Ezekiel 46:12

Authorized King James Version

Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, one shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

and he shall prepare

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַנָּשִׂ֨יא

H5387

Now when the prince

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

נְדָבָ֣ה

H5071

a voluntary

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

עֹֽלָתוֹ֙

H5930

burnt offering

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

אֽוֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

שְׁלָמָ֔יו

H8002

and his peace offerings

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

נְדָבָ֣ה

H5071

a voluntary

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

לַֽיהוָה֒

H3068

unto the LORD

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

#10

וּפָ֣תַֽח

H6605

one shall then open

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

#11

ל֗וֹ

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

הַשַּׁ֖עַר

H8179

him the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#14

הַפֹּנֶ֣ה

H6437

that looketh

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

#15

קָדִ֔ים

H6921

toward the east

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

#16

יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

and he shall prepare

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#17

אֶת

H853

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

#18

עֹֽלָתוֹ֙

H5930

burnt offering

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

#19

וְאֶת

H853

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

#20

שְׁלָמָ֔יו

H8002

and his peace offerings

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

#21

כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#22

יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

and he shall prepare

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#23

בְּי֣וֹם

H3117

day

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

#24

הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת

H7676

on the sabbath

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

#25

צֵאתֽוֹ׃

H3318

his going forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#26

וְסָגַ֥ר

H5462

one shall shut

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

#27

אֶת

H853

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

#28

הַשַּׁ֖עַר

H8179

him the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#29

אַחֲרֵ֥י

H310

and after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#30

צֵאתֽוֹ׃

H3318

his going forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 46 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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