King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:46 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:46 in the King James Version says “And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.”

Ezekiel 40:46 · King James Version

Context

44

And without the inner gate were the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south: one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north.

45

And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house. charge: or, ward, or, ordinance

46

And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.

47

So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house.

48

And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The 'sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi' receive special mention as those authorized to 'come near to the LORD to minister unto him.' This distinguishes the Zadokite priesthood from other Levites—a reward for faithfulness. Historically, when northern Israel apostatized, Zadok's descendants remained loyal (1 Kings 1-2). The Hebrew קָרַב (qarav, 'come near') emphasizes privileged access to God's presence, not available to all. The chamber 'toward the north' (facing the altar) positions these priests for their primary duty: maintaining sacrificial worship. This verse teaches that faithful service receives divine recognition and special privileges. Reformed theology sees continuity in this principle: faithful ministers receive spiritual authority and blessing (1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17). Ultimately, Christ our High Priest 'after the order of Melchizedek' (Hebrews 5-7) provides access for all believers to draw near (Hebrews 10:19-22).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Zadok was David's faithful priest who supported Solomon against Adonijah's rebellion (1 Kings 1:32-40). As reward, Solomon removed Abiathar (who supported Adonijah) and established Zadok's exclusive priesthood (1 Kings 2:26-27, 35), fulfilling prophecy against Eli's house (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Throughout Israel's history, Zadokite priests maintained the Jerusalem temple (1 Chronicles 6:1-15, 50-53). When many priests compromised with Jeroboam's golden calves or later with pagan worship, Zadokites generally remained faithful. Ezekiel emphasizes this distinction—faithfulness during apostasy merits continued ministry (Ezekiel 44:15-16). The 'keepers of the charge of the altar' maintained perpetual fire (Leviticus 6:12-13), offered daily sacrifices (Exodus 29:38-42), and entered the Holy Place. For exiles wondering if priesthood would continue, this vision assured Zadokite succession and faithful worship restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God reward faithfulness during times when many compromise or apostatize?
  2. What does the Zadokite priesthood teach about the importance of family legacy and faithful transmission of truth to subsequent generations?
  3. As a believer-priest (1 Peter 2:9), how seriously do you take your privilege to 'come near to the LORD'?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְהַלִּשְׁכָּ֗ה1 of 18

“And the chamber”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר2 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פָּנֶ֙יהָ֙3 of 18

“whose prospect”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

דֶּ֣רֶךְ4 of 18

“is toward”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַצָּפ֔וֹן5 of 18

“the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

לַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים6 of 18

“is for the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

שֹׁמְרֵ֖י7 of 18

“the keepers”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת8 of 18

“of the charge”

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ9 of 18

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

הֵ֣מָּה10 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִבְּנֵֽי11 of 18

“among the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צָד֗וֹק12 of 18

“of Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַקְּרֵבִ֧ים13 of 18

“which come near”

H7131

near

מִבְּנֵֽי14 of 18

“among the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לֵוִ֛י15 of 18

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

אֶל16 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֖ה17 of 18

“to the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְשָׁרְתֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“to minister”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 40:46 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 40:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 44:151 Kings 2:35Ezekiel 43:19Ezekiel 48:11Numbers 16:5Numbers 18:5

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 40 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 40 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes