King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 46:2 in the King James Version says “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 th... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 46:2 · 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.

4

And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer unto the LORD in the sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prince would worship 'at the threshold of the gate' but not enter—he wasn't a priest. Even rulers worshiped with limitations, acknowledging distinctions in sacred roles. This teaches that leadership doesn't eliminate accountability or boundaries. Everyone, regardless of status, approaches God according to His prescribed order.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Some Israelite kings (Uzziah, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21) wrongly assumed royal status granted priestly privileges, bringing judgment. This vision's regulations prevent such presumption, maintaining proper distinctions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain appropriate boundaries and reverence in approaching God?
  2. What does it mean that all believers have equal access to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22) yet maintain appropriate reverence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וּבָ֣א1 of 26

shall enter

H935

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

הַנָּשִׂ֡יא2 of 26

And the prince

H5387

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

דֶּרֶךְ֩3 of 26

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אוּלָ֨ם4 of 26

of the porch

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

וְהַשַּׁ֥עַר5 of 26

but the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

מִח֗וּץ6 of 26

without

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

וְעָמַד֙7 of 26

and shall stand

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל8 of 26
H5921

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

מְזוּזַ֣ת9 of 26

by the post

H4201

a door-post (as prominent)

וְהַשַּׁ֥עַר10 of 26

but the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וְעָשׂ֣וּ11 of 26

shall prepare

H6213

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

הַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים12 of 26

and the priests

H3548

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

אֶת13 of 26
H853

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

עֽוֹלָתוֹ֙14 of 26

his burnt offering

H5930

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

וְאֶת15 of 26
H853

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

שְׁלָמָ֔יו16 of 26

and his peace offerings

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוָ֛ה17 of 26

and he shall worship

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

עַל18 of 26
H5921

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

מִפְתַּ֥ן19 of 26

at the threshold

H4670

a stretcher, i.e., a sill

וְהַשַּׁ֥עַר20 of 26

but the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וְיָצָ֑א21 of 26

then he shall go forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְהַשַּׁ֥עַר22 of 26

but the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לֹֽא23 of 26
H3808

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

יִסָּגֵ֖ר24 of 26

shall not be shut

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

עַד25 of 26
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעָֽרֶב׃26 of 26

until the evening

H6153

dusk


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 46:2 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 46:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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