling the concern for purity and controlled access to God’s dwelling.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to me, “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the LORD God of Israel has entered by it; it shall be shut.
- And the Lord said to me, "This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the LORD God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut.
Eze.44.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- הנשיא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נשיא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאכול: VERB,qal,inf
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ומדרכו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 44:2 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse declares the east gate shut because the Lord entered by it; 44:3 then specifies the prince’s special right to enter and eat before the LORD despite the gate’s closure.
- Ezekiel 43:4-5 (thematic): Narrative background: the glory of the LORD returns to the temple and the gates are shut when He enters—this explains why gates are closed and frames the exception made for the prince in 44:3.
- Ezekiel 46:1-2 (verbal): Parallel regulation: repeats the language and ritual provision that the prince shall enter by the north gate and go out the same way, and implies his authorized access to the inner court.
- Leviticus 24:8-9 (thematic): Priestly precedent for sacred eating: the showbread is set before the LORD and then eaten by Aaron and his sons in the holy place—parallels the motif of authorized persons eating ‘bread before the LORD.’
Alternative generated candidates
- Only the prince shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the portico of the gate and shall go out by the same way.”
- Only the prince shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the vestibule of the gate and go out by the same way."
Eze.44.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויביאני: VERB,hifil,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הצפון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וארא: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- והנה: ADV
- מלא: ADJ,m,sg
- כבוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואפל: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- אל: NEG
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Ezekiel 43:4 (verbal): Same Ezekiel temple-vision motif: the glory of the LORD fills the house and the prophet falls on his face — closely parallel language and context.
- Ezekiel 1:28 (thematic): Earlier Ezekiel vision where the appearance/likeness of the glory of the LORD is revealed; relates thematically to the overwhelmingophany that provokes the prophet's prostrate response.
- Isaiah 6:1-5 (thematic): Isaiah's vision of the LORD in the temple produces a dramatic awareness of divine holiness and causes Isaiah to fall/cry out — a parallel prophetic reaction to a temple theophany.
- 1 Kings 8:10-11 (verbal): At Solomon's dedication the glory/cloud of the LORD fills the temple so the priests cannot stand to minister — a temple-glory motif closely matching Ezekiel's description.
- Revelation 15:8 (thematic): In the vision of the heavenly temple the space is filled with the glory/smoke of God, echoing the motif of God's glory filling the temple and signifying God's presence and judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he brought me to the north gate before the house, and I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house. I fell on my face.
- Then he brought me to the north gate before the house, and I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD; and I fell on my face.
Eze.44.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שים: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- לבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- וראה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- ובאזניך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+poss,2,m,sg
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- מדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לכל: PREP
- חקות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולכל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תורתיו: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושמת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- למבוא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מוצאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- המקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezekiel 3:10-11 (verbal): God repeatedly commands Ezekiel to receive and heed his words—'hear with your ears' and 'receive in your heart'—echoing the call to attend to the LORD's instructions in 44:5.
- Ezekiel 43:11 (structural): Immediately earlier in the vision God sets out 'the law of the house' and its sanctification; 44:5 continues this program of prescribing statutes and ordinances for the house of the LORD.
- Ezekiel 44:23 (thematic): This verse assigns priests the duty to teach 'the difference between the holy and the profane' and to instruct the people in God's laws—directly related to 44:5's focus on statutes and the house's ordinances.
- Leviticus 10:11 (thematic): Priestly responsibility to 'teach the children of Israel all the statutes of the LORD' provides an earlier Torah precedent for the emphasis in Ezek.44:5 on communicating and observing the house's laws.
- Deuteronomy 31:12-13 (thematic): Moses commands that the law be read to all Israel so they may hear and learn to fear the LORD—paralleling Ezekiel's charge to pay attention to and promulgate the statutes of the house.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to me, “Son of man, set your heart; observe with your eyes and hear with your ears all that I speak to you concerning all the statutes of the house of the LORD and all its ordinances. Pay attention to the entrance of the house and to all the exits of the sanctuary.”
- And the LORD said to me, "Son of man, give attention; see with your eyes and hear with your ears all that I speak to you concerning all the statutes of the house of the LORD and all its ordinances. Give attention also to the entrance of the house on the way out to the sanctuary."
Eze.44.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- מרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- מכל: PREP
- תועבותיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:2,m,pl
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 8:6 (verbal): Same prophetic denunciation of 'abominations' committed by the house of Israel in the context of temple/idolatrous practices; echoes the charge laid against Israel's worship.
- Leviticus 20:23 (thematic): Legal precedent linking pagan 'abominations' with divine abhorrence and prohibition—God commands Israel not to follow the nations' practices, which underlies Ezekiel's rebuke.
- Jeremiah 32:35 (verbal): Explicit condemnation of Israel's/ Judah's offering of children and other 'abominations' in high places; parallels Ezekiel's indictment of the people's detestable practices before the LORD.
