Ezekiel 44:16 kjv
They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.
Ezekiel 44:16 nkjv
"They shall enter My sanctuary, and they shall come near My table to minister to Me, and they shall keep My charge.
Ezekiel 44:16 niv
They alone are to enter my sanctuary; they alone are to come near my table to minister before me and serve me as guards.
Ezekiel 44:16 esv
They shall enter my sanctuary, and they shall approach my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.
Ezekiel 44:16 nlt
They alone will enter my sanctuary and approach my table to serve me. They will fulfill all my requirements.
Ezekiel 44 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 44:16 | They shall enter my sanctuary, and they shall come to my table... | Fulfillment of Levitical priesthood privileges |
| Isaiah 60:7 | ...I will glorify my glorious house. | Glorification of God's house/temple |
| John 12:26 | If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am there... | Service and presence with Christ |
| Hebrews 7:25 | Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who... | Christ as eternal high priest |
| Revelation 7:15 | Therefore they are before the throne of God and serve him... | Heavenly worship and service |
| Revelation 21:3 | Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. | God dwelling with His people |
| Exodus 30:7-8 | ...Aaron shall burn it [incense] every morning... | Daily incense offering |
| 1 Chronicles 23:32 | And that they may keep the charge of the tabernacle of meeting, | Levites' service responsibilities |
| Ezekiel 40:46 | This is the house that shall be for the priest of the sons... | Priestly roles in the future temple |
| Isaiah 6:13 | But if a tenth part remains in it, and it is turned back... | Remnant retaining sanctity |
| Psalms 116:12-13 | What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me? I will lift up the cup of salvation... | Thanksgiving and worship in God's presence |
| Matthew 22:11-12 | But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man... | Worthiness for heavenly banquet |
| 1 Corinthians 6:20 | You were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your... | Glorifying God with one's body/life |
| Romans 12:1 | I exhort you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to... | Presenting bodies as living sacrifices |
| John 10:27 | My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. | Following Jesus and hearing His voice |
| Philippians 3:20 | But our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also... | Heavenly citizenship and expectation |
| 1 Peter 2:5 | You also, like living stones, are being built up as a... | Spiritual priesthood of believers |
| Revelation 1:6 | ...and He has made us kings and priests to His God and Father... | Believers as kings and priests |
| Revelation 5:10 | And You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,... | Redemption for worship and service |
| Hebrews 10:19-22 | Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the holiest... | Access to God's presence through Christ |
| 1 Kings 6:22 | And the whole interior of the temple Solomon consecrated... | Consecration of the temple |
| Nehemiah 10:28-29 | Now the rest of the people—the priests, the Levites, the... | Covenant commitments to service and holiness |
| Ezekiel 43:11 | If they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known... | Demonstration of the temple's pattern and laws |
Ezekiel 44 verses
Ezekiel 44 16 Meaning
They shall enter my sanctuary, and they shall come to my table to serve me. They shall keep my charge.
Ezekiel 44 16 Context
This verse is part of Ezekiel's vision of a future temple. In chapters 40-48, Ezekiel receives detailed instructions and measurements for a new temple, distinct from the historical tabernacle and Solomon's temple. This vision often symbolizes spiritual realities rather than a literal future building for some interpreters.
The context focuses on the ordinances and requirements for the priests who will serve in this new sanctuary. It outlines who is qualified and what their duties will entail. Chapter 44 specifically deals with restrictions and qualifications for priestly service, emphasizing holiness and adherence to divine commands. Verse 16 describes the privilege of those qualified priests: their access and their role in service.
Ezekiel 44 16 Word Analysis
- They: Refers to the priests, specifically the sons of Zadok mentioned earlier in Ezekiel 44, who are deemed worthy of serving in the sanctuary because of their faithfulness.
- shall enter: Implies access and admission into a sacred space. It denotes permission and belonging.
- my sanctuary: This is the innermost part of the temple complex, the holy of holies. In the Old Testament context, only the high priest could enter it, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. For the priests here, it signifies access to the sacred precincts.
- and: A conjunction connecting two parallel actions.
- they shall come: Signifies drawing near and approaching.
- to my table: This refers to the altar of burnt offering within the sanctuary or temple courts, where sacrifices are presented to God. It can also symbolize fellowship and provision from God.
- to serve me: Indicates ministry, worship, and obedience. The primary function of priests was to minister to God on behalf of the people and to mediate between God and man.
- They shall keep: Denotes maintaining, guarding, and faithfully executing.
- my charge: This refers to God's laws, ordinances, statutes, and responsibilities assigned to the priests. It signifies their duty to uphold the covenant and the prescribed ways of worship.
Word Groups Analysis
- "enter my sanctuary... come to my table to serve me": This phrase contrasts with the former exclusions and prohibitions mentioned in chapter 44. It highlights the restored privilege of qualified individuals to be in close proximity to God and actively minister to Him. It emphasizes both access (entering) and engagement (serving at the table).
- "They shall keep my charge": This emphasizes the perpetual nature of their duty and the absolute necessity of obedience to God's commandments. It connects their privilege of service with their responsibility to uphold divine law.
Ezekiel 44 16 Bonus Section
This verse has been interpreted by some dispensationalists as referring to a literal, future earthly temple. However, many theologians and scholars see in this vision typological and spiritual significance pointing towards the New Covenant. The ultimate "sanctuary" is God Himself and Christ’s presence with His people. The "table" can be understood as participating in Christ’s work and in fellowship with Him. The "service" of believers is a spiritual priesthood, offering living sacrifices of worship and obedience. The faithful "keeping of the charge" is a call to live a life conformed to God's will, as revealed in Christ and through the Holy Spirit. This reflects the NT concept of the church as a spiritual temple (1 Peter 2:5) and believers as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).
Ezekiel 44 16 Commentary
Ezekiel 44:16 describes the privilege and responsibility of the purified priesthood in the future temple. Those who are faithful and qualified have unrestricted access to God's sacred space, participating in ministry at God's table (the altar). This is not merely an honor but also a profound charge: to meticulously keep all of God's commands and ordinances. This dual aspect of privilege and responsibility is a hallmark of God’s covenant relationship with His people, as seen throughout Scripture. The NT interpretation often sees this fulfilled in believers having direct access to God through Christ and being called to a life of worship and service.