Ezekiel 44:16
Ezekiel 44:16 in Multiple Translations
They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge.
They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.
they shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.
They are to come into my holy place and they are to come near to my table, to do my work and have the care of my house.
Only they are allowed to enter my sanctuary and approach my table to minister before me. They will do what I say.
They shall enter into my Sanctuarie, and shall come neere to my table, to serue me, and they shall keepe my charge.
they come in unto My sanctuary, and they draw near unto My table to serve Me, and they have kept My charge.
“They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my instruction.
They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.
They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and to keep my ceremonies.
They are the only ones who are permitted to enter my temple. They are the only ones who are permitted to come near my altar to serve me and do what I tell them to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 44:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 44:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֜מָּה
יָבֹ֣אוּ
אֶל
מִקְדָּשִׁ֗/י
וְ/הֵ֛מָּה
יִקְרְב֥וּ
אֶל
שֻׁלְחָנִ֖/י
לְ/שָׁרְתֵ֑/נִי
וְ/שָׁמְר֖וּ
אֶת
מִשְׁמַרְתִּֽ/י
הֵ֜מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
יָבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִקְדָּשִׁ֗/י
miqdâsh
H4720
sanctuary
N-ms | Suff
וְ/הֵ֛מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
יִקְרְב֥וּ
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שֻׁלְחָנִ֖/י
shulchân
H7979
table
N-ms | Suff
לְ/שָׁרְתֵ֑/נִי
shârath
H8334
to minister
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/שָׁמְר֖וּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִשְׁמַרְתִּֽ/י
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 44:16
הֵ֜מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
יָבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִקְדָּשִׁ֗/י
miqdâsh
H4720
"sanctuary"
N-ms | Suff
A sanctuary or holy place, like a temple or palace, set apart for God or idols, a sacred space.
Definition: 1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place 1a) sanctuary 1a1) of the temple 1a2) of the tabernacle 1a3) of Ezekiel's temple 1a4) of Jehovah
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 15:17; Lamentations 1:10; Psalms 68:36.
וְ/הֵ֛מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
יִקְרְב֥וּ
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שֻׁלְחָנִ֖/י
shulchân
H7979
"table"
N-ms | Suff
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Definition: 1) table 1a) table 1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: table. See also: Exodus 25:23; 1 Kings 13:20; Psalms 23:5.
לְ/שָׁרְתֵ֑/נִי
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
וְ/שָׁמְר֖וּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִשְׁמַרְתִּֽ/י
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs | Suff
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 44:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 44:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:16
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:16
- Sermons on Ezekiel 44:16
Context — The Duties of the Priests
14Yet I will appoint them to keep charge of all the work for the temple and everything to be done in it.
15But the Levitical priests, who are descended from Zadok and who kept charge of My sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from Me, are to approach Me to minister before Me. They will stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood, declares the Lord GOD.
16They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge.
17When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen garments; they must not wear anything made of wool when they minister at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. 18They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 41:22 | There was an altar of wood three cubits high and two cubits square. Its corners, base, and sides were of wood. And the man told me, “This is the table that is before the LORD.” |
| 2 | Malachi 1:12 | “But you profane it when you say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is contemptible.’ |
| 3 | Numbers 18:7–8 | But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. |
| 4 | Malachi 1:7 | By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You ?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible. |
| 5 | Numbers 18:5 | And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 33:8–10 | Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. |
| 7 | Revelation 1:6 | who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen. |
Ezekiel 44:16 Summary
[Ezekiel 44:16 is talking about a special group of people who get to go into God's sanctuary and be close to Him. These people, called Levitical priests, have been set apart to serve God and follow His rules. They get to go near God's table and minister to Him, which is a big privilege. This reminds us that, as followers of God, we are also called to be set apart and obedient to Him, just like it says in Romans 12:1-2, and to worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the sanctuary in Ezekiel 44:16?