- Isaiah 1:16-17 (thematic): Prophetic call to cease evil deeds and purify oneself in response to divine judgment—parallels Ezekiel's demand that Israel abandon its abominations and be cleansed.
Alternative generated candidates
- And say to the rebels, to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: Enough of all your abominations, O house of Israel.’
- And say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: 'You have more of your abominations than any nations—house of Israel.'"
Eze.44.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בהביאכם: VERB,hiph,perf,1,_,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- נכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערלי: ADJ,m,pl,cstr
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וערלי: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,cstr
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להיות: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA
- במקדשי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff1
- לחללו: VERB,qal,inf,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ביתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1cs
- בהקריבכם: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- לחמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- חלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויפרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss1,sg
- אל: NEG
- כל: DET
- תועבותיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:2,m,pl
Parallels
- Ezekiel 44:6 (verbal): Immediate context: repeats the prohibition against bringing in the uncircumcised (in heart and flesh) into the sanctuary and the charge that such actions profaned the house of the LORD.
- Leviticus 22:10-16 (thematic): Priestly/ritual regulations prohibiting foreigners from eating holy things and outlining safeguards so that sacred offerings are not profaned by those outside the covenant community.
- Exodus 12:48-49 (verbal): Requirement that a ‘stranger’ who wishes to celebrate the Passover must be circumcised—links bodily circumcision to inclusion in covenant rites and access to sacred meals.
- Deuteronomy 23:2-3 (thematic): Legal exclusion of certain non-Israelites from the assembly of the LORD; reflects the broader concern about who may participate in covenantal/ritual life.
- Leviticus 18:24-30 (thematic): Warning that engaging in forbidden practices (abominations) defiles the land and breaks the covenant—parallels Ezekiel’s language about abominations and covenant violation leading to profanation.
Alternative generated candidates
- In that you brought foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, into my sanctuary to profane my house—when you offered my food, the fat and the blood—you have violated my covenant with all your abominations.
- When you brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to dwell in my sanctuary to profane my house—when you offered my bread, the fat and the blood—you broke my covenant by all your abominations.
Eze.44.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- שמרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קדשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ותשימון: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לשמרי: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- משמרתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- במקדשי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Ezekiel 44:9 (structural): Immediate continuation—God assigns the proper temple duties precisely because earlier leaders “did not keep the charge of my sanctuary,” echoing the failure described in v.8.
- Nehemiah 13:10-11 (thematic): Nehemiah rebukes the Levites and officials for neglecting the house of God and allowing its service to lapse, paralleling the failure to keep the sanctuary’s charge.
- 1 Samuel 2:12-17 (thematic): The corrupt priests at Shiloh profane the sacrifices and fail in their priestly duties; a narrative example of priestly negligence like Ezekiel’s indictment.
- Malachi 2:7-9 (thematic): God condemns priests who have turned from knowledge and caused the covenant to be broken—another prophetic rebuke of priests failing to keep their sacred charge.
- Ezekiel 34:2-6 (thematic): Earlier Ezekiel oracle against shepherds who fed themselves rather than the flock—same prophetic motif of leaders neglecting the responsibilities entrusted to them.
Alternative generated candidates
- You did not keep the charge of my holiness; instead you appointed guards in my sanctuary to keep my charge for yourselves.
- And you did not keep the charge of my holy things; you set up keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves.
Eze.44.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערל: ADJ,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וערל: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- מקדשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- לכל: PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בתוך: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 17:9-14 (verbal): Establishes physical circumcision as the covenant sign and prescribes cutting off uncircumcised males—background for exclusion of uncircumcised persons from covenant community and cultic access.
- Deuteronomy 10:16 (thematic): Commands 'circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart'—introduces the inner/heart dimension of circumcision echoed in Ezekiel's reference to being 'uncircumcised in heart and flesh.'
- Deuteronomy 23:1 (structural): Forbids certain physically disqualified men from entering 'the assembly of the LORD'—a related legal/ritual principle about who may enter sacred gatherings.
- Jeremiah 4:4 (verbal): Calls for circumcising the heart and removing foreskins of heart—uses the same figurative language about inner purification that Ezekiel pairs with physical circumcision.
- Romans 2:28-29 (allusion): New Testament redefinition of true circumcision as 'a matter of the heart' (spiritual, not merely external), echoing the Ezekiel contrast between heart and flesh circumcision.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter my sanctuary—any foreigner who is among the people of Israel.
- Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: No uncircumcised foreigner, who is uncircumcised in heart and flesh, shall enter my sanctuary; none of the foreigners who are among the people of Israel shall enter.
Eze.44.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- רחקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מעלי: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בתעות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- מעלי: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- גלוליהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- ונשאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עונם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
Parallels
- Ezekiel 44:9 (structural): Immediate context/contrast: 44:9 sets restrictions on who may draw near to the sanctuary; 44:10 follows by singling out Levites who had strayed and stating that they will bear the guilt of Israel's idolatry.
