Ezekiel 44:30 kjv
And the first of all the firstfruits of all things, and every oblation of all, of every sort of your oblations, shall be the priest's: ye shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thine house.
Ezekiel 44:30 nkjv
The best of all firstfruits of any kind, and every sacrifice of any kind from all your sacrifices, shall be the priest's; also you shall give to the priest the first of your ground meal, to cause a blessing to rest on your house.
Ezekiel 44:30 niv
The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household.
Ezekiel 44:30 esv
And the first of all the firstfruits of all kinds, and every offering of all kinds from all your offerings, shall belong to the priests. You shall also give to the priests the first of your dough, that a blessing may rest on your house.
Ezekiel 44:30 nlt
The first of the ripe fruits and all the gifts brought to the LORD will go to the priests. The first batch of dough must also be given to the priests so the LORD will bless your homes.
Ezekiel 44 30 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 44 | priests shall eat no flesh whereby sin has been laid on it | consecration for offerings |
| Leviticus | priests shall eat the grain offering and sin offering | holy portions for priests |
| Leviticus | the Levites were to receive tithes for their service | livelihood from offerings |
| Numbers | priests and Levites were numbered and consecrated | genealogy and service |
| 1 Corinthians | ministers are to live from the ministry | principle of support for ministry |
| Hebrews | Christ as the perfect High Priest | antitypical priesthood |
| 1 Peter | believers as a royal priesthood | spiritual priesthood |
| Revelation | elders casting their crowns before the throne | reverence and service in heavenly worship |
| Exodus | consecration of Aaron and his sons | inaugural priesthood service |
| Numbers | Korah's rebellion and the sanctity of priesthood | consequences of unauthorized service |
| Deuteronomy | blessing of Levi, distinction of tribe | inheritance and calling |
| Ezekiel 48 | distribution of land for priests and Levites | land portions for sacred service |
| Malachi | critique of corrupted priestly service | importance of faithfulness in ministry |
| John | Jesus cleansing the temple | Jesus' authority over temple worship |
| Acts | early church sharing possessions and supporting ministers | communal living and ministry support |
| 1 Timothy | qualifications and duties of elders and deacons | order and function in the church |
| Titus | appointing qualified overseers | leadership principles |
| Matthew | Jesus' teachings on the Law | upholding the Law |
| Mark | Jesus teaching in the synagogues | authority and practice |
| Luke | Jesus’ example of service | humility and service |
| Romans | presenting bodies as living sacrifices | total consecration |
| Galatians | freedom in Christ, but not to abuse it | responsible liberty |
| Ephesians | spiritual gifts for building up the body of Christ | purpose of ministry gifts |
| Philippians | rejoicing in the Lord through service | attitude of joyful service |
| Colossians | Christ as head of the body, the church | Christ's supreme authority |
| 1 Thessalon | thanksgiving for faith and love in service | communal joy in service |
| 2 Timothy | faithfulness in ministry, enduring hardship | perseverance in calling |
| Philemon | Christian brotherhood and service | practical outworking of faith |
| Hebrews 13 | Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever | unchanging nature of Christ’s sacrifice |
| Revelation | new heaven and new earth, no temple | culmination of God's presence |
Ezekiel 44 verses
Ezekiel 44 30 Meaning
This verse establishes a foundational principle for theítico order, indicating that priests and Levites were to be consecrated. This consecration meant they were set apart for God’s service, and their portions from the offerings were holy, reinforcing their sacred role and livelihood derived from their ministry. The phrasing implies a continuous and unbroken connection to this principle throughout their generations.
Ezekiel 44 30 Context
Ezekiel chapter 44 focuses on the future temple and the restored worship that will take place within it. Following the visions of the new temple's destruction and reconstruction (chapters 40-43), this chapter details specific regulations for the priests and Levites who will minister there. The surrounding verses discuss the exclusion of foreigners and the uncircumcised from entering the temple, the special role of the prince, and the provisions made for the sons of Zadok who faithfully served God. Verse 30 fits within this broader context of establishing order, holiness, and specific responsibilities for the Levitical priesthood in the envisioned restored worship. The emphasis is on maintaining the sanctity of the priestly office and the provisions God makes for those who serve Him.
Ezekiel 44 30 Word Analysis
- "Firstfruits" (Hebrew: Bikkurim - בִּכּוּרִים): Refers to the initial produce of a harvest, the first and best of the crop, which was designated as holy to God.
- Significance: It signifies consecration, dedication, and recognition of God as the ultimate giver of all things. It represents the beginning of the harvest being surrendered to God, sanctifying the rest.
- "of every sort": Encompasses all kinds of grain and produce that would be harvested.
- Significance: No portion of the harvest was exempt from this principle of firstfruits.
- "you shall give to the priests": Direct commandment for the people to offer these firstfruits.
- Significance: It outlines the active participation of the laity in supporting and consecrating the priesthood.
- "to place a blessing on your house": Implies that obedience in offering firstfruits would result in divine favor and prosperity upon the household.
- Significance: Links righteous action with God's benevolent response, suggesting a covenantal aspect of blessing for obedience.
Group Analysis:
- "Firstfruits of every sort... shall give to the priests": This phrase collectively emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the sacred offering to the Levitical priesthood. It speaks of a complete surrender of the initial produce of all agriculture, thereby setting apart the entire harvest for God's designated servants and, by extension, for His service. It’s about the ongoing commitment to provide sustenance for those set apart for ministry, ensuring their ability to perform their sacred duties without distraction by secular labor.
Ezekiel 44 30 Bonus Section
The concept of "firstfruits" extends beyond agricultural produce in biblical thought. It can also represent the firstborn sons, the firstborn of animals, and even believers themselves as firstfruits unto God, sanctified by the sacrifice of Christ. In Ezekiel's vision, the continuity of this practice underscores a restored order and faithfulness to the Mosaic Law, even in the context of a future, purified worship. It speaks to the principle that spiritual leadership is divinely ordained and sustained by the people, ensuring a consistent and unbroken line of sacred service. This particular verse, while specific to the Old Covenant order, carries a timeless principle regarding the provision and sanctity associated with those dedicated to God's service.
Ezekiel 44 30 Commentary
The verse underlines the principle of "firstfruits" not just as an ancient ritual, but as a demonstration of devotion and trust. It signifies that those who serve God should be supported by the community, and that these provisions are to be treated as holy. This "setting apart" of the first and best was to sanctify the rest and acknowledge God’s ultimate sovereignty over all resources. It’s about recognizing that everything comes from God and a portion is due back to Him for the maintenance of His worship and His ministers. This concept echoes in the New Testament through the importance of supporting those who preach the gospel and the understanding that spiritual things are to be sustained by the church. It’s a call to prioritize God’s work through tangible means of support, expecting His blessing in return for faithful obedience.