Ezekiel 44:13

KJV

And they shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most holy [place]: but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall not come near {H5066} unto me, to do the office of a priest {H3547} unto me, nor to come near {H5066} to any of my holy things {H6944}, in the most holy {H6944} place: but they shall bear {H5375} their shame {H3639}, and their abominations {H8441} which they have committed {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will not approach me to serve me in the office of cohen or approach any of the holy things or the especially holy things; but they will bear their shame for the disgusting practices they committed.

Berean Standard Bible

They must not approach Me to serve Me as priests or come near any of My holy things or the most holy things. They will bear the shame of the abominations they have committed.

American Standard Version

And they shall not come near unto me, to execute the office of priest unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, unto the things that are most holy; but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 44:13 pronounces a divine judgment against certain Levitical priests who had previously engaged in idolatry, declaring their disqualification from the most sacred priestly duties within the visionary temple. While not entirely removed from temple service, their past unfaithfulness to God, marked by their "abominations," renders them unfit to draw near to God's holy presence or minister in the "most holy place," thereby requiring them to bear the lasting disgrace of their actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 44:13 is situated within a lengthy and meticulously detailed section of Ezekiel's prophecy (chapters 40-48) that describes a new, divinely ordained temple and its regulations. Following the architectural specifications (chapters 40-42) and the glorious return of God's presence to the temple (chapter 43), chapter 44 focuses intensely on the personnel and procedures for temple service. This particular verse addresses the specific disciplinary measures for the Levites who had "gone astray from me when Israel went astray, who went astray from me after their idols" [Ezekiel 44:10](/ezekiel/44-10 "Ezekiel 44:10 - Levites Who Went Astray"). It contrasts their punishment with the faithful service of the "sons of Zadok" [Ezekiel 44:15](/ezekiel/44-15 "Ezekiel 44:15 - The Faithful Sons of Zadok"), establishing a clear distinction in roles based on past fidelity. The verses immediately preceding (Ezekiel 44:10-12) outline the lesser duties assigned to these unfaithful Levites, such as gatekeeping and slaughtering sacrifices, setting the stage for their exclusion from the more intimate and sacred functions described in verse 13.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national and spiritual crisis for Israel. The destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem and the forced displacement of the people led to deep introspection regarding the causes of God's judgment. A significant factor was the pervasive idolatry and spiritual infidelity that had plagued Israel, particularly among its leadership, including priests. The historical backdrop informs the severe consequences outlined in this verse; God is re-establishing the terms of His covenant and worship, emphasizing absolute purity and faithfulness to prevent a recurrence of past sins. The concept of "shame" (Hebrew: *kᵉlimmâh*) was a powerful social and spiritual consequence in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying public disgrace and loss of honor, which was particularly acute for those in positions of religious authority. The "abominations" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) specifically refer to the detestable idolatrous practices that provoked God's wrath and defiled the land and the sanctuary.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 44:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Holiness and Purity**, underscoring God's absolute demand for unblemished purity in His presence and service. The exclusion from "holy things" and the "most holy place" highlights the inviolable nature of God's sanctuary and the strict requirements for those who minister within it, a principle evident throughout the Pentateuch, especially in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Sacrifice"). Another key theme is **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**, demonstrating that sin, particularly idolatry and spiritual compromise, carries severe and lasting repercussions, even for those in privileged positions of spiritual leadership. This judgment serves as a stark warning about accountability before God. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Restoration and Reordering**, as the new temple vision not only promises a return to God's presence but also a rigorous re-establishment of righteous worship, ensuring that past failures of leadership and worship are not repeated, thus paving the way for a truly holy community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nâgash (Hebrew, _nâgash'_):** This primitive root means "to be or come near" for various purposes, including religious worship or presentation. In Ezekiel 44:13, its repeated use ("shall not come near unto me," "nor to come near to any of my holy things") emphasizes the absolute prohibition of proximity. It signifies a profound spiritual distance and disqualification from intimate access to God's presence and sacred objects, which was the very essence of priestly function. The inability to "draw near" is the core of their disciplinary exclusion.
* **kâhan (Hebrew, _kâhan'_):** Derived from the word for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, *kōhēn*), this verb specifically means "to officiate as a priest." The phrase "to do the office of a priest unto me" directly refers to the sacred duties and functions performed by priests in the temple, such as offering sacrifices, burning incense, and entering the sanctuary. The denial of this office to the unfaithful Levites highlights their removal from the most central and privileged aspects of temple ministry, a direct consequence of their past defilement.
* **tôwʻêbah (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This term, often translated as "abomination," refers to something morally disgusting or abhorrent to God, most frequently associated with idolatry and practices that violate divine law. In this context, "their abominations which they have committed" directly points to the idolatrous worship and spiritual infidelity of these Levites, which was the root cause of their disqualification. It signifies not merely a mistake but a detestable act that profoundly offended God's holiness and purity, necessitating their exclusion from sacred service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest unto me":** This clause establishes the primary prohibition: the unfaithful Levites are forbidden from intimate access to God's presence and from performing the most sacred priestly duties. The repetition of "unto me" emphasizes that their service was meant to be directly to God, and their unfaithfulness had severed that direct spiritual connection.
* **"nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most holy [place]":** This expands on the prohibition, specifying that their exclusion extends to all sacred objects and, crucially, to the innermost sanctuary of the temple, the "most holy place" (Hebrew: *qodesh haqqodashim*). This signifies a complete denial of access to the most consecrated aspects of worship and the very epicenter of God's dwelling, underscoring the severity of their defilement.
* **"but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed":** This final clause articulates the consequence and the enduring mark of their unfaithfulness. "Bear their shame" implies enduring the disgrace, reproach, and public dishonor resulting from their actions. "Their abominations which they have committed" refers to the specific idolatrous acts that led to their defilement and disqualification. This phrase highlights that the consequences are directly tied to their past sinful conduct, and they must live with the indelible mark of their spiritual infidelity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 44:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "come near," which is used twice to emphasize the absolute prohibition of access to God and His holy things, reinforcing the idea of spiritual distance. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** by implicitly setting the unfaithful Levites apart from the faithful Zadokite priests mentioned later in the chapter, highlighting the differing outcomes based on fidelity. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is present in the "most holy place" and "holy things," which are not merely physical objects or locations but powerful symbols of God's transcendent holiness and the purity required to approach Him. The concept of "bearing shame" also functions as a symbolic representation of the lasting disgrace and spiritual burden of their past sins.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 44:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine holiness and the non-negotiable requirements for those who minister in God's presence. It powerfully asserts that God's absolute purity demands a corresponding purity and faithfulness from His servants, especially those entrusted with sacred duties. The exclusion of the unfaithful Levites underscores that spiritual compromise, particularly idolatry, creates an insurmountable barrier to intimate fellowship and effective service. This principle is not limited to the Old Testament priesthood but extends to all who claim to serve God, emphasizing that genuine worship and ministry flow from a heart wholly devoted to Him, free from the defilement of "abominations." The verse also highlights God's justice, where unfaithfulness incurs specific and lasting consequences, even as it simultaneously points towards a future where true holiness will be upheld in His sanctuary.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - Nadab and Abihu's Judgment")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursuit of Holiness")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Holy Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 44:13, while rooted in the specific context of the Old Testament priesthood, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It is a sobering reminder that God's holiness remains an unchangeable attribute, and our approach to Him, whether in corporate worship or private devotion, must be marked by reverence and purity. For those in positions of spiritual leadership, this verse serves as a powerful call to integrity and unwavering faithfulness, emphasizing that compromise with "idols"—be they materialism, self-promotion, or worldly values—can hinder our effectiveness and intimacy with God. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any "abominations" or areas of unfaithfulness that might create distance between us and God, prompting sincere repentance and a renewed commitment to wholehearted devotion. Ultimately, it encourages us to live lives that reflect the holiness of the God we serve, recognizing that our conduct impacts our spiritual access and the integrity of our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "abominations" or forms of spiritual compromise in my life might be hindering my ability to "draw near" to God in a deeper way?**
* **How does the concept of "bearing shame" for past unfaithfulness apply to the consequences of sin in a believer's life today, even in the context of God's forgiveness?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of reverence and purity in my personal worship and service, reflecting God's absolute holiness?**

