Ezekiel 44:31
The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נְבֵלָה֙
of any thing that is dead of itself
H5038
נְבֵלָה֙
of any thing that is dead of itself
Strong's:
H5038
Word #:
2 of 10
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָע֖וֹף
whether it be fowl
H5775
הָע֖וֹף
whether it be fowl
Strong's:
H5775
Word #:
5 of 10
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
וּמִן
H4480
וּמִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
or beast
H929
הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
or beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Leviticus 22:8That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I am the LORD.Exodus 22:31And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.Deuteronomy 14:21Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
Historical Context
Dietary laws (Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14) distinguished clean from unclean, teaching holiness through daily choices. Priests faced additional restrictions (Leviticus 21:22-23, 22:8), reinforcing their set-apart status. Ezekiel's vision maintains these distinctions, showing that even in millennial kingdom, holiness matters. Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), removing ceremonial barriers, but ethical holiness remains (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Questions for Reflection
- Why did priests face stricter dietary laws than laypeople?
- What does higher standards for leaders teach about spiritual accountability?
- How do Old Testament food laws relate to New Testament ethical holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast—Priestly dietary restrictions: כָּל־נְבֵלָה וּטְרֵפָה מִן־הָעוֹף וּמִן־הַבְּהֵמָה לֹא יֹאכְלוּ הַכֹּהֲנִים (kol-nĕbēlāh ûṭĕrēphāh min-hāʿôph ûmin-habbĕhēmāh lōʾ yōʾkhĕlû hakkōhănîm, 'anything dead of itself or torn, from bird or beast, the priests shall not eat').
Laymen could eat or sell נְבֵלָה (nĕbēlāh, 'carcass'—animals that died naturally) to foreigners (Deuteronomy 14:21), but priests faced stricter standards. טְרֵפָה (ṭĕrēphāh, 'torn/mangled' by predators) was forbidden to all Israel (Exodus 22:31). This elevated priestly holiness: higher standards for leaders. The principle continues: spiritual leaders held to stricter accountability (James 3:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-7). Priests represent God; their conduct must reflect His character. Christ, our High Priest, was 'holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners' (Hebrews 7:26)—perfect standard.