King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:18 Mean?

Ezekiel 46:18 in the King James Version says “Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; bu... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 46:18 · KJV


Context

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.

19

After he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there was a place on the two sides westward.

20

Then said he unto me, This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, where they shall bake the meat offering; that they bear them not out into the utter court, to sanctify the people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession—The נָשִׂיא (nāśîʾ, 'prince') must not הוֹנָה (hônāh, 'oppress/defraud') people's נַחֲלָה (naḥălāh, 'inheritance'), לְהוֹצִיאָם מֵאֲחֻזָּתָם (lĕhôṣîʾām mēʾăḥuzzātām, 'to thrust them from their possession').

This prohibits royal land-grabbing—like Ahab seizing Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21). But he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession—The prince provides for sons from his own land, preventing displacement of עַמִּי (ʿammî, 'my people') from their אֲחֻזָּה (ăḥuzzāh, 'possessions'). This protects against royal tyranny. Millennial kingdom includes righteous governance where leaders don't exploit subjects—fulfilled in Christ's just reign (Isaiah 11:3-5, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Revelation 19:11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israelite kings often seized subjects' property: Ahab/Naboth (1 Kings 21), later kings' oppression (Ezekiel 22:27, 45:8-9). This violated Torah principles of property rights and tribal inheritances. Ezekiel's vision corrects this, establishing just governance where rulers protect rather than plunder. Jesus, the righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:5), governs perfectly—never oppressing, always protecting His people's inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does prohibiting royal land-seizure demonstrate righteous governance?
  2. What does Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21) teach about property rights and royal abuse?
  3. How does Christ's just reign fulfill Ezekiel's vision of non-oppressive leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְלֹא1 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִקַּ֨ח2 of 18

shall not take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַנָּשִׂ֜יא3 of 18

Moreover the prince

H5387

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

מִנַּחֲלַ֣ת4 of 18

inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

עַמִּ֔י5 of 18

of the people's

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְהֽוֹנֹתָם֙6 of 18

by oppression

H3238

to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat

מֵאֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ׃7 of 18

from his possession

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

מֵאֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ׃8 of 18

from his possession

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

יַנְחִ֣ל9 of 18

inheritance

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֶת10 of 18
H853

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

בָּנָ֑יו11 of 18

but he shall give his sons

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

לְמַ֙עַן֙12 of 18
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא14 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָפֻ֣צוּ15 of 18

be not scattered

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

עַמִּ֔י16 of 18

of the people's

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אִ֖ישׁ17 of 18

every man

H376

a 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)

מֵאֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ׃18 of 18

from his possession

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)


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 46:18 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 46:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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