Ezekiel 46 20

Ezekiel 46:20 kjv

Then said he unto me, This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, where they shall bake the meat offering; that they bear them not out into the utter court, to sanctify the people.

Ezekiel 46:20 nkjv

And he said to me, "This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the grain offering, so that they do not bring them out into the outer court to sanctify the people."

Ezekiel 46:20 niv

He said to me, "This is the place where the priests are to cook the guilt offering and the sin offering and bake the grain offering, to avoid bringing them into the outer court and consecrating the people."

Ezekiel 46:20 esv

And he said to me, "This is the place where the priests shall boil the guilt offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the grain offering, in order not to bring them out into the outer court and so transmit holiness to the people."

Ezekiel 46:20 nlt

He explained, "This is where the priests will cook the meat from the guilt offerings and sin offerings and bake the flour from the grain offerings into bread. They will do it here to avoid carrying the sacrifices through the outer courtyard and endangering the people by transmitting holiness to them."

Ezekiel 46 verses

Ezekiel 46 20 meaning

Ezekiel 46:20 details a precise divine instruction within the visionary temple concerning the handling of most holy offerings—specifically, the guilt, sin, and certain grain offerings. These sacrifices must be prepared and consumed by the priests exclusively in designated holy chambers within the inner court. The core purpose is to prevent their sacredness from extending beyond this consecrated area into the more accessible outer court, thereby preventing an unintended and potentially dangerous "consecration" of the general populace. This strict demarcation safeguards the purity of divine worship and upholds the precise boundaries God sets between the holy and the common.

Ezekiel 46 20 Context

Ezekiel chapters 40-48 present an elaborate vision of a restored temple and land, given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. This vision serves as a blueprint for a future ideal worship, addressing past failures of defilement and promoting rigorous adherence to divine holiness. The regulations described aim to safeguard the divine presence and prevent a repeat of the unholiness that led to Israel's exile. Chapter 46, specifically, details the Prince's offerings and various other sacrifices, laying out the precise procedures for preparing, consuming, and handling them. The meticulous demarcation of space between the priests' areas, the inner court, and the outer court is a central theme, underscoring the vital distinction between the sacred and the common in proper worship.

Ezekiel 46 20 Word analysis

• He said to me: This phrase typically refers to the divine guide (often an angel or the Lord Himself) who accompanies Ezekiel throughout the temple vision (Ezek 40:3-4). It underscores the direct, authoritative, and revelatory nature of the instruction given to the prophet.
• This is the place: This specific designation highlights the importance of precise location and strict adherence to designated spaces for sacred acts within God's temple. It refers to the special cooking chambers mentioned in the preceding verse (46:19).
• where the priests shall boil (בָּשַׁל - bashal): To "boil" signifies a thorough cooking process. In the context of sacrifices, it emphasizes the complete transformation and preparation of the offering, a solemn ritual performed by the authorized priests.
• the guilt offering (אָשָׁם - asham): This offering was made for trespasses, especially those against God's holy things or against another person (Lev 5:14-6:7). It was considered "most holy" and required specific handling and consumption by the priests in a sacred area.
• and the sin offering (חַטָּאת - chattat): A sacrifice for atonement of unintentional sins or ritual uncleanness (Lev 4:1-5:13). Like the guilt offering, it was "most holy" and a significant portion was consumed by the priests within a consecrated space, emphasizing its purifying and atoning nature.
• and where they shall bake (אָפָה - apah): "To bake" is another method of preparing the offering, similar to boiling, it suggests complete processing within the holy area.
• the grain offering (מִנְחָה - minchah): An offering of flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, signifying devotion and thanks. While not always "most holy" like the sin and guilt offerings, if presented in certain ways (e.g., portions for priests to eat) or in conjunction with other purification offerings, it too became part of the highly sacred realm that required special handling.
• in order not to bring them out into the outer court: The outer court was accessible to the general Israelite populace. This prohibition enforces a strict spatial barrier between the extremely holy priestly activities and the common areas. It maintains the sanctity and distinction of the temple's various zones.
• and so consecrate the people (וְלֹֽא־יַקְדִּ֜ישׁוּ אֶת־הָעָם֙ - wĕlo’-yaqdīšū ’et-hā‘ām): The verb qadash here means "to make holy" or "to consecrate." In this specific context, the implication is negative or dangerous. The act of bringing these "most holy" sacrificial elements into the outer court would unintentionally or improperly "consecrate" the people. This could mean two things: (1) imparting a level of holiness upon the common people or the outer court that they are not prepared to bear, thus exposing them to potential divine judgment for unauthorized proximity to the sacred (cf. Uzzah in 2 Sam 6:6-7; Nadab and Abihu in Lev 10:1-2), or (2) blurring the divinely mandated distinctions between priests and the common people, thereby violating the ordained order of worship and access to God. The divine concern is to prevent an uncontrolled spread of holiness that could be perilous.

Ezekiel 46 20 Bonus section

The concept of "contagious holiness" as articulated here by the negative sense of "consecrate the people" differs significantly from contagious uncleanness. While uncleanness could easily spread (Leviticus 15), the spread of holiness was tightly controlled and often fraught with peril if mishandled. God's holiness is a powerful, demanding force; without proper mediation or divine instruction, direct exposure to it was historically lethal. This teaching emphasizes that proximity to the divine without prescribed preparation and distinction could inadvertently lead to an unauthorized state of 'holiness' that violated divine protocol, resulting in judgment. This principle is not to diminish God's desire for His people to be holy, but to underscore the strict boundaries He establishes for our safety and for the maintenance of His own purity, a chasm ultimately bridged perfectly and safely through the sanctifying work of Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel 46 20 Commentary

Ezekiel 46:20 provides a stringent regulation illustrating God's uncompromising standard for holiness and proper worship. By specifying a dedicated, internal location for the preparation of "most holy" offerings, God reinforces the meticulous separation required between sacred priestly functions and the common space. The pivotal warning, "in order not to bring them out... and so consecrate the people," is crucial. It reveals that holiness, when improperly conveyed or encountered, can be dangerous rather than beneficial. Unauthorized "consecration" would erode the distinctions God established between the holy and the common, between the priests and the people, potentially leading to dire consequences as seen throughout biblical history. This verse thus functions as a powerful declaration of God's desire for reverence, order, and precise adherence to His instructions, protecting both His glory and the well-being of His people from the hazards of uncontrolled holiness. This reflects the deep wisdom required in approaching a Holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate, safe access offered through Christ.