Ezekiel 44 26

Ezekiel 44:26 kjv

And after he is cleansed, they shall reckon unto him seven days.

Ezekiel 44:26 nkjv

After he is cleansed, they shall count seven days for him.

Ezekiel 44:26 niv

After he is cleansed, he must wait seven days.

Ezekiel 44:26 esv

After he has become clean, they shall count seven days for him.

Ezekiel 44:26 nlt

Even then, he can return to his Temple duties only after being ceremonially cleansed and then waiting for seven days.

Ezekiel 44 verses

Ezekiel 44 26 Meaning

This verse speaks about the sanctity of the priestly lineage after restoration. It outlines specific requirements for the sons of Zadok regarding atonement and service within the restored sanctuary. Their role is distinguished, ensuring only the properly consecrated can minister before the LORD.

Ezekiel 44 26 Context

Ezekiel 44 presents a vision of a future, restored temple and a purified priesthood. Following the destruction of the first and second temples and the Babylonian exile, the prophet Ezekiel is given visions of a meticulously ordered sanctuary. This chapter specifically addresses the sons of Zadok, who were the legitimate line of high priests and loyal to God, unlike the lineage associated with Eli and later disruptions. The focus is on maintaining holiness and proper worship within this envisioned divine space. This particular verse (44:26) details the conditions under which these select priests can approach God after an offense, emphasizing atonement and a period of separation before resuming their full service. It underscores God's demand for absolute holiness from those who serve Him in the sanctuary, a theme prevalent throughout Leviticus and the entirety of the Mosaic Law. The vision points towards a deeper spiritual reality of purity and access to God that is ultimately fulfilled in the New Covenant.

Ezekiel 44 26 Word analysis

• And - Connects the clauses, indicating a sequence or condition.
• When - Introduces a conditional statement.
• he - Refers to the priest who has sinned.
• has - Indicates completion of an action.
• defiled - (Hebrew: וְחִלֵּל, veḥillel) Meaning to profane, desecrate, or make ceremonially unclean. It signifies a serious breach of holiness.
• it - Refers to the sanctuary or holy things associated with it.
• highly - (Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) Refers to absolute holiness, sacredness, or set apart for God. It emphasizes the extreme sanctity of the offense.
• he - The priest.
• shall - Indicates certainty or a divine command.
• make - (Hebrew: וְשָׁלַם, veshalom) Could imply bringing completion to something, but in this context, more accurately implies making atonement or reconciliation.
• restitution - (Hebrew: אָשָׁם, asham) Meaning guilt offering or reparation. It involves making amends for the trespass.
• for - Indicates purpose or reason.
• the - Definite article.
• trespass - (Hebrew: הַמַּעַל, hamma'al) Transgression or breach of duty, particularly against sacred things.
• and - Connects the atonement with the offering.
• shall - Divine command.
• put - (Hebrew: וְנָתַן, venatan) To give, place, or add.
• on - Indicates addition or placement.
• it - The trespass offering or guilt.
• a - Indefinite article.
• fifth - (Hebrew: חָמֵשׁ, ḥamesh) The number five, referring to the prescribed proportion of the offering.
• part - (Hebrew: חָמֵשׁ, ḥamesh) Could also be interpreted as part or fifth, implying one-fifth of the value.
• more - Indicates addition to the trespass offering.
• to - Preposition.
• the - Definite article.
• priest - The officiating priest.
• who - Relative pronoun.
• is - Verb 'to be'.
• in - Preposition.
• charge - (Hebrew: אֶל־הַכֹּהֵן, el-hakohen) Or to the priest, implying where the atonement is made or received.
• of - Preposition.
• it - The holy sanctuary.
• so - Conjunction indicating result.
• that - Conjunction of purpose.
• he - The offending priest.
• may - Indicates possibility or permission.
• be - Verb 'to be'.
• forgiven - (Hebrew: וְלִכְפֹּר, velikhpor) To make atonement for or to cover.

Group Analysis:

• "defiled it highly" (וְחִלֵּל קֹדֶשׁ, veḥillel qodesh) emphasizes the gravity of profaning something utterly sacred.
• "make restitution for the trespass" (וְשָׁלַם אָשָׁם, veshalom asham) signifies the requirement of a guilt offering and a restoration of what was wronged.
• "put on it a fifth part more" (וְנָתַן חָמֵשׁ, venatan ḥamesh) illustrates a specific quantitative aspect of restitution, exceeding the initial offense's value.

Ezekiel 44 26 Bonus Section

The precise amount of "a fifth part more" is significant. It reflects a principle of added penalty or reparation beyond the mere act of trespass, signifying a serious intent to "cover" the sin not only with atonement but also with a demonstrable increase of devotion or offering. This principle is seen elsewhere in Mosaic Law, for example, in cases of dishonesty or theft where restitution often involved more than the original value (e.g., Numbers 5:7). It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering demand for holiness and the costly nature of redemption and restoration within His presence.

Ezekiel 44 26 Commentary

This verse establishes a clear path for restoration after ceremonial defilement by a consecrated priest within the restored temple. It highlights the divine requirement for atonement and restitution, demonstrating that even sacred service is subject to accountability and cleansing. The "fifth part more" indicates that the penalty or corrective measure for desecration is punitive, not merely a return to status quo, but an additional commitment to honor the sanctity of God's dwelling. This is a detailed aspect of the renewed covenant and priesthood that anticipates a perfect atonement. For the contemporary believer, it underscores the seriousness of sin in relation to God’s holiness and the need for confession, repentance, and Christ’s atoning work to restore our access and service.