Old Testament
Ezekiel 46:20
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 to Ezekiel the specific place where the priests will prepare offerings.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
He told me, "This is where the priests will boil the guilt offering and the sin offering, and where they will bake the grain offering. They do this here so they don't carry the holy food out into the outer court and transfer its holiness to the people."
Then said he unto me, This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, where they shall bake the meat offering; that they bear them not out into the utter court, to sanctify the people.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is explaining to Ezekiel the specific place where the priests will prepare offerings. The priests will boil the guilt and sin offerings and bake the grain offering in this designated area. This is important because it prevents the holy food from being taken outside into the outer court. If the holy food were to be carried out, it could unintentionally pass on its holiness to the people who are not set apart for these sacred tasks. The act of keeping the offerings within a specific area emphasizes the importance of holiness and the proper handling of sacred things. It shows that there are boundaries in how holiness is treated and shared. This careful approach helps maintain the sanctity of the offerings and the worship practices of the people. It reminds us that some things are meant to be kept sacred and not mixed with the ordinary. Understanding this helps us appreciate the significance of reverence in our own lives and practices today, encouraging us to honor what is holy.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 46:20 to your life
We can learn from this passage the importance of respecting what is sacred in our lives. Just as the priests had specific roles, we too have responsibilities to honor what is holy. This might mean setting aside time for reflection or treating certain moments with care and respect. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the sacred in our everyday lives. It encourages us to create boundaries that protect our spiritual well-being.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 46:20 mean?
Ezekiel 46:20 explains the specific location where priests prepare guilt, sin, and grain offerings. This is significant because it prevents the holy food from being taken outside, which could unintentionally share its holiness with those not set apart for sacred tasks.
What is the significance of the offerings in Ezekiel 46:20?
The offerings in Ezekiel 46:20 highlight the importance of maintaining holiness and proper boundaries in worship. By preparing these offerings in a designated area, the priests ensure that sacred practices are respected and that holiness is not diluted.
Why do the priests boil offerings in Ezekiel 46:20?
The priests boil the guilt and sin offerings and bake the grain offering in Ezekiel 46:20 to ensure that these sacred items are handled properly. This practice reinforces the concept of holiness and the importance of treating sacred things with care.
How does Ezekiel 46:20 relate to boundaries in worship?
Ezekiel 46:20 illustrates the need for boundaries in worship by specifying where offerings should be prepared. This careful approach helps to maintain the sanctity of the offerings and emphasizes the importance of respecting what is holy.
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.
Unlock the full Ezekiel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Ezekiel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 48 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Ezekiel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.