Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, one shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate.

EZEKIEL 46:12KJV
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Ezekiel 46:12 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 46:12 mean?

Ezekiel 46:12 describes a special rule for the prince in Ezekiel’s vision: when the prince brings a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings to the LORD, the eastern gate of the temple is opened for him, just as it is on the Sabbath, and then closed again after he leaves. This verse sets out how the prince’s personal, voluntary worship is to be handled in the temple’s rituals.

In Ezekiel’s vision, God is giving detailed instructions about temple worship to the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel. The “prince” is a leader figure, and this verse shows that he can bring extra offerings beyond what is required. The special opening of the east gate highlights the honor and order given to these voluntary acts, and connects them to the regular Sabbath worship.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 46:12

  • “Voluntary” (נְדָבָה, nedavah) means a freewill or voluntary offering, not something required. This shows the prince’s offering is given out of personal devotion, not obligation.
  • “Burnt offering” (עֹלָה, olah) refers to an offering that is completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God.
  • “Peace offerings” (שֶׁלֶם, shelem) are offerings that express fellowship or thanksgiving, often shared as a meal.
  • “Gate” (שַׁעַר, sha’ar) and “east” (קֶדֶם, qedem) together point to the most important entrance of the temple, which is usually kept shut except for special occasions, showing the significance of the prince’s voluntary worship.

Why Ezekiel 46:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the prince is allowed to bring extra offerings whenever he wishes, not just on set festival days, showing a place for personal initiative in worship.
  • The special treatment of the east gate underlines the respect and importance given to the prince’s voluntary offerings, connecting personal devotion with the temple’s public rituals.
  • Ezekiel 46:12 helps explain the unique role of the prince in this vision—he is not a priest, but he has a special, honored place in the worship life of the community.