Ezekiel 44:9
Ezekiel 44:9 in Multiple Translations
This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.
¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.
Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners that are among the children of Israel.
For this cause the Lord has said, No man from a strange land, without circumcision of heart and flesh, of all those who are living among the children of Israel, is to come into my holy place.
This is what the Lord God says: No unconverted, pagan foreigners are allowed to enter my sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives with the Israelites.
Thus saieth the Lord God, No stranger vncircumcised in heart, nor vncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my Sanctuarie, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel,
'Thus said the Lord Jehovah: No son of a stranger, uncircumcised of heart, and uncircumcised of flesh, cometh in unto My sanctuary, even any son of a stranger, who [is] in the midst of the sons of Israel,
The Lord GOD says, “No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners who are among the children of Israel.
Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.
Thus saith the Lord God: No stranger uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, no stranger that is in the midst of the children of Israel.
But this is what I, Yahweh, have said: No foreigners, no men who are not circumcised, no godless people are permitted to enter my temple, not even foreigners who live among you Israelis permanently.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 44:9
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 44:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּה
אָמַר֮
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִה֒
כָּל
בֶּן
נֵכָ֗ר
עֶ֤רֶל
לֵב֙
וְ/עֶ֣רֶל
בָּשָׂ֔ר
לֹ֥א
יָב֖וֹא
אֶל
מִקְדָּשִׁ֑/י
לְ/כָל
בֶּן
נֵכָ֔ר
אֲשֶׁ֕ר
בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
כֹּה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַר֮
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִה֒
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
נֵכָ֗ר
nêkâr
H5236
foreign
N-ms
עֶ֤רֶל
ʻârêl
H6189
uncircumcised
Adj
לֵב֙
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
וְ/עֶ֣רֶל
ʻârêl
H6189
uncircumcised
Conj | Adj
בָּשָׂ֔ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָב֖וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִקְדָּשִׁ֑/י
miqdâsh
H4720
sanctuary
N-ms | Suff
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
נֵכָ֔ר
nêkâr
H5236
foreign
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֕ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 44:9
כֹּה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַר֮
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִה֒
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
נֵכָ֗ר
nêkâr
H5236
"foreign"
N-ms
This word refers to something or someone foreign, including people, gods, or things. It can also describe heathendom or alien ideas. In the KJV, it is translated as alien or strange.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien, foreignness, that which is foreign 1a) foreignness, foreign gods 1b) alien, foreigner 1c) foreign (vanities)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: alien, strange ([phrase] -er). See also: Genesis 17:12; Nehemiah 13:30; Psalms 18:45.
עֶ֤רֶל
ʻârêl
H6189
"uncircumcised"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is uncircumcised, meaning they still have their foreskin. It is used to distinguish between Jews and non-Jews, as seen in Acts 7.
Definition: uncircumcised, having foreskin
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: uncircumcised (person). See also: Genesis 17:14; Jeremiah 6:10; Isaiah 52:1.
לֵב֙
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וְ/עֶ֣רֶל
ʻârêl
H6189
"uncircumcised"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is uncircumcised, meaning they still have their foreskin. It is used to distinguish between Jews and non-Jews, as seen in Acts 7.
Definition: uncircumcised, having foreskin
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: uncircumcised (person). See also: Genesis 17:14; Jeremiah 6:10; Isaiah 52:1.
בָּשָׂ֔ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
לֹ֥א
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.
יָב֖וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
מִקְדָּשִׁ֑/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.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
נֵכָ֔ר
nêkâr
H5236
"foreign"
N-ms
This word refers to something or someone foreign, including people, gods, or things. It can also describe heathendom or alien ideas. In the KJV, it is translated as alien or strange.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien, foreignness, that which is foreign 1a) foreignness, foreign gods 1b) alien, foreigner 1c) foreign (vanities)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: alien, strange ([phrase] -er). See also: Genesis 17:12; Nehemiah 13:30; Psalms 18:45.
אֲשֶׁ֕ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 44:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 44:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:9
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:9
- Sermons on Ezekiel 44:9
Context — Reproof of the Levites
7In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant.
8And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but have appointed others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.’
9This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.
10Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity. 11Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joel 3:17 | Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, My holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy, never again to be overrun by foreigners. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 44:7 | In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant. |
| 3 | Zechariah 14:21 | Indeed, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD of Hosts, and all who sacrifice will come and take some pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of Hosts. |
| 4 | John 3:3–5 | Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. ” “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. |
| 5 | Mark 16:16 | Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. |
| 6 | Psalms 93:5 | Your testimonies are fully confirmed; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, for all the days to come. |
| 7 | Psalms 50:16 | To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips? |
| 8 | Titus 1:5–9 | The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. 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. He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it. |
Ezekiel 44:9 Summary
This verse means that only people who have truly committed their hearts to God and are living according to His commands can come into His special presence. It's like a holy place where only those who are pure in heart can enter, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:8. This doesn't mean that God doesn't love or want to save foreigners or outsiders, but rather that they need to first surrender to Him and become part of His covenant people, as seen in Romans 11:25-26. By keeping His commands and being spiritually pure, we can come into God's presence and worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'uncircumcised in heart and flesh' in Ezekiel 44:9?
To be uncircumcised in heart and flesh means to be spiritually and physically uncommitted to following God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:16 and Jeremiah 4:4, where circumcision of the heart is a symbol of true faith and devotion.
Why are foreigners not allowed to enter God's sanctuary in this verse?
Foreigners who are uncircumcised in heart and flesh are not allowed to enter God's sanctuary because they have not made a covenant commitment to God, as described in Genesis 17:10-14, and may defile the sanctuary with their presence, as warned in Numbers 3:10.
Is this verse still applicable today, or was it only for the Israelites?
While this verse was specifically addressed to the Israelites, the principle of separating the holy from the profane is still relevant today, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, where believers are called to be the temple of God and to keep themselves pure.
How does this verse relate to the concept of church membership or participation in worship services?
This verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity and commitment in those who participate in worship, as also seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, where believers are called to separate themselves from unbelievers and to be holy.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be 'circumcised in heart' today, and how can I demonstrate my commitment to God?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, unintentionally 'defile' my own spiritual sanctuary or the community of believers?
- How can I balance the need for spiritual purity with the call to reach out to and welcome unbelievers, as seen in Matthew 9:10-13?
- What are some modern-day 'sanctuaries' or places of worship where I need to be mindful of my spiritual state and behavior?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:9
Thus saith the Lord God,.... This that follows is the law and rule to be observed, and which will be observed by the churches in the latter day, though so little regarded now: no stranger
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:9
Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:9
Now God renews his former law against the permitting of the wicked and heathens to enter his sanctuary. None, of what quality soever, what interest soever they make, though princes, nobles, learned, travellers, that come to view nations and the rarities of them; none of these, or such like, shall on any colour of pretence be brought into my sanctuary. Perhaps Solomon showed Sheba’ s queen too much, we are sure Hezekiah showed the ambassadors too much, yet we read not that either of them showed the sanctuary.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:9
Ezekiel 44:9 Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that [is] among the children of Israel.Ver. 9. Shall enter into my sanctuary.] See a like prohibition in 1 Timothy 3:3; 1 Timothy 3:8 Titus 1:7. Such as were the scribes and Pharisees, the Arian bishops, the Popish priests, the cleri (ut vocant) - dehonestamenta among us, till cast out.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:9
(9) Shall enter into my sanctuary.—To guard against the evils of the past, the command is now given that none of the strangers described shall even enter the sanctuary; but our version gives a wrong impression of this prohibition by rendering, “nor uncircumcised in flesh.” It should be, as in Ezekiel 44:7, and. The command is not that no uncircumcised person should be allowed to enter the sanctuary, for the residence of strangers among the Israelites is expressly provided for in Ezekiel 47:22-23; but the emphasis here, as before, is upon the “uncircumcised in heart.” No godless heathen should be allowed to enter in to profane the Divine worship.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:9
9–14. Such services shall not be performed by foreigners any more, but by the Levites who formerly ministered at the high-places. Because of their sin in leading the house of Israel astray they shall bear their iniquity and be excluded from the priesthood.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:9
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 44:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Ministry of the Church by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the pastor shares a story about a new pastor who constantly hears comparisons to the previous pastor's sermons and services. One day, the new pastor visits a young |
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Corporate Confession and Repentance - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scenario of a young girl getting married to an older man, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner in God's eyes. |
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Revival Is the Answer by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses 25 to 27 of the Book of Joel, where God promises to restore the years that the locusts have eaten. The sermon emphasizes the deva |
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Commentary Notes - Joel by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the Book of Joel, highlighting the devastation caused by locusts as a divine chastisement, leading to the end of daily sacrifices. Joel's prophecy uses |
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The Melchizedek Priesthood (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being willing to be cruel in order to be kind when it comes to preaching the word of God. He argues that sometimes being h |
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Through the Bible - Zechariah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various visions and messages from the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of true fasting and worship that is focused on pleasing God rather t |
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |