Ezekiel 43:19
And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering.
Ezekiel 43:19 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible emphasizes the importance of offering sacrifices as atonement for sins. Here, God instructs the priests to give a young bullock as a sin offering to Him. This act symbolizes the need for repentance and seeking forgiveness for transgressions committed. The mention of the Levites of the seed of Zadok highlights the concept of purity and lineage in the priesthood, indicating that only those who are righteous and holy are worthy to approach God with offerings. By requiring a specific type of sacrifice and designating who should offer it, God sets a standard for how His people should seek reconciliation with Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance in order to maintain a close relationship with God.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the establishment of a specific group of priests, the descendants of Zadok, who are to be given a young bullock as a sin offering to the Lord. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the importance of purity and holiness in service to God. The sin offering was a way for the priests to atone for their sins and the sins of the people they represented. The fact that only the priests of the lineage of Zadok were to approach God and minister to Him shows the significance of lineage and heritage in carrying out sacred duties. It also underscores the idea of exclusivity in worship and the need for a select group of individuals to fulfill specific roles within the religious community. The word study of "Zadok" reveals that it means "righteous" or "just," emphasizing the moral character required of those serving in the priesthood. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, purity, and lineage in serving the Lord.
Ezekiel 43:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that are of the seed of Zadok, who are near unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord Jehovah, a young bullock for a sin-offering.
World English Bible
You shall give to the priests the Levites who are of the seed of Zadok, who are near to me, to minister to me, says the Lord Yahweh, a young bull for a sin offering.
Douay-Rheims
And thou shalt give to the priests, and the Levites, that are of the race of Sadoc, who approach to me, saith the Lord God, to offer to me a calf of the herd for sin.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And thou shalt giue to the Priestes, and to the Leuites, that be of the seede of Zadok, which approch vnto me, to minister vnto me, saith the Lord God, a yong bullocke for a sinne offring.