Ezekiel 46:1
Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
הֶחָצֵ֤ר
court
H2691
הֶחָצֵ֤ר
court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
6 of 20
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
הַפֹּנֶ֣ה
that looketh
H6437
הַפֹּנֶ֣ה
that looketh
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
8 of 20
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
קָדִ֔ים
toward the east
H6921
קָדִ֔ים
toward the east
Strong's:
H6921
Word #:
9 of 20
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
יִהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שֵׁ֖שֶׁת
the six
H8337
שֵׁ֖שֶׁת
the six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
12 of 20
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
וּבְי֥וֹם
and in the day
H3117
וּבְי֥וֹם
and in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה
working
H4639
הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה
working
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
14 of 20
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
וּבְי֥וֹם
and in the day
H3117
וּבְי֥וֹם
and in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
15 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַשַּׁבָּת֙
but on the sabbath
H7676
הַשַּׁבָּת֙
but on the sabbath
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
16 of 20
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
יִפָּתֵֽחַ׃
it shall be opened
H6605
יִפָּתֵֽחַ׃
it shall be opened
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
17 of 20
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
וּבְי֥וֹם
and in the day
H3117
וּבְי֥וֹם
and in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
18 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Historical Context
Sabbath observance was central to Jewish identity, especially after exile. New moon celebrations (monthly) added regular festival rhythm. These patterns shaped covenant community life and maintained God-consciousness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do regular rhythms of worship (weekly, seasonal) shape your spiritual life?
- What role does Sabbath rest and worship play in your relationship with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The east gate remained shut six working days but opened on Sabbath and new moon. This regulation emphasized Sabbath sacredness and special worship times. Regular rhythm of work and worship teaches that life alternates between ordinary and sacred times. Weekly/monthly worship structures sustained spiritual life and community identity.