- Ezekiel 18:20 (thematic): Affirms individual responsibility for sin — 'the soul who sins shall die' — resonating with 44:10's point that particular Levites will 'bear their iniquity.'
- Leviticus 10:1-3 (allusion): Account of Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized offering and God's immediate punishment illustrates priestly accountability when holiness is profaned, parallel to the sanctioning of Levites who joined Israel's idolatry.
- 1 Samuel 2:25-36 (thematic): Eli's failure to restrain his corrupt sons leads to divine judgment on the priestly house—parallels the idea that priestly/Levitical leaders (or those associated with them) bear consequences for participation in or toleration of sin.
- Deuteronomy 24:16 (thematic): Declares that individuals are responsible for their own sin (parents not to be punished for children, nor children for parents), providing a legal/theological backdrop to statements about who 'bears' iniquity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Only the Levites who separated themselves from me when Israel went astray in their idols and bore their guilt.
- Only the Levites who separated themselves from me when Israel went astray, who went astray from me after their idols, they shall bear their iniquity.
Eze.44.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- במקדשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss1s
- משרתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- פקדות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- שערי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומשרתים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- ישחטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעם: PREP
- והמה: PRON,3,m,pl
- יעמדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- לשרתם: VERB,qal,inf,obj3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 9:27-32 (verbal): Lists gatekeepers at the thresholds who minister at the house, slaughter burnt offerings and serve before the people—closely parallels Ezekiel's wording and functions.
- Numbers 3:6-10 (thematic): Describes the Levites' appointment to serve at the sanctuary and to carry out cultic duties on behalf of Israel—background for the temple-servant role in Ezekiel.
- Ezekiel 44:15 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter specifying that the sons of Zadok shall minister and approach the LORD to offer sacrifices—clarifies who performs the duties in v.11.
- Ezra 3:8-11 (thematic): In the postexilic restoration priests and Levites are set in their divisions to build the altar and offer sacrifices and minister for the people—parallels the communal/ritual function described in Ezek. 44:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- They served in my sanctuary as gatekeepers at the thresholds of the house and as ministers of the house; they shall slaughter the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister to them.
- But they shall serve in my sanctuary as officers at the gates of the house and to serve the house; they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people and stand before them to minister to them.
Eze.44.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יען: CONJ
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ישרתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- לפני: PREP
- גלוליהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למכשול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- נשאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ונשאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עונם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
Parallels
- Ezekiel 22:26-27 (verbal): Speaks of priests profaning the sanctuary and becoming a stumbling-block to the people—closely parallels Ezek.44:12's charge that priests ministered before idols and caused Israel to sin.
- Ezekiel 8:16-18 (thematic): Describes priests and leaders participating in idolatrous rites in the temple, bringing guilt on the house of Israel—a direct thematic parallel to priests ministering before idols in Ezek.44:12.
- Leviticus 10:1-3 (thematic): Narrates the death of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire—anearlier legal/theological precedent for divine judgment on priests who violate proper worship, resonant with Ezek.44:12's punitive declaration.
- Isaiah 8:14 (verbal): Uses the image of a 'stone of stumbling' and a 'rock of offense' that causes sin and judgment—parallels Ezek.44:12's language of priests being a 'stumbling-block' leading Israel into iniquity.
- Micah 3:11 (thematic): Accuses leaders and priests of corrupting justice and religion for gain, causing harm to the people—parallels the charge in Ezek.44:12 that priests served idols and became an occasion of sin for Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block to the house of Israel in their sin, therefore I lifted up my hand against them, declares the Lord GOD, and they bore their guilt.
- Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I lifted up my hand against them, declares the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their punishment.
Eze.44.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יגשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לכהן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ולגשת: VERB,qal,inf
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- קדשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אל: NEG
- קדשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הקדשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ונשאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כלמתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,pl
- ותועבותם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss3,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Leviticus 16:2 (structural): God forbids entering the holy place at will—Aaron must not enter the inner sanctuary apart from prescribed rites, paralleling the prohibition against coming near the Most Holy Place.
- Leviticus 21:21 (verbal): Priests with physical defects ‘shall not approach’ to offer the bread of their God; echoes the language and principle forbidding unfit persons from drawing near sacred things.
- 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 (thematic): King Uzziah unlawfully enters the sanctuary to burn incense and is struck with leprosy—an illustrative case of the danger and judgment for unauthorized approach to holy things.
- Hebrews 9:7 (structural): Only the high priest enters the inner sanctuary once a year (on the Day of Atonement), reflecting the continued restriction of access to the Most Holy Place found in Ezekiel's prohibition.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall not come near to me to serve as priests, nor to approach any of my holy things—to the Holy of Holies; they shall bear their disgrace and the abominations they committed.
- They shall not come near to serve me as priests, nor shall they come near any of my holy things to minister to them; they shall bear their disgrace and the abominations which they have committed.
