When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they are holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to those things which are for the people.

EZEKIEL 42:14KJV
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Ezekiel 42:14 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 42:14 mean?

Ezekiel 42:14 explains that when the priests finish their duties in the holy place, they must leave their special garments there before entering the outer court, changing into different clothes to interact with the people. This rule keeps the garments used for holy service separate from everyday activities, emphasizing their sacred purpose.

In this vision, God is describing to Ezekiel the regulations for priests serving in the temple. The priests are given clear instructions about where they can go and what they must wear, highlighting the difference between holy service and ordinary life. The verse shows careful boundaries between what is considered holy and what is common, reflecting the seriousness of their role.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 42:14

  • "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word is used twice in the verse, stressing the set-apart nature of both the place and the garments. It signals that certain things are reserved for God’s service and must not be treated as ordinary.
  • "garments" (בֶּגֶד, beged): The same word is used for both the special priestly clothes and the "other" garments, but the context makes clear that only the first set is considered holy. This distinction underlines the importance of what the priests wear while serving.
  • "lay" (נָתַן, nathan): The priests are to "lay" their garments in the holy chambers, not just remove them anywhere. This careful handling shows respect for the sacred items.

Why Ezekiel 42:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that the priests’ special garments are not for everyday use, but only for their duties in the holy place, preventing confusion about their role or status outside those duties.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness and order of temple service, showing that even clothing and movement are regulated to protect what is holy.
  • Ezekiel 42:14 fits into a larger section where God is revealing the design and rules of the future temple, emphasizing holiness and separation as central themes in worship.

Where else these words appear

“utter” Hebrew H2435 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • Ezekiel 10:5 And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.
  • Ezekiel 42:3 Over against the twenty cubits which were for the inner court, and over against the pavement which was for the utter court, was gallery against gallery in three stories.

“lay” Hebrew H3240 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
  • Judges 3:1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
  • Psalms 119:121 AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

“minister” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

“put” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
  • Isaiah 22:21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.