Ezekiel 40:46
New International Version
and the room facing north is for the priests who guard the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, who are the only Levites who may draw near to the LORD to minister before him.”

New Living Translation
The room beside the south inner gate is for the priests in charge of the altar—the descendants of Zadok—for they alone of all the Levites may approach the LORD to minister to him.”

English Standard Version
and the chamber that faces north is for the priests who have charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, who alone among the sons of Levi may come near to the LORD to minister to him.”

Berean Standard Bible
and the chamber that faces north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, the only Levites who may approach the LORD to minister before Him.”

King James Bible
And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.

New King James Version
The chamber which faces north is for the priests who have charge of the altar; these are the sons of Zadok, from the sons of Levi, who come near the LORD to minister to Him.”

New American Standard Bible
but the chamber which faces north is for the priests who are responsible for the altar. They are the sons of Zadok, who from the sons of Levi come near to the LORD to serve Him.”

NASB 1995
but the chamber which faces toward the north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, who from the sons of Levi come near to the LORD to minister to Him.”

NASB 1977
but the chamber which faces toward the north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, who from the sons of Levi come near to the LORD to minister to Him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
but the chamber which faces toward the north is for the priests who keep the responsibility of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, who from the sons of Levi come near to Yahweh to minister to Him.”

Amplified Bible
but the chamber which faces toward the north is for the priests who have the responsibility and take care of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, who [alone] from the sons of Levi come near to the LORD to minister to Him.”

Christian Standard Bible
The chamber that faces north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, the ones from the sons of Levi who may approach the LORD to serve him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The chamber that faces north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, the ones from the sons of Levi who may approach the LORD to serve Him.”

American Standard Version
and the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok, who from among the sons of Levi come near to Jehovah to minister unto him.

Contemporary English Version
and the building beside the south gate belongs to those who serve at the altar. All of them are descendants of Zadok and are the only Levites allowed to serve as the LORD's priests."

English Revised Version
and the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok, which from among the sons of Levi come near to the LORD to minister unto him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The room that faces north is for the priests who serve at the altar. These priests are Zadok's descendants. They are the only Levites who are able to come near the LORD and serve him."

Good News Translation
and the room which faced north was for the priests who served at the altar. All the priests are descended from Zadok; they are the only members of the tribe of Levi who are permitted to go into the LORD's presence to serve him.

International Standard Version
and the north-facing chamber is for the priests who maintain the altar. These are Zadok's descendants, who, as descendants of Levi approach the LORD to minister directly to him."

Majority Standard Bible
and the chamber that faces north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, the only Levites who may approach the LORD to minister before Him.?

NET Bible
and the chamber which faces north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the descendants of Zadok, from the descendants of Levi, who may approach the LORD to minister to him."

New Heart English Bible
and the room that faces toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the duty of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok, who from among the sons of Levi come near to the LORD to minister to him."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the chamber whose prospect is towards the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, who come near to the LORD to minister to him.

World English Bible
The room which faces toward the north is for the priests who perform the duty of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, who from among the sons of Levi come near to Yahweh to minister to him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the chamber, whose front [is] northward, [is] for priests keeping charge of the altar: they [are] sons of Zadok, who are drawing near of the sons of Levi to YHWH, to serve Him.”

Young's Literal Translation
and the chamber, whose front is northward, is for priests keeping charge of the altar: they are sons of Zadok, who are drawing near of the sons of Levi unto Jehovah, to serve Him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the cell whose face the way of the north, for the priests watching the watches of the altar: they the sons of Zadok drawing near from the sons of Levi, to Jehovah to serve him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the chamber that looketh towards the north shall be for the priests that watch over the ministry of the altar. These are the sons of Sadoc, who among the sons of Levi, come near to the Lord, to minister to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moreover, the storeroom that looks toward the north will be for the priests who keep watch over the ministry of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, those among the sons of Levi who may draw near to the Lord, so that they may minister to him.”

New American Bible
while this chamber facing north is reserved for the priests who have charge of the altar; they are the sons of Zadok, the only Levites who may come near to minister to the LORD.”

New Revised Standard Version
and the chamber that faces north is for the priests who have charge of the altar; these are the descendants of Zadok, who alone among the descendants of Levi may come near to the LORD to minister to him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the room that faces toward the north is for the priests, the keepers who have charge of the altar; these are the descendants of Zadok, who are among the descendants of Levi, who come near to the altar to minister to the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the chamber that faces the north is for the Priests, the sons of Tsadoq, who keep guard of the altar, who come near from the sons of Levi, to do the service of LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar; these are the sons of Zadok, who from among the sons of Levi come near to the LORD to minister unto Him.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the chamber that looks to the north is for the priests that keep the charge of the altar: they are the sons of Sadduc, those of the tribe of Levi who draw near to the Lord to serve him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Rooms for the Priests
45Then the man said to me: “The chamber that faces south is for the priests who keep charge of the temple, 46and the chamber that faces north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, the only Levites who may approach the LORD to minister before Him.”

Cross References
Numbers 3:6-10
“Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. ...

Numbers 18:1-7
So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ...

1 Chronicles 24:19
This was their appointed order for service when they entered the house of the LORD, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their forefather Aaron, as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded him.

1 Chronicles 6:49
But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

2 Chronicles 29:11
Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”

2 Chronicles 35:3
To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel.

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.

Deuteronomy 33:8-10
Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. / He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. / He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar.

