King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 43:24 Mean?

Ezekiel 43:24 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt offer them before the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for a...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt offer them before the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering unto the LORD.”

Ezekiel 43:24 · KJV

Context

22

And on the second day thou shalt offer a kid of the goats without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse it with the bullock.

23

When thou hast made an end of cleansing it, thou shalt offer a young bullock without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish.

24

And thou shalt offer them before the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering unto the LORD.

25

Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish.

26

Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves . consecrate: Heb. fill their hands

Read Ezekiel 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt offer them before the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt upon them—The offerings are brought לִפְנֵי יְהוָה (liphnê YHWH, 'before the LORD'), and כֹּהֲנִים (kōhănîm, 'priests') הִשְׁלִיכוּ עֲלֵיהֶם מֶלַח (hishlîkhû ʿălêhem melaḥ, 'shall throw upon them salt').

Salt symbolized covenant permanence (Leviticus 2:13, Numbers 18:19—'covenant of salt'). All offerings required salt, signifying the perpetual covenant between God and His people. And they shall offer them up for a burnt offering unto the LORD—עֹלָה לַיהוָה (ʿōlāh lYHWH, 'burnt offering to the LORD'), completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total dedication. These temple rituals in Ezekiel's vision demonstrate covenant faithfulness remains central to God's relationship with Israel, whether literal millennial worship or symbolic representation of perfect devotion in Messiah's kingdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Salt in offerings (Leviticus 2:13) was mandatory, symbolizing preservation and covenant permanence. Ancient Near Eastern covenant meals included salt—shared salt signified binding agreement. God's 'covenant of salt' (Numbers 18:19) promised perpetual priesthood. Ezekiel's vision includes this detail, emphasizing that covenant relationship, not mere ritual, matters. Christ's 'new covenant in my blood' (Luke 22:20) fulfills and perfects all Old Testament covenant symbolism.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does salt on offerings teach about covenant permanence?
  2. How does the burnt offering (total consumption) picture complete devotion?
  3. How are Old Covenant salt/sacrifice fulfilled in New Covenant communion/Eucharist?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֖ם1 of 11

“And thou shalt offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לִפְנֵ֣י2 of 11

“them before”

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃3 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וְהִשְׁלִ֨יכוּ4 of 11

“shall cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

הַכֹּהֲנִ֤ים5 of 11

“and the priests”

H3548

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

עֲלֵיהֶם֙6 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֶ֔לַח7 of 11

“salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

וְהֶעֱל֥וּ8 of 11

“upon them and they shall offer them up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אוֹתָ֛ם9 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֹלָ֖ה10 of 11

“for a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לַֽיהוָֽה׃11 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 43:24 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 43:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:13Mark 9:49-50Numbers 18:19Colossians 4:6Matthew 5:132 Chronicles 13:5

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