And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD.

EZEKIEL 48:14KJV
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Ezekiel 48:14 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 48:14 mean?

Ezekiel 48:14 commands that the firstfruits portion of the land, which is set apart for God, must not be sold, traded, or transferred in any way because it is holy to the LORD. This verse emphasizes that this land is permanently dedicated and cannot be treated like ordinary property.

In this chapter, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel about how the land will be divided among the tribes when they return from exile. The “firstfruits of the land” refers to a special section given to the priests and Levites as an offering to God. The verse underscores that this land has a unique, sacred status and must remain set apart for its intended, holy purpose.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:14

  • "firstfruits" (רֵאשִׁית, re’shith): This word means the very first or the best part, often used for the first portion of a harvest or offering. Here, it highlights that this land is the choicest part, specially dedicated to God.
  • "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means set apart or sacred. The verse stresses that the land is not just valuable but has a spiritual purpose and belongs to God in a special way.
  • "sell" (מָכַר, makhar), "exchange" (מִמְכָּר, mimkar), "alienate" (עָבַר, avar): These words cover all the usual ways property might change hands. By listing them, the verse makes it clear that no transaction—sale, trade, or transfer—is allowed for this land.

Why Ezekiel 48:14 matters

  • Ezekiel 48:14 clarifies that the land given as firstfruits is not just a practical allotment but is permanently set apart for God, preventing it from being treated as common property.
  • This verse helps readers see the seriousness with which God views things dedicated to Him, showing that some gifts or offerings are meant to remain wholly His.
  • In the context of the chapter, this rule protects the integrity of the priestly and Levitical land, ensuring that their support and the worship system remain stable for future generations.

Where else these words appear

“exchange” Hebrew H4171 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 27:10 He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.
  • Psalms 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
  • Jeremiah 48:11 Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

“firstfruits” Hebrew H7225 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Deuteronomy 33:21 And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.
  • Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

“sell” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:39 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
  • 2 Kings 17:17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.