1 Samuel 2:28
And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.

1 Kings 8:4
and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up.

Hebrews 7:11-17
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ...

Hebrews 8:1-6
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, / and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. / And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer. ...

Hebrews 9:1-10
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ...

Hebrews 10:11-14
Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. / But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. / Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, ...

Revelation 1:6
who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.


Treasury of Scripture

And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister to him.

the keepers

Ezekiel 44:15
But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord GOD:

Leviticus 6:12,13
And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings…

Numbers 18:5
And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

these

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 44:15
But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord GOD:

Ezekiel 48:11
It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok; which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray.

which come

Leviticus 10:3
Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Numbers 16:5,40
And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him…

Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

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Alone Altar Care Chamber Charge Draw Duty Faces Facing House Keepers Levi Minister North Priests Prospect Room Towards Work Zadok
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Ezekiel 40
1. The time, manner, and end of the vision of the city and temple
6. The description of the east gate of the outer court
20. of the north gate
24. of the south gate
27. of the south gate of the inner court
32. of the east gate
35. and of the north gate
39. Eight tables
44. The chambers
48. The porch of the house














the chamber that faces north
The phrase "the chamber that faces north" refers to a specific location within the temple complex described in Ezekiel's vision. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, the orientation of a building or room often held symbolic significance. The north side of the temple was traditionally associated with divine judgment and authority. This chamber's placement signifies its importance and the sacred duties performed there. The north-facing chamber is reserved for a select group of priests, indicating a special status and function within the temple's operations.

for the priests who keep charge of the altar
The "priests who keep charge of the altar" are tasked with the sacred responsibility of maintaining the altar, which is central to the worship and sacrificial system of the temple. The Hebrew root for "keep charge" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies careful guarding and diligent oversight. This duty underscores the holiness of the altar as the place where offerings are made to God, and it highlights the priests' role as mediators between God and His people. The altar is a focal point of divine-human interaction, and those who serve there must do so with reverence and precision.

These are the sons of Zadok
The "sons of Zadok" refers to a specific lineage of priests descended from Zadok, who was a faithful priest during the reigns of David and Solomon. Zadok's loyalty and righteousness earned his descendants a perpetual priesthood, as seen in 1 Kings 2:35. The mention of the sons of Zadok in Ezekiel emphasizes the continuity of a faithful priestly line and their exclusive right to serve in the temple. This lineage is significant because it represents a return to a purer form of worship, free from the corruption that had plagued the priesthood in previous generations.

who alone among the descendants of Levi
The phrase "who alone among the descendants of Levi" highlights the exclusivity of the Zadokite priesthood. While all priests are descendants of Levi, only the sons of Zadok are granted the privilege of drawing near to God in this context. This distinction underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience in God's service. It serves as a reminder that God honors those who remain true to His covenant and that spiritual leadership requires a higher standard of holiness and dedication.

are permitted to draw near to the LORD
The privilege "to draw near to the LORD" is a profound honor and responsibility. In the Hebrew context, drawing near (קָרַב, qarab) implies entering into God's presence, which is a sacred and awe-inspiring act. This access is not granted lightly; it requires purity, consecration, and a heart aligned with God's will. The sons of Zadok are chosen for this role because of their faithfulness, symbolizing the ideal relationship between God and His servants. It reflects the ultimate goal of worship: to commune with the Creator in holiness and truth.

to minister before Him
The phrase "to minister before Him" encapsulates the essence of the priestly vocation. To minister (שָׁרַת, sharath) means to serve, attend, and perform duties in the presence of God. This service is both a privilege and a duty, requiring humility, dedication, and a deep understanding of God's holiness. The priests' ministry is not just about performing rituals; it is about embodying a life of worship and devotion that reflects God's character to the people. It serves as a model for all believers, who are called to live lives of service and worship before the Lord.

Verse 46. - The keepers of the charge of the altar. These formed another body of priests, whose duties generally were to officiate in the temple-worship, and more specifically to sacrifice and burn incense upon the altars (Leviticus 1-6.). Under the Law the priests were all descendants of Aaron (Exodus 27:20, 21; Exodus 28:1-4; Exodus 29:9, 44; Exodus 40:15). By David these were divided into two classes - the sons of Eleazar, at the head of whom stood Zadok; and the sons of Ithamar, with Ahimelech as their chief (1 Chronicles 24:3). In the vision-temple the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi have the sole right of drawing near to the Lord to minister unto him (see on Ezekiel 43:15).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and the chamber
וְהַלִּשְׁכָּ֗ה (wə·hal·liš·kāh)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3957: Room, chamber, hall, cell

that
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

faces
פָּנֶ֙יהָ֙ (pā·ne·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

north
הַצָּפ֔וֹן (haṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·wn)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter

is for the priests
לַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים (lak·kō·hă·nîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

who have
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י (šō·mə·rê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

charge
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת (miš·me·reṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function

of the altar.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

These
הֵ֣מָּה (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

are the sons
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Zadok,
צָד֗וֹק (ṣā·ḏō·wq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6659: Zadok -- the name of several Israelites

the [only] Levites
לֵוִ֛י (lê·wî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him

who may approach
הַקְּרֵבִ֧ים (haq·qə·rê·ḇîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7131: Approaching

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to minister before Him.”
לְשָׁרְתֽוֹ׃ (lə·šā·rə·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 40:46 And the chamber whose prospect is toward (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 40:45
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