Eze.44.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- שמרי: PART,qal,ptcp,m,pl
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכל: PREP
- עבדתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ולכל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 3:6-10 (verbal): God assigns the Levites to 'keep' and 'serve' at the sanctuary—setting them apart to attend the tent of meeting, closely paralleling Ezekiel's language of giving them charge over the house and its service.
- Numbers 8:26 (verbal): Declares that Levites are given to 'keep the charge of the tent of meeting' and to 'serve' before the LORD, a near verbal parallel to Ezekiel's statement about their duty over the house's service.
- 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 (structural): Describes the organization and specific duties of the Levites for the service of the house of the LORD (porters, singers, officers), echoing Ezekiel's assignment of Levites to temple service and household tasks.
- Nehemiah 12:44 (thematic): Reports that Levites and porters were appointed for the continual service of God's house and to keep the gates—reflecting Ezekiel's emphasis on Levites' ongoing custodial and liturgical responsibilities.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I have given them to keep the charge of the house to do all the service of the house.
- But I will make them keepers of the charge of the house—for all the work of the house and for all that is done in it.
Eze.44.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- צדוק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שמרו: VERB,qal,imper,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקדשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- בתעות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעלי: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- יקרבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לשרתני: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA+PRON,1,sg
- ועמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- להקריב: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,act
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- חלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 7:30-34 (verbal): Prescriptive language about the priests handling and burning the fat of offerings and receiving priestly portions — parallels Ezekiel's mention that the sons of Zadok shall stand to offer fat.
- Leviticus 17:11 (thematic): Explains the theological significance of blood as life and its role in atonement — resonates with Ezekiel's pairing of fat and blood in priestly sacrificial service.
- 1 Kings 2:35 (allusion): Describes Zadok's elevation and continuation as chief priest in Solomon's reign — parallels Ezekiel's special status for the sons of Zadok who remained faithful.
- 1 Chronicles 6:50-53 (structural): Genealogical and service listings of the priests (including Zadok's line) and their temple duties — provides background for the privileged priestly status given to Zadok's descendants in Ezekiel.
- Malachi 2:7 (thematic): Speaks of the priestly duty to guard knowledge and instruct the people and contrasts faithful and corrupt priests — thematically parallels Ezekiel's commendation of the Zadokites who 'kept the charge'.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept the charge of my sanctuary when the people of Israel went astray from me—they shall approach me to minister to me; they shall stand before me to offer me the fat and the blood, declares the Lord GOD.
- But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who kept the charge of my sanctuary when the people of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to minister to me; they shall stand before me to offer me the fat and the blood, declares the Lord GOD.
Eze.44.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- יבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- מקדשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- והמה: PRON,3,m,pl
- יקרבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- לשרתני: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA+PRON,1,sg
- ושמרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- משמרתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 44:15 (structural): Immediate context: identifies the sons of Zadok as those who may enter the sanctuary to minister and keep the priestly charge, directly reinforcing v.16.
- Numbers 18:6-7 (verbal): Assigns the Levites/priestly families to serve at the tent/altar and 'keep' the service and charge of the sanctuary, using language parallel to 'minister' and 'keep my charge.'
- Leviticus 10:8-11 (thematic): God instructs Aaron and his sons about priestly conduct—so as not to profane the sanctuary—and to distinguish holy from common, a core element of the priests' duty to guard the sanctuary.
- 1 Chronicles 24:2 (structural): Describes the division and assignment of the priestly families for ministering in the house of the LORD, reflecting organized priestly service and stewardship of sacred duties.
- Malachi 2:7 (thematic): Speaks of the priest as keeper of knowledge and messenger of the LORD, charged with upholding the law and service—echoing the role of priests who 'minister' and 'keep' God's charge.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall enter my sanctuary; they shall approach my table to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.
- They shall enter my sanctuary; they shall come near to my table to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.
Eze.44.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בבואם: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- שערי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הפנימית: ADJ,f,sg,def
- בגדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- פשתים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ילבשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- יעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- צמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשרתם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,3,m,pl
- בשערי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הפנימית: ADJ,f,sg,def
- וביתה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cstr+PRSFX,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 16:4 (verbal): Aaron must put on linen garments when entering the Holy Place on the Day of Atonement—directly parallels the requirement that priests wear linen when entering the inner court.
- Exodus 28:42-43 (verbal): God commands linen undergarments for Aaron and his sons to cover nakedness when they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar—closely parallels the priestly restriction to linen in Ezekiel 44:17.
- Exodus 28:39 (verbal): Instructions to make holy garments of fine linen for Aaron (e.g., the tunic)—parallels the use of linen as the proper material for priestly vesture.
- Leviticus 19:19 (thematic): Prohibition against wearing a garment of two kinds of material (wool and linen) — thematically related to Ezekiel’s ban on wool for those ministering in the inner court.
- Ezekiel 44:18 (structural): Immediate contextual parallel (continuation of the law in 44:17) elaborating the prohibition on wool and other specifics of priestly dress for service in the inner court.
Alternative generated candidates
- When they enter the inner court, they shall wear linen garments; they shall not wear woolen garments upon their flesh while within the inner court and in the house.
