King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 45:23 Mean?

Ezekiel 45:23 in the King James Version says “And seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the LORD, seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the LORD, seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a kid of the goats daily for a sin offering.”

Ezekiel 45:23 · King James Version

Context

21

In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten.

22

And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock for a sin offering.

23

And seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the LORD, seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a kid of the goats daily for a sin offering.

24

And he shall prepare a meat offering of an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and an hin of oil for an ephah.

25

In the seventh month, in the fifteenth day of the month, shall he do the like in the feast of the seven days, according to the sin offering, according to the burnt offering, and according to the meat offering, and according to the oil.

Read Ezekiel 45 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the LORD, seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days—During Passover week, daily offerings: שִׁבְעַת יָמִים (shivʿat yāmîm, 'seven days'), שִׁבְעָה פָרִים וְשִׁבְעָה אֵילִים תְּמִימִם (shivʿāh phārîm wĕshivʿāh ʾêlîm tĕmîmim, 'seven bulls and seven rams without blemish') לַיּוֹם (layyôm, 'daily').

The number seven (completeness/perfection) pervades: seven days, seven bulls, seven rams, repeated seven times. This extensive offering demonstrates lavish worship in millennial kingdom. And a kid of the goats daily for a sin offering—Plus daily שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים לְחַטָּאת (śĕʿîr-ʿizzîm lĕḥaṭṭāʾt, 'male goat for sin offering'). The abundance contrasts with wilderness scarcity, showing that prosperity enables greater worship—a principle fulfilled when believers offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mosaic Passover offerings (Numbers 28:19-24) included bulls, rams, and lambs, but quantities differ from Ezekiel's vision. This innovation demonstrates that millennial worship, while rooted in Mosaic patterns, surpasses it in abundance—fulfilling Jesus' promise of abundant life (John 10:10). The multiplication of offerings reflects increased capacity to honor God when His kingdom fully comes.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the abundance of offerings (seven bulls, seven rams daily) symbolize?
  2. How does increased prosperity relate to increased capacity for worship?
  3. How do Old Testament material offerings relate to New Testament spiritual sacrifices?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
שִׁבְעַ֖ת1 of 18

“And seven”

H7651

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

לַיּֽוֹם׃2 of 18

“daily”

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

הֶחָ֜ג3 of 18

“of the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה4 of 18

“he shall prepare”

H6213

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

עוֹלָ֣ה5 of 18

“a burnt offering”

H5930

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

לַֽיהוָ֗ה6 of 18

“to the LORD”

H3068

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

שִׁבְעַ֖ת7 of 18

“And seven”

H7651

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

פָּ֠רִים8 of 18

“bullocks”

H6499

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

שִׁבְעַ֖ת9 of 18

“And seven”

H7651

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

אֵילִ֤ים10 of 18

“rams”

H352

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

תְּמִימִם֙11 of 18

“without blemish”

H8549

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

לַיּֽוֹם׃12 of 18

“daily”

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

שִׁבְעַ֖ת13 of 18

“And seven”

H7651

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

לַיּֽוֹם׃14 of 18

“daily”

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

וְחַטָּ֕את15 of 18

“for a sin offering”

H2403

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

שְׂעִ֥יר16 of 18

“and a kid”

H8163

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

עִזִּ֖ים17 of 18

“of the goats”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

לַיּֽוֹם׃18 of 18

“daily”

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

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 45:23 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 45:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:8Job 42:8Numbers 23:1-2Numbers 29:11-38Numbers 28:15-31Hebrews 10:8-12

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