Ezekiel 44:18 kjv
They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causeth sweat.
Ezekiel 44:18 nkjv
They shall have linen turbans on their heads and linen trousers on their bodies; they shall not clothe themselves with anything that causes sweat.
Ezekiel 44:18 niv
They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.
Ezekiel 44:18 esv
They shall have linen turbans on their heads, and linen undergarments around their waists. They shall not bind themselves with anything that causes sweat.
Ezekiel 44:18 nlt
They must wear linen turbans and linen undergarments. They must not wear anything that would cause them to perspire.
Ezekiel 44 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezek 44:17 | When they enter the gate of the inner court, they shall wear linen. | Preceding instruction, purity |
| Ezek 44:19 | When they go out to the outer court… they shall put on linen garments. | Further instruction on clothing |
| Exodus 28:42 | You shall make them linen trousers to cover their nakedness. | Covering essential for priests |
| Leviticus 6:10 | The priest shall put on his linen vestments and his linen trousers. | Priestly garments |
| Leviticus 16:4 | He shall wear a holy linen ephod and linen trousers… | High priest's attire for atonement |
| Revelation 3:4 | Yet you have a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments. | Spiritual purity |
| Revelation 19:8 | She has been allowed to be arrayed in fine linen, bright and pure. | Bride of Christ's attire |
| 1 Corinthians 6:18 | Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body. | Avoiding defilement |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. | Doing all to God's glory |
| Colossians 3:5 | Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness… | Mortification of the flesh |
| Galatians 5:16 | Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. | Dependence on the Spirit |
| 1 Peter 1:15 | But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. | Call to holiness |
| 2 Corinthians 7:1 | Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. | Cleansing from defilement |
| Hebrews 12:14 | Strive for peace with all and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. | Necessity of holiness |
| Matthew 5:8 | Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. | Purity of heart |
| 1 Timothy 4:12 | Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. | Example in purity |
| Romans 12:1 | Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God… | Presentation of self |
| John 17:17 | Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. | Sanctification through truth |
| Ephesians 4:23 | Renewed in the spirit of your minds. | Renewal of mind |
| Ephesians 5:27 | So that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. | Christ's work for the church |
| Romans 8:13 | For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. | Life by the Spirit |
Ezekiel 44 verses
Ezekiel 44 18 Meaning
Linen trousers shall be worn by them; they shall not put on anything that causes sweat.
Ezekiel 44 18 Context
This verse is found in Ezekiel chapter 44, which describes the regulations for priests serving in the restored Temple. Following the vision of a new Temple (chapters 40-43), Ezekiel details the proper worship and service within it. Specifically, chapter 44 outlines who can enter the Temple courts and the rules concerning the priests' garments and actions. Verse 18 is part of a series of instructions given to the sons of Zadok, the legitimate priests who will minister in the inner sanctuary. The emphasis is on purity and holiness, ensuring that nothing defiled enters or is associated with God's dwelling place. The prohibitions on garments that cause sweat reflect a deeper concern for avoiding anything that signifies labor, exertion, or physical distress, which are contrary to the state of perfect rest and joy in God's presence.
Ezekiel 44 18 Word Analysis
- linen (Hebrew: bûts - בּוּץ): This word refers to fine linen, a material known for its purity, smoothness, and ability to keep cool. It was a precious fabric used for priestly garments and royal attire in the ancient world. In this context, it symbolizes purity, cleanliness, and a dignified appearance fitting for service in God's sanctuary.
- trousers (Hebrew: mĕkhînsayyîm - מְכִנַּסִּים): This is a dual-gender term used for a specific type of leg covering. It denotes modesty and decorum, covering the lower body.
- shall be worn (Hebrew: yilbašû - יִלְבָּשׁוּ): This is the Hiphil (causative) imperfect of the verb labash (לָבַשׁ), meaning "to put on" or "to wear." It indicates a continuous or habitual action, a requirement for their service.
- they (Hebrew: hēm - הֵם): Refers to the priests who are ministering.
- they shall not (Hebrew: lō' yallîbəšû - לֹא יַלְבִּישׁוּ): The prohibition against wearing specific garments. The root is again labash, but here it implies to cover or cause to wear.
- put on (Hebrew: `al - עַל): Means "upon" or "over."
- anything (Hebrew: kōl - כֹּל): All, every.
- causes sweat (Hebrew: mĕâzîm - מֵעִיזִים): Derived from the verb `ûz (עוּז), which can mean to be firm, strong, or sometimes to sweat or cause distress. In this specific context, it is understood to mean causing sweat or making one perspire due to heavy material or restrictive design, implying an unsuitability for the refined holiness of Temple service. The connotation is of garments that are too warm, rough, or likely to cause discomfort or overheating through physical exertion.
Words Group Analysis
- Linen trousers: The combination of "linen" and "trousers" signifies both purity (bûts) and modest covering (mĕkhînsayyîm). This choice of fabric and garment type is critical for maintaining holiness in God's presence. It reflects a divine standard for appearance and conduct.
- Shall not put on anything that causes sweat: This phrase points to a prohibition against garments that would indicate human effort, struggle, or the natural physical effects of strenuous work. It elevates the priestly service to a state of restful communion with God, free from the weariness and discomfort often associated with labor. The contrast is between garments suited for a fallen world of toil and those fit for God's holy habitation.
Ezekiel 44 18 Bonus Section
This directive regarding linen trousers connects to broader biblical themes of purity and the distinctiveness required for those who serve God. In the Old Testament, specific fabrics and styles were mandated to delineate sacred roles from common ones. The aversion to garments that cause sweat can be seen as a foreshadowing of the "rest" that believers enter into through Christ (Hebrews 4:1-11), a rest from the futile works of the flesh. Furthermore, the "sweat of thy face" (Genesis 3:19) is a consequence of the curse upon humanity due to sin; therefore, garments that prevent sweat can be interpreted as symbolic of overcoming the effects of the fall and participating in the redeemed state promised by God. The clean, unsoiled nature of linen is also echoed in the white robes of the saints in Revelation, representing their purity and vindication in Christ.
Ezekiel 44 18 Commentary
The instruction for priests to wear linen trousers and to avoid garments that cause sweat is a symbolic representation of the ideal state of worship. Linen signifies purity and cleanliness, essential for anyone approaching the presence of God. The prohibition against clothes that cause sweat highlights the nature of service in God's kingdom: it is not meant to be characterized by weariness, strain, or discomfort. Instead, it points to a service performed in a spirit of joy, rest, and holiness. This prefigures the spiritual reality of being clothed in Christ's righteousness and living by the Spirit, which brings a different kind of life and service that is not characterized by the arduous labor of the flesh. It signifies that true service in God's presence is energized by Him, not by human toil.