- When they enter the gates of the inner court they shall put on linen garments; they shall not wear anything of wool when they minister at the gates of the inner court and within.
Eze.44.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פארי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- פשתים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- ראשם: NOUN,m,sg,pronominal
- ומכנסי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- פשתים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- מתניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- יחגרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- ביזע: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 28:42 (verbal): Commands making linen undergarments to cover nakedness for priests—directly parallels the requirement for linen undergarments in Ezekiel 44:18.
- Exodus 39:28-29 (structural): Narrative account of making linen undergarments for Aaron and his sons, reflecting the same priestly clothing items described in Ezekiel.
- Leviticus 16:4 (thematic): High priest instructed to put on linen tunic and undergarments when performing atonement—same theme of linen vestments for sacred service.
- Ezekiel 44:17 (structural): Immediately parallel verse within the same Ezekiel passage prescribing linen turbans and garments for the priests, repeating the clothing regulations.
Alternative generated candidates
- Linen turbans shall be on their heads and linen undergarments on their loins; they shall not gird themselves with anything that causes sweat.
- They shall have linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments on their loins; they shall not gird themselves with anything that makes them sweat.
Eze.44.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובצאתם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- החיצונה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- החיצונה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יפשטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- בגדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,poss3mp
- אשר: PRON,rel
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- משרתם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- והניחו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- בלשכת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,const
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולבשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בגדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אחרים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- יקדשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בבגדיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m,pl
Parallels
- Leviticus 16:4, 23-24 (verbal): The high priest puts on special linen garments for service in the Holy Place and then takes them off, leaves them there, bathes and puts on other garments—closely parallels Ezekiel's instruction to change sacred garments before going out to the people.
- Exodus 28:40-42 (verbal): Prescribes linen undergarments and covering for the priests when ministering so as not to expose nakedness; related to the regulation about what garments priests wear while serving and when among the people.
- Numbers 8:6-8 (or 8:7) (thematic): The Levites are cleansed, wash their clothes and are set apart for service—echoes the theme of cleansing/changing garments as part of shifting between sacred duties and ordinary status.
- Ezekiel 44:17-18 (structural): Immediate context in Ezekiel prescribes linen clothing (and forbids wool) for the priests; 44:19 continues this clothing-regulation motif by requiring removal of ministerial garments before mingling with the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when they go out into the outer court, to the people, they shall put off the garments in which they served and leave them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments; they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.
- When they go out into the outer court, to the people, they shall lay aside the garments in which they ministered and put them in the holy rooms, and put on other garments; they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.
Eze.44.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וראשם: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- לא: PART_NEG
- יגלחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ופרע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ישלחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כסום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יכסמו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ראשיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Leviticus 21:5 (verbal): Priestly regulation forbidding making baldness on the head and cutting the beard’s edge—directly parallel priestly haircut restrictions.
- Leviticus 19:27 (verbal): Prohibition against rounding the corners of the head and mutilating the beard—similar legal language about hair and beard shaping.
- Numbers 6:5 (thematic): Nazirite rule that no razor shall touch the head while under the vow—related concern for leaving or not cutting hair as a sign of consecration.
- 1 Corinthians 11:14–15 (thematic): Paul’s discussion of hair length and propriety (long hair as a covering) echoes cultural/religious significance attached to hair in priestly and cultic contexts.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall not shave their heads nor let their hair grow long; they shall keep the hair of their heads trimmed.
- They shall not shave their heads, nor let their locks grow long; they shall keep the hair of their heads cut.
Eze.44.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ישתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,const
- בבואם: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הפנימית: ADJ,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Leviticus 10:9 (verbal): A direct priestly prohibition: Aaron and his sons are told not to drink wine or strong drink when entering the tent of meeting — closely parallels Ezekiel's ban on priests drinking when they enter the inner court.
- Numbers 6:3 (thematic): The Nazirite vow forbids wine as part of special consecration to God; thematically similar in requiring abstention from wine as a mark of holiness for those set apart for service.
- Leviticus 21:1–4 (thematic): Regulations imposing higher purity and behavioral standards on priests (separation from defilement); parallels Ezekiel's concern that priests maintain ritual fitness when serving in the sacred precincts.
- Hosea 4:11 (thematic): Condemns wine and revelry as causes of moral and cultic failure (including among leaders); thematically connects alcohol use with unfitness for religious duty, echoing Ezekiel's restriction.
- 1 Timothy 3:3, 3:8 (thematic): New Testament instructions that overseers and deacons not be 'given to much wine' reflect the continued expectation that those who serve in leadership remain sober and fit for ministry, paralleling Ezekiel's priestly sobriety rule.
Alternative generated candidates
- No priest shall drink wine when they enter the inner court.
- No priest shall drink wine when they enter the inner court.
