King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:23 Mean?

Ezekiel 46:23 in the King James Version says “And there was a row of building round about in them, round about them four, and it was made with boiling places under th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there was a row of building round about in them, round about them four, and it was made with boiling places under the rows round about.”

Ezekiel 46:23 · KJV

Context

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

22

In the four corners of the court there were courts joined of forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four corners were of one measure. joined: or, made with chimneys corners were: Heb. cornered, etc

23

And there was a row of building round about in them, round about them four, and it was made with boiling places under the rows round about.

24

Then said he unto me, These are the places of them that boil, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there was a row of building round about in them, round about them four, and it was made with boiling places under the rows round about—The corner courts had טוּר (ṭûr, 'a row') of structures סָבִיב (sābîb, 'round about') with מְבַשְּׁלוֹת (mĕbashshĕlôt, 'boiling places') built in.

These were kitchen facilities for preparing sacrificial meals. Practical infrastructure enables worship: cooking areas for processing offerings. This demonstrates that sacred service requires mundane logistics. God concerns Himself with both altar and kitchen, worship and work. New Testament parallel: deacons serving tables (Acts 6:1-6) freed apostles for prayer and teaching—both ministries essential. Practical service is sacred when done for God's glory (Colossians 3:23-24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient temple complexes included kitchens for preparing sacrificial meals—archaeological evidence from multiple sites. Priests ate portions of offerings (Leviticus 6-7); worshipers ate peace offerings (Leviticus 7:15-18). These meals required cooking facilities. Ezekiel's detailed description shows that even mundane activities (cooking) within temple service are holy. This sanctifies ordinary work when done unto the Lord.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does including cooking facilities in sacred space teach about work's sacredness?
  2. How does practical service (kitchens) support worship (altars)?
  3. How can ordinary labor become sacred service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְט֨וּר1 of 10

“And there was a row”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

סָבִֽיב׃2 of 10

“in them round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

בָּהֶ֛ם3 of 10
H0
סָבִֽיב׃4 of 10

“in them round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

לְאַרְבַּעְתָּ֑ם5 of 10

“them four”

H702

four

וּמְבַשְּׁל֣וֹת6 of 10

“with boiling places”

H4018

a cooking hearth

עָשׂ֔וּי7 of 10

“and it was made”

H6213

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

מִתַּ֥חַת8 of 10
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַטִּיר֖וֹת9 of 10

“under the rows”

H2918

a wall; hence, a fortress or a hamlet

סָבִֽיב׃10 of 10

“in them round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 46:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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