King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 43:25 Mean?

Ezekiel 43:25 in the King James Version says “Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram ou...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 43:25 · KJV

Context

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

27

And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eighth day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, saith the Lord GOD. peace: or, thank offerings

Read Ezekiel 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat for a sin offering—The seven-day consecration period: שִׁבְעַת יָמִים (shivʿat yāmîm, 'seven days'), each requiring שְׂעִיר (śĕʿîr, 'a goat') for חַטָּאת (ḥaṭṭāʾt, 'sin offering').

Seven (שֶׁבַע, shevaʿ) symbolizes completion/perfection in Scripture. Seven-day altar consecration indicates thorough, complete purification. They shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish—Daily offerings of פַּר (par, 'bull') and אַיִל (ʾayil, 'ram'), both תְּמִימִים (tĕmîmîm, 'perfect/unblemished'). This extensive consecration—seven days, multiple animals daily—demonstrates that approaching Holy God requires comprehensive atonement. Christ's single sacrifice accomplished what these repeated offerings symbolized: perfect, permanent purification (Hebrews 9:12, 10:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Seven-day consecrations appear throughout Scripture: creation (Genesis 1), Passover/Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15), Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34), priestly ordination (Leviticus 8:33), altar dedication (Exodus 29:37). The pattern demonstrates completeness. Ezekiel's vision (573 BC) maintains this sacred numerology, showing continuity between Mosaic and millennial worship, all pointing to Christ's perfect work.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the seven-day pattern throughout Scripture teach about God's perfection?
  2. How do repeated daily offerings contrast with Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?
  3. Why does even millennial (perfect kingdom) worship require sin offerings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
שִׁבְעַ֣ת1 of 14

“Seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

לַיּ֑וֹם2 of 14

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יַעֲשֽׂוּ׃3 of 14

“shalt thou prepare”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׂעִיר4 of 14

“a goat”

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

חַטָּ֖את5 of 14

“for a sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

לַיּ֑וֹם6 of 14

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וּפַ֧ר7 of 14

“bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

בֶּן8 of 14

“a young”

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

בָּקָ֛ר9 of 14
H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וְאַ֥יִל10 of 14

“and a ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

מִן11 of 14
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַצֹּ֖אן12 of 14

“out of the flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

תְּמִימִ֥ים13 of 14

“without blemish”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

יַעֲשֽׂוּ׃14 of 14

“shalt thou prepare”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 43:25 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 43:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 8:33Exodus 29:35-37Leviticus 8:35

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