Ezekiel 46 10

Ezekiel 46:10 kjv

And the prince in the midst of them, when they go in, shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth.

Ezekiel 46:10 nkjv

The prince shall then be in their midst. When they go in, he shall go in; and when they go out, he shall go out.

Ezekiel 46:10 niv

The prince is to be among them, going in when they go in and going out when they go out.

Ezekiel 46:10 esv

When they enter, the prince shall enter with them, and when they go out, he shall go out.

Ezekiel 46:10 nlt

The prince will enter and leave with the people on these occasions.

Ezekiel 46 verses

Ezekiel 46 10 meaning

Ezekiel 46:10 describes a specific regulation within the visionary temple cult: when the people enter the temple gates for worship, the prince must enter with them, in their midst. Similarly, when the people depart, the prince must depart with them. This portrays the prince as a participant and a leader deeply identified with his people, rather than one who operates above or separately from them, particularly in matters of sacred worship. It emphasizes the divinely established order and the prince's humble yet authoritative role in the future eschatological worship.

Ezekiel 46 10 Context

Ezekiel 46:10 is embedded within the lengthy temple vision described in chapters 40-48, a detailed blueprint for a future temple, its services, and the surrounding land. Specifically, chapter 46 outlines the ordinances for the prince regarding his entry, offerings, and exit from the inner court. This verse, therefore, dictates the prince's interaction with the common people during set times of worship at the East Gate of the inner court, emphasizing that his movement should be synchronized with theirs. This is not a description of historical worship in Solomon's or Zerubbabel's temple, but a prophetic vision, generally understood to relate to a future millennial or spiritual reality. The emphasis is on ordered worship, the segregation of sacred spaces, and the distinct yet integrated role of the 'prince' (נָשִׂיא, nāśîʾ) who is separate from the king, symbolizing a divinely established hierarchical yet unified structure for future worship.

Ezekiel 46 10 Word analysis

• And when they go in (וּבְבֹאָ֥ם, ūv'vō'ām): This phrase highlights a specific moment: the people's entrance for corporate worship. The use of "they" (הֵם, hem) refers to "the people of the land" (עַם הָאָרֶץ, am ha'arets) mentioned earlier in Ezekiel, who worship outside the inner court, implying general access to parts of the temple complex.
• the prince (הַנָּשִׂ֣יא, hannāśîʾ): The definite article "the" indicates a specific, known figure. "Nasi" is typically translated as prince or leader. Unlike a "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melech), the "nasi" in Ezekiel's vision is subject to specific regulations, often involving offerings for sin, indicating his humanity and position as distinct from the messianic King in a universal sense, but often seen as a type of the Messiah's humble, serving leadership.
• shall go in (בְּתוֹכָ֑ם, yē'tsē') (missing verb in the English translation; "yā-ḇō" (יָבוֹא) "shall come in" is understood after prince from "go in"): This implicitly stresses that his movement is governed by divine instruction, not personal prerogative. His going "in" marks his participation in the worship cycle.
• in the midst of them (בְּתוֹכָ֑ם, b'ṯōḵām): This prepositional phrase is crucial. It signifies his position of direct presence, involvement, and perhaps even vulnerability among the common worshippers. It rejects any notion of aloofness or special privilege that would isolate him from the collective act of devotion. This also speaks to a type of servant-leadership, a guiding presence rather than a dictatorial one.
• and when they come forth (וּבְצֵאתָ֖ם, ūv'ṣēṯām): Parallels "when they go in," indicating the completion of a worship session. The synchronization of movement is symmetrical and emphasizes adherence to an ordered liturgical calendar.
• he shall come forth (יֵצֵֽא׃, yēṣēʾ): The prince's departure is equally prescribed and coordinated. His actions are not spontaneous but patterned, illustrating consistency and obedience to the divine ordinances for this future temple.

• "when they go in, the prince shall go in" and "when they come forth, he shall come forth": This parallel structure (a common Hebrew literary device called chiasm or parallelism in action) emphasizes the consistent, synchronized movement of the prince with the people. It signifies the prince's leadership by example and identification with the worshipping community. His public, observed participation confirms his role as subject to divine ordinance and as a leader alongside, not above, his people in worship. This movement might symbolically represent a full cycle of liturgical engagement and divine interaction.
• "the prince... in the midst of them": This specific placement signifies that the prince, despite his high office, does not lead the procession from the front (like a triumphant general) nor trail behind (like a reluctant participant), but occupies a position of fellowship and presence with the congregation. This contrasts with earlier pagan cultures where leaders often held exclusive rights or demonstrated immense separation. The emphasis on being "in the midst" could also represent a mediating or unifying role, reflecting a Christ-like attribute of embodying both divine authority and identification with humanity.

Ezekiel 46 10 Bonus section

The concept of the "Nasi" in Ezekiel has generated considerable theological discussion. Some interpret the "prince" as a figure separate from the Messiah, who will serve as a subordinate ruler in a millennial kingdom. Others view him as a symbol or type of the Messiah (Jesus Christ), highlighting His identification with His people (walking "in their midst") and His obedience to divine will, yet still a human leader appointed for specific functions. The repetitive nature of "going in" and "coming forth" also speaks to the ritualistic purity required for temple entry and exit, reflecting a separation between the sacred inner courts and the outer world, even for the highest human authority within the community. The careful detailing of these movements underscores a theological point: future worship will be meticulously ordered, sacred, and demand reverent adherence from all, including its highest human dignitary.

Ezekiel 46 10 Commentary

Ezekiel 46:10 underscores the structured and participatory nature of worship in the prophetic temple vision, particularly highlighting the prince's unique role. The prince is neither aloof nor above the liturgical assembly, but fully integrated into its movements. His synchronized entrance and exit with the people portray leadership by identification and example, adhering strictly to God's established order. This signifies humility in high office, ensuring that even the most prominent leader demonstrates submission to divine statutes. This passage speaks to the orderly character of God and the communal aspect of true worship, where leaders walk with their flock.

• Example for Practical Usage: A pastor leading their congregation in communion, taking the elements alongside their members rather than receiving them first or separately, embodies the principle of being "in the midst" of them. Or, church leaders consistently attending the main worship services with the congregation rather than having exclusive or separate sessions, fostering a sense of shared faith journey.