King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 45:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 45:17 in the King James Version says “And it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and i... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel. peace: or, thank offerings

Ezekiel 45:17 · KJV


Context

15

And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord GOD. lamb: or, kid peace: or, thank offerings

16

All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel. shall: Heb. shall be for for: or, with

17

And it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel. peace: or, thank offerings

18

Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the first month, in the first day of the month, thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish, and cleanse the sanctuary:

19

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering, and put it upon the posts of the house, and upon the four corners of the settle of the altar, and upon the posts of the gate of the inner court.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prince's responsibility—'to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths... to make reconciliation for the house of Israel'—indicates royal funding of public worship. The Hebrew כִּפֵּר (kipper, 'make reconciliation') means atonement, covering sin. While priests offered sacrifices, the prince provided them—demonstrating leadership's role in facilitating worship, not usurping priestly functions. This balance maintains priesthood's mediatorial role while requiring royal support. Reformed theology sees civil magistrate's duty to honor God publicly (though not coerce conscience or usurp church authority). The prince bearing worship costs models servant leadership—using resources for God's glory and people's spiritual welfare. Ultimately, Christ our Prince offered Himself as sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14), making eternal reconciliation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David organized temple worship (1 Chronicles 23-26) and provided resources (1 Chronicles 29:2-5). Solomon built the temple with royal resources (1 Kings 6-7). Hezekiah restored worship, providing animals for sacrifices (2 Chronicles 29:20-24, 31:3). Josiah funded Passover celebration (2 Chronicles 35:7-9). Conversely, wicked kings like Manasseh and Ahaz corrupted worship (2 Kings 16:10-18, 21:1-9). The feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles), new moons (monthly celebrations), and Sabbaths (weekly rest) structured Israel's worship calendar (Leviticus 23). The prince provisioning these maintains public worship without royal usurpation of priestly duties. This distinction prevented the priest-king confusion that corrupted pagan systems. New Testament emphasizes Christ fulfilling all sacrifices (Hebrews 10:1-18), yet believers support gospel ministry financially (1 Corinthians 9:13-14, Galatians 6:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How generously do you provide resources for public worship and gospel ministry versus consuming everything on personal preferences?
  2. What does the prince's responsibility for worship costs teach about Christian stewardship as royal priesthood?
  3. How do you maintain proper boundaries between supporting ministry and usurping pastoral/ecclesiastical authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְעַֽל1 of 27
H5921

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

הַנָּשִׂ֣יא2 of 27

And it shall be the prince's part

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

יִהְיֶ֗ה3 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הָֽעוֹלָה֙4 of 27

and the burnt offering

H5930

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

הַמִּנְחָ֗ה5 of 27

and meat offerings

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וְהַנֵּסֶךְ֒6 of 27

and drink offerings

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

בַּחַגִּ֤ים7 of 27

in the feasts

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

וּבֶחֳדָשִׁים֙8 of 27

and in the new moons

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וּבַשַּׁבָּת֔וֹת9 of 27

and in the sabbaths

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

בְּכָֽל10 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מוֹעֲדֵ֖י11 of 27

in all solemnities

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

בֵּֽית12 of 27

for the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 27

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הֽוּא14 of 27
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יַעֲשֶׂ֞ה15 of 27

he shall prepare

H6213

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

אֶת16 of 27
H853

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

הַחַטָּ֣את17 of 27

the sin offering

H2403

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

וְאֶת18 of 27
H853

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

הַמִּנְחָ֗ה19 of 27

and meat offerings

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וְאֶת20 of 27
H853

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

הָֽעוֹלָה֙21 of 27

and the burnt offering

H5930

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

וְאֶת22 of 27
H853

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

הַשְּׁלָמִ֔ים23 of 27

and the peace offerings

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

לְכַפֵּ֖ר24 of 27

to make reconciliation

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

בְּעַ֥ד25 of 27
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

בֵּֽית26 of 27

for the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃27 of 27

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 45:17 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 45:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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