Old Testament

Ezekiel 43:19

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

You are to give a young bull as a sin offering to the Levitical priests who are descendants of Zadok — the ones who come near to serve me,' declares the Lord GOD.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering.

What Ezekiel 43:19 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, God instructs the people to offer a young bull as a sin offering specifically to the priests from the line of Zadok. These priests are chosen to come close to God and serve Him. The act of offering a bull symbolizes the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It highlights the importance of following God's commands and the role of the priests in mediating between God and the people. This offering is a way to restore the relationship with God, acknowledging human shortcomings. By designating the Zadokite priests, God emphasizes the significance of having dedicated leaders who are committed to serving Him faithfully. This passage reminds us that approaching God requires reverence and the recognition of our need for forgiveness. It also illustrates the ongoing relationship between God and His people, where offerings play a crucial role in maintaining that connection. Ultimately, it calls us to reflect on our own lives and the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration in our relationship with God.

How to apply Ezekiel 43:19 to your life

Consider how you approach your own mistakes and shortcomings. Just as the offering was a way to seek forgiveness, take time to reflect on what you need to let go of. Embrace the idea of restoration in your relationships, both with others and with God. Remember that seeking forgiveness is a step toward healing and growth in your life. Make it a habit to acknowledge your faults and seek to make amends where necessary. This

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.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Ezekiel 43:19

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 43:19

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 43:19 mean?

Ezekiel 43:19 means that God commands the people to offer a young bull as a sin offering to the priests from the line of Zadok. This act symbolizes the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement, emphasizing the role of the priests in mediating between God and the people.

What is the significance of the Zadok priests in Ezekiel 43:19?

The Zadok priests are significant in Ezekiel 43:19 because they are chosen to serve God closely and perform sacred duties. Their lineage represents dedicated leadership in worship and the importance of having faithful mediators between God and the people.

What is a sin offering in Ezekiel 43:19?

A sin offering in Ezekiel 43:19 is a sacrifice, specifically a young bull, made to atone for sins. It symbolizes the acknowledgment of wrongdoing and the need for forgiveness to restore the relationship with God.

How does Ezekiel 43:19 relate to forgiveness?

Ezekiel 43:19 relates to forgiveness by illustrating the process of seeking atonement through a sin offering. It highlights the importance of recognizing our faults and the need for restoration in our relationship with God.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.