Ezekiel 46:16 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 46:16 mean?

Ezekiel 46:16 states that if the prince gives a gift of land to one of his sons, that land will become the permanent inheritance of that son and his descendants. This rule ensures that gifts from the prince to his sons are lasting and not temporary.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, specifically addressing the future leadership structure in the restored temple. The "prince" refers to a leader or ruler in this envisioned future, and the verse sets out a legal principle about inheritance and property rights within his family. The focus is on making sure that gifts to sons are treated as true inheritances, not just temporary grants.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 46:16

• "Prince" (נָשִׂיא, nasi): This word refers to a leader or ruler, not necessarily a king, but someone with authority. In Ezekiel, the "prince" often symbolizes a just leader in the future temple order.
• "Gift" (מַתָּנָה, mattanah): This word means a present or something given freely. Here, it highlights that the land is given as a personal act, not as a duty or tax.
• "Inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This term means property passed down by family line. Its use here stresses the lasting, generational nature of the gift.
• "Possession" (אֲחֻזָּה, achuzzah): This word means a holding or property, emphasizing that the land becomes the son's permanent property, not just a temporary arrangement.

Why Ezekiel 46:16 matters

• Ezekiel 46:16 clarifies that gifts of land from the prince to his sons are not to be reclaimed or redistributed later; they become permanent family property.
• This rule helps prevent the prince from using his authority to manipulate land ownership or favor certain people unfairly, supporting stability and fairness in the community.
• The verse fits into a larger section where Ezekiel describes just and orderly practices for leaders, contrasting with the abuses of power that had happened in Israel's past.