Eze.44.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלמנה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וגרושה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יקחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לנשים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- בתולת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- מזרע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והאלמנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- אלמנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מכהן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
Parallels
- Leviticus 21:7,13-15 (verbal): Direct legal parallel: Leviticus prescribes priestly marriage restrictions—no widow or divorced woman, but a virgin of his own people—language and rule echoed in Ezekiel 44:22.
- Ezra 10:18-44 (thematic): Postexilic reform narrative addressing priests and other Israelites who married foreign women and the steps taken to separate from those marriages; reflects the same concern for priestly/communal purity in marriage.
- Malachi 2:11-12 (thematic): Denounces priests who married foreign women and thereby profaned the covenant; thematically parallels Ezekiel's emphasis on proper priestly marriages and covenant faithfulness.
- Deuteronomy 7:3 (thematic): Prohibits intermarriage with Canaanite nations to prevent idolatry and ritual defilement; provides broader legal-theological background for restrictions on whom Israelites—and especially priests—may marry.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman; they shall take as wives virgins from the offspring of Israel. However, a widow who is the widow of a priest may be taken.
- They shall not take a widow or a divorced woman as wife; they shall take only virgins of the seed of the house of Israel. A widow who is the widow of a priest they may take.
Eze.44.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- יורו: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,pl
- בין: PREP
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לחל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- טמא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לטהור: VERB,qal,inf
- יודעם: VERB,hiph,impf,3,pl
Parallels
- Leviticus 10:10 (verbal): Almost identical wording and priestly instruction: priests must distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.
- Leviticus 11:44–47 (thematic): Law about clean and unclean animals and the injunction to be holy—establishes the cultic distinctions that priests are to teach and enforce.
- Numbers 19:11–22 (thematic): Detailed regulations on ritual impurity and purification (dead-body impurity), illustrating the practical application of distinguishing clean and unclean in cultic life.
- Malachi 2:7 (thematic): Affirms the priestly role as teachers/preserveurs of knowledge who should instruct the people in covenantal and cultic matters.
- Ezra 7:10 (thematic): Describes a leader (Ezra, a priest/scribe) whose task was to seek God’s law and teach statutes and ordinances to Israel—paralleling the priestly teaching function in Ezekiel 44:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall teach my people to distinguish between holy and common and to discern between unclean and clean.
- They shall teach my people to distinguish between holy and common, and to discern between unclean and clean.
Eze.44.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- יעמדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- למשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במשפטי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
- ישפטוהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl+OBJ,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- תורתי: NOUN,f,sg,cs+1s
- ואת: CONJ
- חקתי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,1,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועדי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- ישמרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- שבתותי: NOUN,f,pl,abs+1,sg
- יקדשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Leviticus 10:10-11 (verbal): Commands priests to teach Israel to distinguish holy and common and to instruct them in God's statutes — closely parallels Ezekiel's charge that priests judge by statutes and teach the law.
- Deuteronomy 17:8-11 (structural): Prescribes that difficult legal cases be brought to the Levitical/priestly authority for decision and that the people obey the priestly/judicial ruling, paralleling the priests' role in judging disputes in Ezekiel.
- Ezekiel 44:23 (thematic): Immediate parallel within Ezekiel: priests are to teach the people the difference between clean and unclean and to instruct them in God's laws — echoes the judicial and instructional functions of 44:24.
- 2 Chronicles 19:8-11 (thematic): Jehoshaphat appoints Levites and priests as judges and teachers of the law to enforce covenant statutes and ensure impartial justice, reflecting the combined judicial and cultic responsibilities in Ezekiel 44:24.
- Nehemiah 8:7-9 (allusion): Levites explain the Law to the people so they understand and observe it; this mirrors Ezekiel's emphasis on priestly instruction and the keeping of appointed feasts and Sabbaths.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall stand as judges in disputes; they shall judge by my rules. They shall keep my law and my statutes in all my appointed times, and they shall keep my Sabbaths holy.
- In disputes they shall stand as judges; they shall judge according to my laws. They shall keep my law and my statutes in all my appointed feasts, and they shall hallow my Sabbaths.
Eze.44.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לטמאה: VERB,qal,inf,3,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- לאב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולבן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולבת: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאחות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יטמאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,mp
Parallels
- Leviticus 21:1-4 (verbal): Directly parallels the priestly prohibition against becoming unclean for the dead, with the same exception allowing defilement for close relatives (father, mother, son, daughter, brother, unmarried sister).
- Leviticus 21:10-12 (verbal): Continues the legislation limiting which kinds of corpse‑defilement disqualify a priest from entering the sanctuary, echoing Ezekiel's restriction on coming to the holy place after contact with the dead.
- Numbers 19:11-13, 19:20-22 (thematic): Treats the broader cultic rules for impurity caused by a corpse and the required purification rites (red heifer ashes), providing the procedural context for the prohibition found in Ezekiel.
- Leviticus 10:6 (thematic): Relates to priestly conduct after death of kin—Aaron and his sons are forbidden from mourning outwardly or leaving the sanctuary—reflecting the concern in Ezekiel about priests' contact with the dead and service at the sanctuary.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall not defile themselves by coming near a dead body, except for father, mother, son, daughter, brother, and for a sister who has not been given in marriage.
