King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 46:16 Mean?
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons'; it shall be their possession by inheritance.”
Ezekiel 46:16 · KJV
Context
14
And thou shalt prepare a meat offering for it every morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of an hin of oil, to temper with the fine flour; a meat offering continually by a perpetual ordinance unto the LORD.
15
Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning for a continual burnt offering.
16
Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons'; it shall be their possession by inheritance.
17
But if he give a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his to the year of liberty; after it shall return to the prince: but his inheritance shall be his sons' for them.
18
Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; but he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe inheritance law—'if the prince give a gift of his inheritance unto his sons, it shall be theirs by inheritance... But if he give a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his to the year of liberty; after it shall return to the prince'—protects family patrimony while allowing temporary gifts. Sons receive permanent inheritance; servants receive temporary grants reverting at jubilee. The Hebrew דְּרוֹר (deror, 'liberty') refers to the jubilee year when debts canceled and property returned (Leviticus 25:10). This prevents permanent alienation of tribal inheritance. Reformed theology sees spiritual application: believers are sons (Galatians 4:4-7), not servants, receiving eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:4). What Christ gives His children cannot be revoked—eternal security of the believer. Temporary earthly positions differ from permanent spiritual adoption.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The jubilee year (every 50th year) featured comprehensive restoration—land returned to original families, Hebrew slaves freed, debts forgiven (Leviticus 25). This prevented permanent socioeconomic stratification and reminded Israel that God owned the land (Leviticus 25:23). Naboth's vineyard incident illustrates this principle—he refused to sell ancestral inheritance even to the king (1 Kings 21:3). The distinction between sons and servants parallels Paul's contrast between bondage and sonship (Galatians 4:1-7). Jesus distinguished servants who don't know the master's business from friends who receive full disclosure (John 15:15). The inheritance law ensured no family permanently lost their portion in Israel—just as God's elect never lose their inheritance in Christ (Romans 8:38-39).
Reflection Questions
- Do you live as a son (permanent heir) or servant (temporary employee) in your relationship with God?
- How does understanding your eternal, irrevocable inheritance in Christ affect daily priorities and eternal perspective?
- What temporary 'gifts' from God's hand do you cling to as permanent when they're meant to be released at His 'jubilee'?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 17 wordsכֹּה1 of 17
H3541properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
כִּֽי5 of 17
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַנָּשִׂ֤יא7 of 17
“If the prince”
H5387properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
מַתָּנָה֙8 of 17
“a gift”
H4979a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe
לְאִ֣ישׁ9 of 17
“unto any”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְבָנָ֣יו10 of 17
“of his sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנַחֲלָֽה׃11 of 17
“by inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
הִ֖יא12 of 17
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לְבָנָ֣יו13 of 17
“of his sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה14 of 17
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֲחֻזָּתָ֥ם15 of 17
“it shall be their possession”
H272something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
הִ֖יא16 of 17
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בְּנַחֲלָֽה׃17 of 17
“by inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
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 46:16 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 46:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge