Ezekiel 46:2

Authorized King James Version

And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבָ֣א

H935

shall enter

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַנָּשִׂ֡יא

H5387

And the prince

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

דֶּרֶךְ֩

H1870

by the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אוּלָ֨ם

H197

of the porch

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

וְהַשַּׁ֥עַר

H8179

but the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

מִח֗וּץ

H2351

without

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

וְעָמַד֙

H5975

and shall stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְזוּזַ֣ת

H4201

by the post

a door-post (as prominent)

#10

וְהַשַּׁ֥עַר

H8179

but the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#11

וְעָשׂ֣וּ

H6213

shall prepare

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

#12

הַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים

H3548

and the priests

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

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

עֽוֹלָתוֹ֙

H5930

his burnt offering

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

#15

וְאֶת

H853

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

#16

שְׁלָמָ֔יו

H8002

and his peace offerings

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

#17

וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוָ֛ה

H7812

and he shall worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#18

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

מִפְתַּ֥ן

H4670

at the threshold

a stretcher, i.e., a sill

#20

וְהַשַּׁ֥עַר

H8179

but the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#21

וְיָצָ֑א

H3318

then he shall go forth

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

#22

וְהַשַּׁ֥עַר

H8179

but the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#23

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#24

יִסָּגֵ֖ר

H5462

shall not be shut

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

#25

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#26

הָעָֽרֶב׃

H6153

until the evening

dusk

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
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?
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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