- They shall not come near anyone who has died to defile themselves, except for father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or a sister who has not had a husband.
Eze.44.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואחרי: CONJ
- טהרתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יספרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezek.44:25 (structural): Immediate context in Ezekiel: the preceding verse prescribes that a priest defiled by a corpse shall be shaved, washed, and then ‘count seven days’—this verse is part of the same priestly purification instruction.
- Leviticus 14:8-9 (verbal): In the cleansing of a healed leper the person must wash, shave, and remain outside his tent seven days, with rites performed on the seventh/eighth day—parallels the seven‑day period required for ritual purification.
- Numbers 19:11-12 (verbal): The law concerning corpse‑impurity requires that one who touched a dead body be unclean seven days and undergo purification (washed on the third and seventh days)—close verbal and ritual similarity to counting seven days for cleansing.
- Leviticus 12:2-4 (thematic): Post‑childbirth purification law: a woman is unclean seven days after bearing a son (followed by a longer purification period), echoing the theme of fixed seven‑day periods for ritual purification.
Alternative generated candidates
- And after his cleansing they shall count for him seven days.
- After he is clean they shall number seven days for him.
Eze.44.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וביום: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הפנימית: ADJ,f,sg,def
- לשרת: VERB,qal,inf
- בקדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקריב: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- חטאתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRSFX,3,m,sg
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 4:3-7 (verbal): Prescribes a sin offering for the anointed priest who sins; parallels Ezekiel's requirement that priests bring a sin offering in connection with their service in the sanctuary.
- Leviticus 16:6,11,24 (thematic): On the Day of Atonement the high priest first offers sin offerings for himself before entering the Holy of Holies—closely parallels the pattern of offering for priests upon entering the inner court to minister.
- Leviticus 8:14-15 (structural): At Aaron's consecration a bull for a sin offering is offered as part of setting the priests apart to minister, echoing Ezekiel's linking of priestly entry into service with a sin offering.
- Numbers 18:6-7 (thematic): Assigns to the priests the charge of keeping the service of the sanctuary and its rites; relates to Ezekiel's regulation that ties sacrificial obligations to the priests' duties in the inner court.
Alternative generated candidates
- And on the day when he enters the sanctuary, into the inner court to serve in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering, declares the Lord GOD.
- And on the day when he goes into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering, declares the Lord GOD.
Eze.44.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לנחלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- נחלתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ואחזה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אחזתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 18:20 (verbal): Directly parallels wording and legal idea: priests/Levites receive no land inheritance among Israel because the LORD is their portion/inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (verbal): States that Levi has no inheritance with his brothers because the LORD is his inheritance—same theological formula applied to the cultic tribe.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (structural): Gives the legal arrangement for priests/Levites (no tribal land inheritance; support from offerings), the same legislative context behind Ezekiel's statement.
- 1 Chronicles 23:25 (verbal): Echoes the formula that the Levites 'shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance,' reiterating the tradition in a post‑Monarchic context.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall be mine as an inheritance; I am their inheritance. You shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession.
- They shall have it as their allotment; I am their allotment. You shall give them no possession among the people of Israel—I am their possession.
Eze.44.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- המנחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והחטאת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- והאשם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- יאכלום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- חרם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 7:6 (verbal): Explicitly grants the priest the grain offering, the sin offering and the trespass (guilt) offering—very close wording and legal point about priests' portions.
- Numbers 18:11-13 (thematic): Defines the Levites'/priests' entitlement to various offerings (heave, sin, trespass, guilt) as their property—same cultic allocation principle.
- Leviticus 10:12-15 (verbal): Moses' instructions to Aaron and his sons about which offerings they are to eat and where (in the holy place), paralleling the rule that certain sacrifices belong to the priests.
- Ezekiel 44:28 (structural): Immediate context in Ezekiel restates priestly rights and duties regarding offerings; 44:28–29 form a unit prescribing that priests shall have these offerings as their food.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering; every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs.
- The grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering—they shall eat them; every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs.
Eze.44.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וראשית: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- בכורי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- כל: DET
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- תרומת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- כל: DET
- מכל: PREP
- תרומותיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,2mp
- לכהנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וראשית: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערסותיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,2mp
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לכהן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg
- להניח: INF,hiph,inf
- ברכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ביתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 26:2–4 (structural): Commands bringing the first of the ground (bikkurim) to the place chosen by YHWH and presenting them to the priest — parallel instruction to give firstfruits to the priest.
- Numbers 18:8–24 (verbal): Legal passage allocating the tithe/firstlings and various offerings to the priests and Levites as their portion — mirrors Ezekiel’s allocation of first of all offerings to the priests.
- Exodus 34:26 (verbal): Explicit injunction to bring the first of the firstfruits of your land to the house of the LORD — a concise law-text parallel to Ezekiel’s command about firstfruits for priests.
