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Ezekiel 48:14

Ezekiel 48:14 in Multiple Translations

They must not sell or exchange any of it, and they must not transfer this best part of the land, for it is holy to the LORD.

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

And they shall sell none of it, nor exchange it, nor shall the first-fruits of the land be alienated; for it is holy unto Jehovah.

And they are not to let any of it go for a price, or give it in exchange; and the part of the land given to the Lord is not to go into other hands: for it is holy to the Lord.

They are not permitted to sell exchange or transfer any of it, for it is the best part of the land, and is holy to the Lord.

And they shall not sel of it, neither change it, nor abalienate the first fruites of the land: for it is holy vnto the Lord.

And they do not sell of it, nor exchange, nor cause to pass away the first-fruit of the land: for [it is] holy to Jehovah.

They shall sell none of it, nor exchange it, nor shall the first fruits of the land be alienated, for it is holy to the LORD.

And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the first-fruits of the land: for it is holy to the LORD.

And they shall not sell thereof, nor exchange, neither shall the firstfruits of the land be alienated, because they are sanctified to the Lord.

None of this special land will ever be permitted to be sold or traded or used by other people, because it belongs to me, Yahweh. It is set apart for me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 48:14

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 48:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לֹא יִמְכְּר֣וּ מִמֶּ֗/נּוּ וְ/לֹ֥א יָמֵ֛ר וְ/לֹ֥א יעבור יַעֲבִ֖יר רֵאשִׁ֣ית הָ/אָ֑רֶץ כִּי קֹ֖דֶשׁ לַ/יהוָֽה
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יִמְכְּר֣וּ mâkar H4376 to sell V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מִמֶּ֗/נּוּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יָמֵ֛ר mûwr H4171 to change V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יעבור ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יַעֲבִ֖יר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
רֵאשִׁ֣ית rêʼshîyth H7225 first N-fs
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj
קֹ֖דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place N-ms
לַ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 48:14

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִמְכְּר֣וּ mâkar H4376 "to sell" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
מִמֶּ֗/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָמֵ֛ר mûwr H4171 "to change" V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
To change or exchange something, this word is used in the Bible to describe altering or replacing something. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe the changing of names or circumstances.
Definition: 1) to change, exchange 1a) (Niphal) to be changed 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to change, alter 1b2) to exchange
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (ex-) change, remove. See also: Leviticus 27:10; Jeremiah 2:11; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יעבור ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
יַעֲבִ֖יר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
רֵאשִׁ֣ית rêʼshîyth H7225 "first" N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
קֹ֖דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
לַ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 48:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 27:28 Nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a man, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD.
2 Leviticus 27:9–10 If he vows an animal that may be brought as an offering to the LORD, any such animal given to the LORD shall be holy. He must not replace it or exchange it, either good for bad or bad for good. But if he does substitute one animal for another, both that animal and its substitute will be holy.
3 Exodus 22:29 You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons.
4 Ezekiel 48:12 It will be a special portion for them set apart from the land, a most holy portion adjacent to the territory of the Levites.
5 Leviticus 27:32–33 Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. He must not inspect whether it is good or bad, and he shall not make any substitution. But if he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute shall become holy; they cannot be redeemed.’”
6 Leviticus 25:34 But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.
7 Malachi 3:8–10 Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.
8 Leviticus 23:20 The priest is to wave the lambs as a wave offering before the LORD, together with the bread of the firstfruits. The bread and the two lambs shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.

Ezekiel 48:14 Summary

[This verse is saying that the special land given to the Levites is very precious and should not be used for personal gain or traded away. It's like a special gift from God that they are to take care of and use for His glory. Just like how we are to use our talents and resources for God's purposes (Matthew 25:14-30), the Levites are to use this land to serve Him. By doing so, they are showing that they trust God to provide for them and that they value their relationship with Him above all else.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the land described in Ezekiel 48:14 as 'holy to the LORD'?

