Old Testament
Ezekiel 42:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he told me, "The northern and southern rooms that face the restricted area are holy rooms. This is where the priests who serve the LORD will eat the most holy offerings. They will also store the most holy offerings there — the meat offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering — because this area is holy."
Compare translations
Then said he unto me, The north chambers and the south chambers, which are before the separate place, they be holy chambers, where the priests that approach unto the LORD shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy.
What Ezekiel 42:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is explaining the significance of certain rooms designated for the priests. These northern and southern rooms are considered sacred spaces where priests can eat the most holy offerings. These offerings include the meat offering, sin offering, and trespass offering, which are essential for maintaining a relationship with God. The emphasis on holiness highlights the importance of reverence in worship. The priests are entrusted with these offerings, symbolizing their role as mediators between God and the people. This sacred area serves as a reminder of the seriousness of approaching God and the need for purity in worship. The concept of holiness is central, indicating that some spaces and actions are set apart for divine purposes. This passage invites us to reflect on how we treat sacred things in our lives and the importance of honoring what is holy in our own practices of faith and community. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of our spiritual commitments.
How to apply Ezekiel 42:13 to your life
Consider how you treat sacred moments in your life. Whether it's prayer, meditation, or community gatherings, approach these times with respect and intention. Reflect on what it means to honor the holy aspects of your life and relationships. Make space for reverence in your daily routine, allowing it to enrich your experiences and connections with others. Embrace the idea of setting apart time for what truly matters to you and your community.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 42:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 42:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 42:13 mean?
Ezekiel 42:13 describes the northern and southern rooms in the temple as holy spaces for priests. These rooms are designated for consuming and storing the most holy offerings, emphasizing the importance of holiness in worship.
What is the significance of the holy offerings mentioned in Ezekiel 42:13?
The holy offerings in Ezekiel 42:13, including the meat offering, sin offering, and trespass offering, are essential for maintaining a relationship with God. They symbolize the priests' role in mediating between God and the people.
What does 'holy chambers' refer to in Ezekiel 42:13?
The 'holy chambers' in Ezekiel 42:13 refer to the northern and southern rooms designated for priests. These chambers are set apart for sacred activities related to worship and offerings.
How can we apply the message of Ezekiel 42:13 today?
Ezekiel 42:13 encourages us to treat sacred moments in our lives with respect and intention. By honoring what is holy in our practices, we can deepen our spiritual commitments and enhance our community connections.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.