Ezekiel 43:23

KJV

When thou hast made an end of cleansing [it], thou shalt offer a young bullock without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou hast made an end {H3615} of cleansing {H2398} it, thou shalt offer {H7126} a young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499} without blemish {H8549}, and a ram {H352} out of the flock {H6629} without blemish {H8549}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you have finished purifying it, you are to offer a young bull without defect and a ram from the flock without defect.

Berean Standard Bible

When you have finished the purification, you are to present a young, unblemished bull and an unblemished ram from the flock.

American Standard Version

When thou hast made an end of cleansing it, thou shalt offer a young bullock without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:23 details the specific animal sacrifices required for the consecration of the altar within the visionary temple, following an initial period of intense purification. This verse underscores the divine demand for unblemished offerings, a foundational principle in Old Testament worship that highlights God's absolute holiness and the meticulous purity necessary for approaching His presence. It serves as a testament to God's precise instructions for worship and foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 43:23 is situated within the latter portion of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically the extensive vision of the new temple (chapters 40-48). This vision, beginning with [Ezekiel 40:1](/ezekiel/40-1 "Ezekiel 40:1 - Vision of the New Temple"), provides meticulous details regarding the temple's dimensions, structure, and most importantly, its rituals and the restoration of God's glory within it. The immediate preceding verses, [Ezekiel 43:18-22](/ezekiel/43-18 "Ezekiel 43:18-22 - Consecration of the Altar"), describe a seven-day process for purifying and consecrating the altar itself, involving a series of sin offerings. Verse 23, therefore, marks the culmination of this initial cleansing period, transitioning from the purification of the altar to the regular, prescribed offerings that would follow, emphasizing the strict order and prerequisite purity for all sacred service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a time when the Jewish people had lost their temple, their land, and their sense of divine presence. Ezekiel's elaborate temple vision served as a profound message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring covenant faithfulness. It was a blueprint not for an immediate physical reconstruction, but for a future, ideal state of worship and communion with God. The sacrificial system described, while echoing elements of the Mosaic Law (e.g., in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus")), also contains unique features, suggesting a renewed and purified worship in a restored Israel. The emphasis on "without blemish" was a universal requirement in ancient Near Eastern sacrificial practices, signifying perfection and worthiness for divine presentation, a concept deeply ingrained in Israelite theology from the earliest days of the tabernacle.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, the theme of **Purity and Consecration** is paramount, as the repeated emphasis on "without blemish" (Hebrew: *tamim*) underscores the divine requirement for perfect, unblemished offerings. This reflects God's absolute holiness and the necessity of moral and ritual purity to approach Him, a concept seen throughout the Law, such as in [Exodus 29:36-37](/exodus/29-36 "Exodus 29:36-37 - Altar Consecration"). Secondly, the theme of **Sacrifice and Atonement** is implicitly present; though not explicitly termed an atonement offering here, these sacrifices are integral to the dedication process, which inherently involves expiation for impurities and the establishment of a clean space for God's dwelling. This points forward to the ultimate perfect sacrifice. Lastly, the detailed instructions reinforce the theme of **Divine Order in Worship**, emphasizing that true devotion must adhere to God's prescribed ways, not human invention, a principle consistently taught from the construction of the tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cleansing (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** This word (H2398) is a primitive root meaning "to miss," and by extension, "to sin." In a causative sense, as used here, it means "to purge," "purify," or "make reconciliation." In Ezekiel 43:23, it refers to the ritual purification of the altar, removing its defilement and making it fit for sacred use. This highlights that even sacred objects require a process of expiation to be acceptable for divine service, underscoring the pervasive nature of impurity and the necessity of divine provision for its removal.
* **offer (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** This verb (H7126) signifies "to approach" or "to bring near." When used in the context of sacrifices, it means "to present" or "to offer," emphasizing the act of bringing something into the immediate presence of God. The act of offering is not merely a transaction but an act of drawing near to the divine, symbolizing access and communion. It implies a deliberate, intentional presentation of a gift or sacrifice to God, establishing a connection between the worshiper and the divine.
* **without blemish (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** This adjective (H8549) means "entire," "complete," "sound," "perfect," or "whole." In the context of sacrificial animals, it denotes physical flawlessness and integrity, making the animal acceptable to God. This requirement was not merely aesthetic but deeply theological, signifying the absolute purity and perfection demanded by a holy God. It served as a constant reminder that only what is perfect can truly represent atonement or be presented before the divine presence, setting an unattainable standard for human efforts and pointing to a future, perfect provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou hast made an end of cleansing [it],"**: This clause refers to the completion of the seven-day consecration process for the altar, as detailed in the preceding verses ([Ezekiel 43:18-22](/ezekiel/43-18 "Ezekiel 43:18-22 - Altar Consecration")). The cleansing involved specific sin offerings to purify the altar from any defilement, making it holy and fit for God's presence and for receiving future offerings. This emphasizes the prerequisite of purification before any sacred worship can commence.
* **"thou shalt offer a young bullock without blemish,"**: Following the altar's purification, the first prescribed offering is a "young bullock." The term "young bullock" (Hebrew: *ben-baqar* or *par*) typically refers to a male bovine in its prime, signifying strength and value. The critical qualification "without blemish" (Hebrew: *tamim*) indicates that the animal must be physically perfect, free from any defect or imperfection that would render it unacceptable for sacrifice. This requirement underscores the high standard of purity and worthiness demanded for offerings presented to God.
* **"and a ram out of the flock without blemish."**: In addition to the bullock, a ram is also to be offered. Rams (Hebrew: *'ayil*) were common sacrificial animals, often associated with burnt offerings and peace offerings. Like the bullock, this ram must also be "without blemish," reiterating the absolute necessity of perfection in all aspects of worship. The inclusion of both a bullock and a ram suggests a comprehensive and thorough set of offerings for the altar's dedication, signifying completeness in the consecration process.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:23 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "without blemish," which appears twice, emphasizing the crucial requirement for the sacrificial animals. This reiteration underscores the divine standard of perfection demanded for approaching God and highlights the purity of the offerings. **Symbolism** is central, as the "young bullock" and "ram" are not merely animals but represent valuable, unblemished offerings, symbolizing the best that can be given to God. They also function as **Typology**, foreshadowing a greater, perfect sacrifice to come. The meticulous detail in the instructions, characteristic of Ezekiel's temple vision, creates a sense of **Precision** and **Order**, reinforcing the idea that God's worship must be conducted according to His exact specifications, reflecting His own orderly and holy nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:23, with its emphasis on unblemished sacrifices for altar consecration, resonates deeply with the overarching biblical theme of God's absolute holiness and the necessity of purity for fellowship with Him. The meticulous instructions for the visionary temple, including these offerings, highlight God's unchanging standard for worship, which demands perfection and integrity. This Old Testament principle of offering the "best" and "purest" to God finds its ultimate culmination in the New Testament, where the need for such animal sacrifices is superseded by the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The very concept of an unblemished offering points forward to the sinless nature of the Messiah, who alone could perfectly fulfill the demands of God's righteous law and provide true atonement.