The sanctuary represents the holy place where God dwells, and only those who are set apart and obedient to God's charge can enter and minister before Him, as seen in Ezekiel 44:16 and supported by Exodus 25:8 which says God will dwell among the Israelites.
Who are the ones that will enter the sanctuary and draw near to God's table?
According to Ezekiel 44:16, it is the Levitical priests, specifically those descended from Zadok, who kept charge of God's sanctuary when the Israelites went astray, as mentioned in Ezekiel 44:15.
What does it mean to 'keep My charge' in Ezekiel 44:16?
To keep God's charge means to obey and follow His commands and instructions, as seen in Numbers 1:53, where the Levites were responsible for keeping God's charge and carrying out their duties in the tabernacle.
How does this verse relate to our lives as believers today?
As followers of God, we are called to be set apart and obedient to God's commands, just like the Levitical priests in Ezekiel 44:16, and to minister before Him in a way that is pleasing and acceptable, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'minister before' God, and how can I apply this concept to my own life and worship?
- In what ways can I 'keep God's charge' in my daily life, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- How can I ensure that I am 'set apart' for God's purposes, just like the Levitical priests in Ezekiel 44:16?
- What role does obedience play in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of obedience in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:16
They shall enter into my sanctuary,.... Both to officiate, and to participate, which strangers and uncircumcised persons might not do, Ezekiel 44:9: and they shall come near to my table to minister
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:16
They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:16
They shall enter, the high priest and the other priests shall have right and liberty of entering, into my sanctuary; both to the altar, to the temple, and the high priest into the holy of holies. To my table; to set the shew-bread on, and to take it off. To minister unto me; to offer sacrifice at the altar, and incense in the house; this the priests did in their course; and of this line the high priest alone, once a year, in the day of expiation, went in to minister to the Lord in the holy of holies. They shall keep my charge: see .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:16
Ezekiel 44:16 They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.Ver. 16. To my table,] i.e., To mine altar, which as often as they do, they receive a double pledge of the pardon of their own sins.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:16
Verse 16. Come near to my table] To place the shew-bread there, and to burn incense on the golden altar in the holy of holies.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:16
16. near to my table] The altar of burnt-offering is no doubt meant, cf. on Ezekiel 41:22. Ezekiel 44:17-19. The garments of the priests.—In the service of the sanctuary they shall wear only linen clothing, drawers and head-dresses. In Exodus 28:39; Exodus 28:42; Exodus 39:27; Leviticus 16:4, the coats and bonnets of the priests are byssus (possibly cotton).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:16
9-16. It is not necessary to suppose, with Wellhausen, that these alien religionists (Ezekiel 44:7-8) had ever been the assistants of the higher order of priests in the inner court.
Sermons on Ezekiel 44:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Priests of the Lord - 2 by Chip Brogden | Chip Brogden preaches about the importance of ministering to the Lord in the inner court, emphasizing the need to draw near to God, stand before Him, and offer ourselves as living |
|
The Order Appointed by God by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of following God's commands in an orderly and timely manner, specifically in presenting offerings and performing services to Him. He highl |
|
How Far Are You Prepared to Trust God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to make serious changes in their lives if they want to get closer to God. He criticizes the influence of negative medi |
|
The Altar by Phoebe Palmer | Phoebe Palmer emphasizes the significance of surrendering all aspects of our lives to God, drawing parallels between the Old Testament altar and sacrifices to the Christian's altar |
|
A Farewell Sermon by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards delivers a farewell sermon at the First Church in Northampton, MA, emphasizing the accountability of ministers and their congregations before Christ's tribunal on |
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Levi's Urim and Thummim Found With Christ. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the significance of the Urim and Thummim, emphasizing that they represent the light and perfection found in Christ. He explains how these ancient tools were u |
|
Palestine for the Young - the Tribe of Levi by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy regarding the Tribe of Levi, highlighting their unique role as servants of God scattered throughout Israel. Unlike other |