Old Testament
Ezekiel 48:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Everything left over on both sides of the sacred portion and the city property belongs to the prince. This land stretches east toward the eastern border and west toward the western border, running alongside the tribal portions. The sacred offering and the temple sanctuary will remain in the center of it all.
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And the residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof.
What Ezekiel 48:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a clear division of land in a sacred area. The prince is given ownership of the land that remains on both sides of the holy section and the city. This land extends from the eastern border to the western border, aligning with the tribal areas. The sacred offering and the temple will be centrally located, emphasizing their importance. This arrangement highlights the significance of the sacred space and the role of the prince in overseeing it. The land is not just for personal use; it serves a greater purpose in the community's spiritual life. The presence of the temple in the center symbolizes a connection to the divine, reminding everyone of their faith. This structure ensures that the sacred remains at the heart of the community, guiding their lives and decisions. It’s a powerful reminder of the balance between leadership and spirituality in a community's life, showing how land and faith intertwine in meaningful ways. The prince's role is crucial in maintaining this balance.
How to apply Ezekiel 48:21 to your life
Consider how your own life is organized around what is sacred to you. Just as the land was divided for purpose, think about how you can prioritize your values. Make space for what truly matters, ensuring it remains central in your daily life. Reflect on your role in your community and how you can contribute positively to it. Balance your responsibilities with your spiritual needs for a fulfilling life.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
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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 48:21 mean?
Ezekiel 48:21 describes the allocation of land in a sacred area, indicating that the prince will own the land on both sides of the holy section and the city. This arrangement emphasizes the importance of the sacred space and the central role of the prince in overseeing it.
What is the significance of the prince in Ezekiel 48:21?
In Ezekiel 48:21, the prince is significant as he is given ownership of the land surrounding the sacred portion, highlighting his leadership role in maintaining the balance between community and spirituality.
What is the holy oblation mentioned in Ezekiel 48:21?
The holy oblation in Ezekiel 48:21 refers to the sacred portion of land set apart for religious purposes, which is central to the community's spiritual life and is overseen by the prince.
How does Ezekiel 48:21 relate to community life?
Ezekiel 48:21 illustrates how land is organized around sacred spaces, showing that the prince's role is vital in fostering a community that prioritizes spiritual values and responsibilities.
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