* [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Requirements for a Burnt Offering")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Offering Blemished Sacrifices")
* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical animal sacrifices described in Ezekiel's vision are not practiced by believers today, the spiritual principles embedded in Ezekiel 43:23 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian life and worship. The verse underscores the absolute necessity of purity and consecration before approaching God. Just as the altar had to be cleansed, so too must our hearts and lives be purified before we can truly offer acceptable worship. This purification is not by our own merit but is graciously provided through faith in Jesus Christ, who cleanses us from all sin. Our worship, therefore, should be intentional, offered with integrity, and in accordance with God's revealed will, not merely human preference. We are called to present ourselves as "living sacrifices," holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual act of worship, reflecting a life committed to spiritual blamelessness made possible by divine grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "cleansing" and "without blemish" in Ezekiel 43:23 inform your understanding of God's holiness?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers under the New Covenant, apply the principle of offering "without blemish" to our daily lives and worship?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of intentionality and preparation in our approach to God?**

### FAQ
**Why is "without blemish" so frequently emphasized in Old Testament sacrifices?**

Answer: The emphasis on "without blemish" (Hebrew: *tamim*) for sacrificial animals in the Old Testament, as seen in [Ezekiel 43:23](/ezekiel/43-23 "Ezekiel 43:23 - Unblemished Sacrifices"), is crucial for several theological reasons. Firstly, it reflects God's absolute holiness and perfection; only what is perfect can be offered to a perfect God. Secondly, it symbolizes the purity required for atonement. A blemished animal could not adequately represent the removal of sin or the offering of a perfect substitute. Thirdly, it underscored the value and worthiness of the offering; the best of the flock or herd was to be given to God, demonstrating the worshiper's reverence and commitment. This requirement also served as a prophetic foreshadowing, pointing to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin or blemish.

**Does Ezekiel's temple vision, including these sacrifices, imply a return to animal sacrifices in the future?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the detailed sacrificial system, is a complex theological question with various views. Some interpret it literally, suggesting a future restoration of animal sacrifices in a millennial temple, often viewing them as memorial offerings rather than atoning ones, given the finality of Christ's sacrifice (e.g., [Hebrews 10:18](/hebrews/10-18 "Hebrews 10:18 - No More Sacrifice for Sins")). Others interpret the vision symbolically or spiritually, seeing it as a blueprint for an ideal, purified worship in the Messianic age, where the sacrifices represent spiritual offerings of praise, prayer, and righteous living, or that they signify the benefits of Christ's finished work. The New Testament consistently teaches that Christ's sacrifice was "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice")), making further animal sacrifices unnecessary for the atonement of sins. Therefore, most Christian traditions view Ezekiel's vision as primarily symbolic, highlighting themes of purity, God's presence, and restored worship, rather than predicting a literal re-institution of animal sacrifices for atonement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:23, with its strict requirement for unblemished sacrifices to consecrate the altar, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "young bullock without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish" served as types, pointing forward to the perfect Lamb of God. Just as these animals had to be physically flawless to be acceptable for God's holy presence, so too was Jesus "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Unblemished Lamb")), utterly sinless in His life and character. The cleansing of the altar, a prerequisite for God's dwelling, foreshadows the spiritual cleansing that Christ provides for His people, making them fit temples for the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). His "one sacrifice for sins forever" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")) perfectly accomplished what the countless Old Testament offerings could only foreshadow, purifying not just an altar but the hearts and consciences of believers ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ Cleanses Our Conscience")). Thus, the meticulous demands of Ezekiel's vision are not abrogated but perfectly satisfied in Christ, who is both the unblemished offering and the means by which we are consecrated to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 29:1

¶ And this [is] the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,