King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:19 Mean?

Ezekiel 46:19 in the King James Version says “After he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which l...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 46:19 · King James Version

Context

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.

21

Then he brought me forth into the utter court, and caused me to pass by the four corners of the court; and, behold, in every corner of the court there was a court. in every: Heb. a court in a corner of a court, and a court in a corner of a court

Read Ezekiel 46 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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—Ezekiel is shown לִשְׁכֹּת הַקֹּדֶשׁ (lishkôt haqqōdesh, 'the holy chambers') for כֹּהֲנִים (kōhănîm, 'priests'), located פְּאַת־יָם (pĕʾat-yām, 'the west side').

These chambers served functional purposes in temple service—storage, preparation, priestly meals. The detailed architecture demonstrates that worship requires proper facilities. Form follows function; sacred space designed for sacred purposes. New Testament parallel: church buildings aren't inherently holy, but gathering spaces facilitate corporate worship. What makes space sacred is God's presence and people's devotion, not architecture—though thoughtful design honors God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's temple included chambers (1 Kings 6:5-6), as did the second temple (Nehemiah 10:37-39, 13:4-9). These rooms stored tithes, offerings, priestly garments, and vessels. Ezekiel's vision includes extensive chambers (42:1-14), showing that millennial worship infrastructure exceeds previous temples. Proper worship requires practical provisions—a principle seen in tabernacle construction (Exodus 25-31, 35-40) where God prescribed every detail.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does detailed temple architecture teach about God's care for worship logistics?
  2. How do practical provisions (chambers, storage) facilitate sacred worship?
  3. What is the relationship between sacred space and God's presence?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיְבִיאֵ֣נִי1 of 18

“After he brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַמָּבוֹא֮2 of 18

“me through the entry”

H3996

an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 18
H834

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

עַל4 of 18
H5921

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

כֶּ֣תֶף5 of 18

“which was at the side”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

הַשַּׁעַר֒6 of 18

“of the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אֶל7 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַלִּשְׁכ֤וֹת8 of 18

“chambers”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙9 of 18

“into the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֶל10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים11 of 18

“of the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַפֹּנ֖וֹת12 of 18

“which looked”

H6437

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

צָפ֑וֹנָה13 of 18

“toward the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וְהִנֵּה14 of 18
H2009

lo!

שָׁ֣ם15 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מָק֔וֹם16 of 18

“and behold there was a place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

בַּיַּרְכָתַ֖םִ17 of 18

“on the two sides”

H3411

properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess

יָֽמָּה׃18 of 18

“westward”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

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 46:19 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 46:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 42:9Ezekiel 40:44-46Ezekiel 44:4-5

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