### FAQ

**What were the "abominations" committed by these Levites?**

Answer: The "abominations" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) specifically refer to the idolatrous practices and spiritual infidelity that these Levites engaged in alongside the people of Israel. As mentioned in [Ezekiel 44:10](/ezekiel/44-10 "Ezekiel 44:10 - Levites Who Went Astray"), they "went astray from me after their idols." This involved participating in the worship of false gods, which was a direct violation of God's covenant and a detestable act in His sight, leading to the defilement of the land and the sanctuary.

**What specific duties were these Levites disqualified from?**

Answer: Ezekiel 44:13 states they "shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most holy [place]." This means they were disqualified from the most intimate and sacred priestly functions, such as offering sacrifices directly on the altar, burning incense, and entering the inner sanctuary (the "most holy place") where God's presence was uniquely manifested. While they were still permitted to perform lesser duties like serving as gatekeepers and slaughtering sacrifices [Ezekiel 44:11](/ezekiel/44-11 "Ezekiel 44:11 - Lesser Duties of the Levites"), their access to the core, most sacred aspects of priestly ministry was revoked.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 44:13, with its emphasis on purity, access, and the consequences of unfaithfulness for priests, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Old Testament priesthood, with its limitations and the need for perfect purity, foreshadowed the ultimate and perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. Unlike the Levitical priests who could be disqualified due to sin and had to offer sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus is "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our High Priest"). He has no "shame" or "abominations" to bear, for He committed no sin [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness"). Through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, Jesus not only fulfilled the priestly office but also opened a new and living way for all believers to "draw near" to God. We, as believers, are now a "royal priesthood" [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"), not based on our own merit or freedom from past "abominations," but solely on Christ's perfect righteousness. He bore our shame and the consequences of our abominations, allowing us to "with confidence draw near to the throne of grace" [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Drawing Near to God's Throne of Grace"), a privilege denied to the unfaithful priests of Ezekiel's vision. Thus, the strictures of Ezekiel 44:13 highlight the absolute necessity of a sinless mediator, a role perfectly fulfilled by Christ, who grants us the access and purity that the Old Covenant system could only foreshadow.

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

Numbers 18:3

And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die.

2 Kings 23:9

Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.

Ezekiel 32:20

They shall fall in the midst of [them that are] slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes.

Ezekiel 36:7

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I have lifted up mine hand, Surely the heathen that [are] about you, they shall bear their shame.

Ezekiel 16:61

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.