King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:1 Mean?

Ezekiel 46:1 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; bu... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

Ezekiel 46:1 · KJV


Context

1

Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

2

And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.

3

Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The east gate remained shut six working days but opened on Sabbath and new moon. This regulation emphasized Sabbath sacredness and special worship times. Regular rhythm of work and worship teaches that life alternates between ordinary and sacred times. Weekly/monthly worship structures sustained spiritual life and community identity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath observance was central to Jewish identity, especially after exile. New moon celebrations (monthly) added regular festival rhythm. These patterns shaped covenant community life and maintained God-consciousness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do regular rhythms of worship (weekly, seasonal) shape your spiritual life?
  2. What role does Sabbath rest and worship play in your relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כֹּֽה1 of 20
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֮2 of 20

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 20

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִה֒4 of 20

GOD

H3069

god

שַׁ֜עַר5 of 20

The gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הֶחָצֵ֤ר6 of 20

court

H2691

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

הַפְּנִימִית֙7 of 20

of the inner

H6442

interior

הַפֹּנֶ֣ה8 of 20

that looketh

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

קָדִ֔ים9 of 20

toward the east

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

יִהְיֶ֣ה10 of 20
H1961

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

סָג֔וּר11 of 20

shall be shut

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

שֵׁ֖שֶׁת12 of 20

the six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

וּבְי֥וֹם13 of 20

and in the day

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

הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה14 of 20

working

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וּבְי֥וֹם15 of 20

and in the day

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

הַשַּׁבָּת֙16 of 20

but on the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

יִפָּתֵֽחַ׃17 of 20

it shall be opened

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

וּבְי֥וֹם18 of 20

and in the day

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

הַחֹ֖דֶשׁ19 of 20

of the new moon

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

יִפָּתֵֽחַ׃20 of 20

it shall be opened

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve


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 46:1 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 46:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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