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
Know the Bible

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.

Where else these words appear

“voluntary” Hebrew H5071 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 35:29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
  • Numbers 29:39 These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.
  • Ezra 3:5 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.

“east” Hebrew H6921 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 41:6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
  • Ezekiel 40:32 And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.
  • Ezekiel 48:3 And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali.

“offerings” Hebrew H8002 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
  • Leviticus 9:22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.

“shut” Hebrew H5462 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • 1 Samuel 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
  • Job 11:10 If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?