King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 46:3 in the King James Version says “Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new mo...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 46:3 · 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.

5

And the meat offering shall be an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah. as he: Heb. the gift of his hand

Read Ezekiel 46 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The worship regulation—'the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons'—prescribes regular corporate worship. The Hebrew עַם הָאָרֶץ (am ha'aretz, 'people of the land') indicates general population, not just priests. The sabbaths (weekly) and new moons (monthly) created rhythm of regular worship. The 'door of this gate' provided designated worship location. This regulation teaches that worship isn't sporadic or optional but scheduled, regular, corporate discipline. Reformed theology emphasizes Lord's Day observance (Sabbath principle transferred to resurrection day) and consistent corporate worship. The early church gathered 'upon the first day of the week' (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). Regular worship maintains spiritual vitality and covenant community bonds.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath observance distinguished Israel from surrounding nations (Exodus 20:8-11, 31:13-17). New moon celebrations marked month beginnings with special offerings (Numbers 28:11-15). These regular assemblies maintained covenant identity and provided regular instruction. Exile forced creative worship without temple (synagogue origins), but this vision promised restored temple worship. Post-exilic communities struggled with Sabbath observance (Nehemiah 13:15-22). Jesus affirmed Sabbath's purpose while correcting Pharisaic distortions (Mark 2:27-28). Early Christians transferred Sabbath principle to Lord's Day celebrating Christ's resurrection (Acts 20:7, Revelation 1:10). The regularity (weekly Sabbaths, monthly new moons) prevented worship from becoming occasional convenience rather than covenantal priority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How faithfully do you observe Lord's Day worship—regularly, occasionally, or whenever convenient?
  2. What does gathering 'at the door of this gate' teach about corporate worship versus isolated private devotion?
  3. How do you maintain worship rhythm in culture that erases sacred time distinctions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְהִשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ1 of 10

“shall worship”

H7812

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

עַם2 of 10

“Likewise the people”

H5971

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

הָאָ֗רֶץ3 of 10

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פֶּ֚תַח4 of 10

“at the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַשַּׁ֣עַר5 of 10

“of this gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַה֔וּא6 of 10
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בַּשַּׁבָּת֖וֹת7 of 10

“in the sabbaths”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וּבֶחֳדָשִׁ֑ים8 of 10

“and in the new moons”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

לִפְנֵ֖י9 of 10

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 46:3 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 46:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:10Hebrews 10:19-22John 10:9

Test Your Knowledge

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