And it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.

EZEKIEL 45:17KJV
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Ezekiel 45:17 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 45:17 mean?

Ezekiel 45:17 says that the prince of Israel will be responsible for providing all the offerings—burnt, grain, and drink offerings—at the regular feasts, new moons, and sabbaths, as well as for preparing sin, grain, burnt, and peace offerings to bring reconciliation for the people of Israel. This verse sets out the prince’s duty to supply what is needed for Israel’s worship and atonement.

In this part of Ezekiel, God is giving detailed instructions for worship in a future restored temple. Ezekiel is speaking to exiled Israelites, describing a new order where a leader called “the prince” will ensure that the nation’s worship is properly maintained. The verse highlights the prince’s role in supporting the spiritual life of the whole community.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 45:17

  • The word for “offerings” used here includes עֹלָה (ʿolah, H5930), meaning “burnt offering,” מִנְחָה (minchah, H4503), meaning “grain offering,” and נֶסֶךְ (nesekh, H5262), meaning “drink offering.” Each term points to a different type of sacrifice, showing the prince’s responsibility covers all aspects of worship.
  • The word for “feasts” is חַג (chag, H2282), which refers to the major religious festivals. This highlights that the prince’s duty is not just occasional but ongoing throughout the year.
  • The word for “reconciliation” is כָּפַר (kaphar, H3722), which means “to make atonement” or “to cover over.” This emphasizes that the offerings are meant to restore the relationship between God and Israel.

Why Ezekiel 45:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that, in Ezekiel’s vision, the prince—not the priests or the people—bears the responsibility for providing what is needed for public worship and atonement.
  • Ezekiel 45:17 helps correct the idea that offerings were only a personal or priestly matter; here, the leader acts on behalf of the whole nation.
  • The verse ties into the larger section (Ezekiel 40–48) where God is outlining a renewed, orderly system of worship for Israel’s future, showing the importance of leadership in spiritual life.