Ezekiel 45:4

Authorized King James Version

The holy portion of the land shall be for the priests the ministers of the sanctuary, which shall come near to minister unto the LORD: and it shall be a place for their houses, and an holy place for the sanctuary.

Word-by-Word Analysis

קֹ֣דֶשׁ

H6944

The holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאָ֜רֶץ

H776

portion of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

ה֗וּא

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

לַכֹּ֨הֲנִ֜ים

H3548

shall be for the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

לְשָׁרֵ֣ת

H8334

the ministers

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

לַמִּקְדָּֽשׁ׃

H4720

and an holy place

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַקְּרֵבִ֖ים

H7131

which shall come near

near

#10

לְשָׁרֵ֣ת

H8334

the ministers

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

unto the LORD

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

#13

וְהָיָ֨ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

לָהֶ֤ם

#15

מָקוֹם֙

H4725

and it shall be a place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#16

לְבָ֣תִּ֔ים

H1004

for their houses

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#17

לַמִּקְדָּֽשׁ׃

H4720

and an holy place

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

#18

לַמִּקְדָּֽשׁ׃

H4720

and an holy place

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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