King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 42:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 42:14 in the King James Version says “When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the utter court, but there they shall ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they are holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to those things which are for the people.”

Ezekiel 42:14 · KJV

Context

12

And according to the doors of the chambers that were toward the south was a door in the head of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one entereth into them.

13

Then said he unto me, The north chambers and the south chambers, which are before the separate place, they be holy chambers, where the priests that approach unto the LORD shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy.

14

When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they are holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to those things which are for the people.

15

Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth toward the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it round about.

16

He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about. side: Heb. wind

Read Ezekiel 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The requirement for priests to change garments before leaving holy areas emphasizes that holiness isn't casual or portable—it requires intentional separation. The priestly garments 'wherein they minister' were consecrated ('they are holy') and couldn't be worn in common areas. This teaches that what is appropriate in God's immediate presence may not be suitable for ordinary interaction. The 'other garments' for approaching 'those things which are for the people' maintained necessary distinction between sacred ministry and common life. This isn't hypocrisy but proper recognition of different contexts requiring different conduct. Reformed theology applies this principle spiritually: believers are 'clothed with Christ' (Galatians 3:27) for approaching God but must also maintain wise conduct in the world without compromising witness. The garment change also protected laity from unauthorized contact with consecrated items (Numbers 4:15, 2 Samuel 6:6-7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Exodus 28-29 describes elaborate priestly vestments: breastplate, ephod, robe, tunic, turban, and sash—all consecrated for holy use. These weren't merely uniforms but sacramental garments signifying consecration to divine service. Leviticus 6:11 specifically commands priests to change clothes after handling sacrificial blood. The garments' holiness meant they couldn't be used casually or for common purposes (Ezekiel 44:19). Archaeological discoveries include textile fragments and artistic depictions of ancient Near Eastern priestly garments, usually elaborate and distinctive. The practice of changing garments between sacred and common activities appears in various ancient cultures but Israel's rationale was unique—protecting God's holiness and people's safety. For the exiles, remembering proper priestly protocols promised future restoration of legitimate worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'garment changes' distinguish your worship life from daily conduct—or has everything become undifferentiated?
  2. How do you 'put on' Christ for approaching God while maintaining wise conduct toward unbelievers?
  3. Does this verse challenge contemporary Christianity's casualness that erases all distinction between sacred and common?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
בְּבֹאָ֣ם1 of 24

“enter”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים2 of 24

“When the priests”

H3548

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

וְלֹֽא3 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵצְא֤וּ4 of 24

“therein then shall they not go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

קֹ֣דֶשׁ5 of 24

“for they are holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֶל6 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֶחָצֵ֣ר7 of 24

“court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַחִיצוֹנָ֔ה8 of 24

“place into the utter”

H2435

properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)

וְשָׁ֞ם9 of 24
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יַנִּ֧יחוּ10 of 24

“but there they shall lay”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

בְּגָדִ֣ים11 of 24

“garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

אֲשֶׁר12 of 24
H834

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

יְשָׁרְת֥וּ13 of 24

“wherein they minister”

H8334

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

בָהֶ֖ן14 of 24
H0
כִּֽי15 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קֹ֣דֶשׁ16 of 24

“for they are holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הֵ֑נָּה17 of 24
H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

יְלָֽבְשׁוּ֙18 of 24

“and shall put”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

בְּגָדִ֣ים19 of 24

“garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

אֲחֵרִ֔ים20 of 24

“on other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְקָרְב֖וּ21 of 24

“and shall approach”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶל22 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲשֶׁ֥ר23 of 24
H834

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

לָעָֽם׃24 of 24

“to those things which are for the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 42:14 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 42:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 44:19Leviticus 8:7Isaiah 61:10Leviticus 8:13Exodus 29:4-9Zechariah 3:4-5

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 2Room · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E23 verses across 8 books
View all places in Ezekiel 42 →

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