- Nehemiah 10:37–38 (thematic): Post‑exilic communal commitment to bring firstfruits and tithes to the house of God and to the priests/Levites — reflects the practical implementation of the same obligation in Ezekiel’s vision.
Alternative generated candidates
- The first of all the firstfruits of all that you have, and every contribution of every kind of your offerings, shall belong to the priests; and you shall give the first of your dough to the priest, that he may set a blessing upon your house.
- And the first of all your firstfruits—every contribution of all your contributions—shall be for the priests. And the first of your dough you shall give to the priest, that he may put a blessing upon your house.
Eze.44.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- נבלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וטרפה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- העוף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הבהמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- יאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Leviticus 17:15 (verbal): Uses almost the same wording prohibiting eating what dies of itself or is torn by beasts; prescribes uncleanness consequences—direct legal parallel.
- Deuteronomy 14:21 (verbal): Explicitly forbids eating any animal that dies of itself and prescribes disposal or transfer to foreigners—same prohibition applied in broader dietary law.
- Leviticus 22:4-7 (thematic): Regulates priests' consumption of sacred offerings and ties eligibility to ritual cleanliness—relates to Ezekiel's restriction on what priests may eat.
- Numbers 19:11-13 (thematic): Describes uncleanness resulting from contact with a corpse and the need for purification—background for prohibitions about eating carrion and priestly purity.
- Leviticus 21:1-4 (thematic): Restricts priests from defiling themselves by contact with the dead (with limited family exceptions), reflecting priestly purity ideals underlying Ezekiel's rule.
Alternative generated candidates
- No priest shall eat anything that is torn or unclean, from bird or beast.
- No priest shall eat any that dies of itself or is torn by beasts; they shall not eat uncleanness from bird or beast.
And he brought me back by the way of the outward gate of the house that faces east, and it was shut. And the LORD said to me, "This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it; for the LORD God of Israel has entered by it—therefore it shall be shut.
Only the prince shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the vestibule of the gate and shall go out by the same way."
Then he brought me to the north gate before the house; and I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house; and I fell on my face. And the LORD said to me, "Son of man, set your heart and see with your eyes and hear with your ears all that I speak to you concerning the statutes of the house of the LORD and all his ordinances. Give heed to the entrance of the house and to all the exits of the sanctuary." And you shall say to the rebellious house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: You have had more than enough of all your abominations, O house of Israel.'"
In that you brought strangers, uncircumcised in heart and in flesh, into my sanctuary to profane my house—when you offered my bread, the fat and the blood—you broke my covenant by all your abominations.
You did not keep the charge of my holy things, but set watchmen for yourselves to keep my charge in my sanctuary.
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh shall enter into my sanctuary among those of the children of Israel.
Only the Levites who separated themselves from me when Israel went astray, who went astray from me after their idols and bore punishment for their iniquity—
they shall come near to minister in my sanctuary, to keep the gates of the house and to minister to the house; they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people and stand before them to minister to them.
Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of sin to the house of Israel, therefore I lifted up my hand against them, declares the Lord GOD, and I have punished them for their iniquity.
They shall not come near to me to serve as priests to me, nor come near any of my holy things to the holy of holies; they have borne their disgrace and their abominations which they committed. But I will make them keepers of the charge of the house, for all the service of the house and for all that is done in it.
The priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok who kept the charge of my sanctuary when the people of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to minister to me; they shall stand before me to offer to me the fat and the blood, declares the Lord GOD.
They shall enter my sanctuary; they shall come near to my table to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.
When they enter the gates of the inner court they shall wear linen garments; they shall not put on woolen garments while they minister within the gates of the inner court and within the house.
They shall have linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with anything that causes sweat.
When they go out into the outer court, into the outer court to the people, they shall take off the garments in which they ministered and lay them in the holy chambers, and put on other garments; they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.
They shall not shave their heads, nor let their hair grow long; they shall trim the hair of their heads.
No priest shall drink wine when he enters the inner court.
They shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman; they shall take virgins of the seed of the house of Israel. Yet a widow who is a widow of a priest may be taken.
They shall teach my people to discern between the holy and the common, and cause them to know the difference between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand to judge; they shall judge according to my judgments. They shall keep my laws and my statutes in all my appointed assemblies, and they shall hallow my Sabbaths.
They shall not go near a dead person to make themselves unclean, except for father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister who has not been married to a man.
After his purification he shall count seven days. And on the day when he goes into the sanctuary to minister in the inner court, he shall offer his sin offering, declares the Lord GOD.
They shall have it as a possession; I am their possession. You shall give them no possession among the people of Israel; I am their possession.
They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering; every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs.
The first of all the firstfruits of all, and every tribute of all your gifts—of all your consecrated offerings—shall be for the priests. You shall give the first of your dough to the priest, to put a blessing upon your house.
No priest shall eat anything that dies of itself or is torn—whether bird or beast—since they are holy to him.