They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering, and every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read this verse as just listing what the priests received. But notice it says they shall "eat" these offerings, including the sin and guilt offerings. This highlights that the priests were meant to partake in the very sacrifices that dealt with Israel's wrongdoing, pointing forward to how Christ, our great High Priest, would personally engage with our sin.
They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering, and every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of Ezekiel's vision of a restored Temple and priesthood, describing the provisions for the Levites who serve there. Following detailed instructions about who can enter and serve in this future Temple, this passage clarifies how the priests and Levites will be sustained by the offerings brought by the people of Israel. It assures them that they will share in the sacrifices, specifically the grain, sin, and guilt offerings, as well as all other devoted or consecrated items.
When we read that priests 'eat' from the offerings, what does that really mean? Was it just a meal ticket?
This verse details what the Levitical priests would receive for their sustenance and service.
Types of Offerings:
The key here is that these weren't just leftovers. They were the sacred portions allocated to those who served God, symbolizing their unique role and dependence on Him for provision. God provided for His servants through these offerings.
Beyond the priests' sustenance, these offerings pointed to something far greater. What spiritual truths do they reveal?
These physical offerings in Ezekiel's vision were deeply symbolic, pointing towards the redemptive work of Christ.
Ask a follow-up
Symbolic Connections:
For the priests, eating these portions was a tangible connection to the covenant and the atonement. For us, 'eating' these symbolically means by faith, receiving Christ and all He accomplished for our salvation and spiritual life.
Understand the original words
minchah · Hebrew Noun
A sacrifice offered in gratitude or petition involving agricultural produce, recognizing God's provision for the people.
asham · Hebrew Noun
A sacrifice required for offenses involving the profaning of holy things or specific sins requiring restitution, focusing on atonement and satisfaction.
cherem · Hebrew Noun
Something set apart or dedicated exclusively to the Lord, often implying that it cannot be redeemed or used for common purposes.
Ezekiel's prophecy regarding the priests' portions comes during the Babylonian exile, a time when the Temple was destroyed. It envisions a future restoration of worship, outlining specific roles and provisions for priests in a renewed covenant community.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Jerusalem, beginning the Babylonian exile. Key figures, including the prophet Daniel, are taken captive.
597 BC
Second Deportation of Judah
More Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon following a revolt.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the kingdom of Judah and intensifying the Babylonian exile.
c. 571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Final Visions
Ezekiel receives his last recorded vision, detailing plans for a future Temple and restored worship, offering hope to the exiles.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus, overthrows Babylon, creating an opportunity for the Jewish exiles to return to Judah.
537 BC
First Return from Exile
Led by Zerubbabel, a contingent of Jews returns to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding the Temple and the city.
This passage outlines how priests received specific portions of the sin and guilt offerings as their share, much like Ezekiel 44:29 states they would partake in these offerings.
Numbers 18:8-10This chapter details the Lord's provision for the Levitical priests through the sacred offerings and dedicated gifts, aligning with the idea that these provisions sustained them.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14Paul draws a parallel between the Old Testament system where those who served at the altar were supported by it, and the New Testament principle that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
Malachi 3:8-10This prophecy speaks of people robbing God by withholding tithes and offerings, contrasted with the blessings that come when they faithfully bring them, showing the importance of these dedicated things for God's service.
pooleEzekiel 44:29: "They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs."
We must not think that the whole of these were eat, God had his part, and the priest his part too; somewhat of each came to the priest. Every dedicated thing; as first-fruits, and tithes, &c., the priest had part of them.
pulpitEzekiel 44:29: "They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs."
Verse 29. - To the priests should be allocated, in addition, what already had been assigned them by the Law for their support, the meat (or, meal) offering, consisting of flour, corn, or bread (comp. Leviticus 2:1-16; Leviticus 6:16; Numbers 28:12, 13), and the sin offering (see Leviticus 6:25-29; Leviticus 7:6; Numbers 18:9, 10), and the tresp…
It's easy to read this verse as just listing what the priests received. But notice it says they shall "eat" these offerings, including the sin and guilt offerings. This highlights that the priests were meant to partake in the very sacrifices that dealt with Israel's wrongdoing, pointing forward to how Christ, our great High Priest, would personally engage with our sin.
This verse is part of Ezekiel's vision of a restored Temple and priesthood, describing the provisions for the Levites who serve there. Following detailed instructions about who can enter and serve in this future Temple, this passage clarifies how the priests and Levites will be sustained by the offerings brought by the people of Israel. It assures them that they will share in the sacrifices, specifically the grain, sin, and guilt offerings, as well as all other devoted or consecrated items.
This verse is part of Ezekiel's vision of a restored Temple and priesthood, describing the provisions for the Levites who serve there. Following detailed instructions about who can enter and serve in this future Temple, this passage clarifies how the priests and Levites will be sustained by the offerings brought by the people of Israel. It assures them that they will share in the sacrifices, specifically the grain, sin, and guilt offerings, as well as all other devoted or consecrated items.
"They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering, and every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs." — It's easy to read this verse as just listing what the priests received. But notice it says they shall "eat" these offerings, including the sin and guilt offerings. This highlights that the priests we…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026