Old Testament
Ezekiel 42:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God is explaining the significance of certain rooms designated for the priests.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
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."
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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