Ezekiel 44:21
Ezekiel 44:21 in Multiple Translations
No priest may drink wine before he enters the inner court.
Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.
Neither shall any of the priests drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.
The priests are not to take wine when they go into the inner square.
No priest shall drink wine before he enters the inner courtyard.
Neither shall any Priest drinke wine when they enter into the inner court.
And no priest doth drink wine in their coming in unto the inner court.
None of the priests shall drink wine when they enter into the inner court.
Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.
And no priest shall drink wine when he is to go into the inner court.
Priests must not drink wine before they enter the inner courtyard.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 44:21
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 44:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יַ֥יִן
לֹֽא
יִשְׁתּ֖וּ
כָּל
כֹּהֵ֑ן
בְּ/בוֹאָ֖/ם
אֶל
הֶ/חָצֵ֥ר
הַ/פְּנִימִֽית
וְ/יַ֥יִן
yayin
H3196
wine
Conj | N-ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִשְׁתּ֖וּ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
כֹּהֵ֑ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
N-ms
בְּ/בוֹאָ֖/ם
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הֶ/חָצֵ֥ר
châtsêr
H2691
court
Art | N-cs
הַ/פְּנִימִֽית
pᵉnîymîy
H6442
inner
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 44:21
וְ/יַ֥יִן
yayin
H3196
"wine"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִשְׁתּ֖וּ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כֹּהֵ֑ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
בְּ/בוֹאָ֖/ם
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
הֶ/חָצֵ֥ר
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
Art | N-cs
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
הַ/פְּנִימִֽית
pᵉnîymîy
H6442
"inner"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word describes something as inner or interior, like the inner part of a person or a building. It is used in Psalm 51:17 to describe a broken spirit.
Definition: inner
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: (with-) in(-ner, -ward). See also: 1 Kings 6:27; Ezekiel 40:27; Ezekiel 46:1.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 44:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 44:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:21
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:21
- Sermons on Ezekiel 44:21
Context — The Duties of the Priests
19When they go out to the outer court, to the people, they are to take off the garments in which they have ministered, leave them in the holy chambers, and dress in other clothes so that they do not transmit holiness to the people with their garments.
20They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but must carefully trim their hair.
21No priest may drink wine before he enters the inner court.
22And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman, but must marry a virgin of the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow of a priest. 23They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 10:9 | “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come. |
| 2 | Titus 1:7–8 | As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 5:23 | Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments. |
| 4 | Luke 1:15 | for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 3:8 | Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. |
Ezekiel 44:21 Summary
[This verse reminds us that as believers, we are called to maintain our spiritual integrity and moral purity, just like the priests in the Old Testament. The Bible teaches that we should be mindful of our actions and their potential impact on others, as seen in Romans 14:21. By exercising self-control and being spiritually alert, we can avoid compromising our role as representatives of Christ and instead be a positive influence on those around us, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were priests in the Bible not allowed to drink wine before entering the inner court?
The Bible teaches that priests were not to drink wine before entering the inner court to maintain their spiritual alertness and moral integrity, as seen in Ezekiel 44:21, and to avoid any behavior that could compromise their role as spiritual leaders, similar to the instruction in Leviticus 10:9.
Is this rule about not drinking wine still applicable to Christians today?
While the specific rule about not drinking wine before entering the inner court is part of the Old Testament priesthood, the principle of maintaining spiritual sobriety and being mindful of our influence as believers is still relevant, as seen in Ephesians 5:18 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Ezekiel 44?
Ezekiel 44:21 is part of a larger section that outlines the rules and regulations for the priests in the restored temple, emphasizing their role in maintaining purity and holiness, as seen in Ezekiel 44:19-23, and their responsibility to teach the people the difference between the holy and the common, as stated in Ezekiel 44:23.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of self-control in the life of a believer?
This verse highlights the importance of self-control and discipline in the life of a believer, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, and encourages us to be mindful of our actions and their potential impact on others, similar to the teaching in Romans 14:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to exercise self-control to maintain my spiritual integrity?
- How can I apply the principle of maintaining spiritual sobriety in my daily life, especially in situations where I am representing Christ to others?
- What are some potential consequences of not maintaining self-control and spiritual alertness in my life, and how can I avoid them?
- In what ways can I, like the priests in Ezekiel 44, be a positive influence on those around me by maintaining a high standard of moral integrity?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:21
Neither shall any priest drink wine,.... That is, to excess, immoderately, so as to be inebriated with it, Leviticus 10:9, should not be given to it, and greedy of it, and drink it so as to disguise
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:21
Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:21
Any priest; any one, on any pretence. Wine, or any other strong intoxicating liquor. When they enter into the inner court; when they go, either to trim the lamps, or set the shew-bread in order, or to offer incense in the temple; or when they go to the altar to offer a sacrifice, which stood in the inner court: this prohibition you have , which see, and it was to prevent all indecencies in the service.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:21
Ezekiel 44:21 Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.Ver. 21. Neither shall any priest drink wine.] Wherein is excess.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:21
21. On this prohibition cf. the narrative Leviticus 10:1-9.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:21
21. This was according to Leviticus 10:9. On ordinary occasions the Jews might drink wine in moderation. The Palestinian wine and the Hebrew temperament differed greatly from the American.
Sermons on Ezekiel 44:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Total Abstinence and Church Membership by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the topic of total abstinence from alcoholic drinks and its relation to church membership. He emphasizes that while total abstinence is the best approach tow |
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(Titus - Part 7): Qualifications for Church Leadership I by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being a separate and distinct entity from the world. He urges the church to not conform to the moral standards |
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(Titus - Part 8): Qualifications for Church Leadership Ii by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three directions that believers should focus on during Communion Sunday: looking backward to the cross, upward to the throne, and onward |
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The Qualifications of an Elder by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of a man's ability to teach and shepherd, which is reflected in his family. He discusses the qualities of an elder, includin |
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Homily on St. Ignatius by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delivers a sermon on the life and martyrdom of Saint Ignatius, highlighting his unwavering faith, courage, and readiness to lay down his life for the sake of Christ |
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"Holding Fast to Sound Doctrine" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of holding fast to sound doctrine as outlined in the book of Titus, warning against the dangers of unruly and vain talkers who threaten the inte |
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From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General Conference of 1816 by Nathan Bangs | Nathan Bangs preaches about the challenges faced by the Methodist Episcopal Church, including controversies with the British connection over missions in Canada, the need for additi |