The land is considered holy because it has been set apart by God for His special purposes, just as the Sabbath day is holy to the Lord (Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15).

What does it mean for the Levites to 'not sell or exchange' the land?

This means that the Levites are not to use the land for personal gain or trade it for other possessions, but instead are to consider it a sacred trust from God, as seen in Leviticus 25:23 where the Israelites are instructed not to sell the land permanently.

How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the principle of stewardship, where the Levites are entrusted with managing God's land and are expected to do so in a way that honors Him, as taught in Psalm 24:1 and Luke 12:42-48.

What is the significance of the land being 'the best part' of the territory?

The land being the best part indicates that God has reserved the most valuable and desirable portion for Himself and for the Levites to serve Him, demonstrating His provision and care for those who serve Him (Numbers 18:21, Deuteronomy 18:1-2).

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I can consider my own life and possessions as 'holy to the Lord' and set apart for His purposes?
  2. How can I balance my desire for financial security with the need to trust God for my provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34?
  3. In what ways can I, like the Levites, be a good steward of the resources and opportunities God has given me?
  4. What are some areas of my life where I may be 'selling or exchanging' something precious for temporary gain, and how can I repent and seek God's guidance instead?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 48:14

And they shall not sell of it,.... Any part of it that is allotted to them, neither the priests nor the Levites; simony is not to be practised: neither exchange; for any other land in lieu of it: nor

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 48:14

And by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Judah. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:14

It is most holy, and therefore no price should be offered for it, nor any price set upon it, nor may they pass away any on pretence of getting greater and more particularly serviceable to them and their employment, and so for convenience part with God’ s inheritance; this is forbidden: this is holy, as the first-fruits were under the law, ,24 .

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:14

Ezekiel 48:14 And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for [it is] holy unto the LORD.Ver. 14. And they shall not sell of it.] This law is here occasionally, and by the way, inserted. It seemeth to hold forth, that lands given to the ministers of Christ under the New Testament may never be again taken away, or put to any other use, but to their maintenance for ever. See Mr Clark’ s Mirror, chap. of Sacrilege. The firstfruits of the land,] i.e., This part thus consecrated to God, as the firstfruits of the earth were.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:14

(14) Shall not sell of it.—The Levites’ portion (Ezekiel 48:13) was of the same size as that of the priests, instead of their having (as under the law) nearly three times as many cities, and the restriction of Lev 25:34 that they might not even temporarily alienate the fields attached to their cities, is here extended to their whole land on the express ground that it is “first-fruits.”

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 48:14

14. Seems to apply to the united domain of priests and Levites. the firstfruits] Possibly: this first-fruits or, best—the term being applied to the holy oblation in distinction from the rest of the land.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 48:14

13, 14. The Levites’ portion adjoins that of the priests to the north and is exactly equal to it.

Sermons on Ezekiel 48:14

SermonDescription
Chip Brogden The Way of Cain by Chip Brogden Chip Brogden preaches about the contrasting ways of Cain and Abel in relating to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of giving God our first and best with a heart of worship and l
David Wilkerson Passing Under the Rod by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of the last days and the impending wrath of God. He highlights the image of a trumpet sounding and preparations being made for b
Zac Poonen Leviticus by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Leviticus and its emphasis on holiness. The book contains numerous laws and regulations regarding sin offerings, restitution, and
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Leviticus by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the book of Leviticus, highlighting the importance of understanding God's heart behind the detailed instructions given. It emphasizes the themes of holiness
Gladys Aylward Testimony and Challenge by Gladys Aylward In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal experience of being in China and looking after mules while others listened to a woman named Jeannie tell stories about Jesus. The
J. Glyn Owen Sermon on the Mount: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking at oneself in the light of the Word of God. He warns that without this self-reflection, one may believe the lies of
Carter Conlon Be Sure, Your Sin Will Find You Out by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors. He shares the story of a man who questioned who his neighbor was,

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