Ezekiel 44:3

KJV

[It is] for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is for the prince {H5387}; the prince {H5387}, he shall sit {H3427} in it to eat {H398} bread {H3899} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; he shall enter {H935} by the way {H1870} of the porch {H197} of that gate {H8179}, and shall go out {H3318} by the way {H1870} of the same.

Complete Jewish Bible

Only the prince, since he is a prince, is to sit there to eat his meal before ADONAI; he is to enter through the vestibule of the gate and leave the same way."

Berean Standard Bible

Only the prince himself may sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of the LORD. He must enter by way of the portico of the gateway and go out the same way.”

American Standard Version

As for the prince, he shall sit therein as prince to eat bread before Jehovah; he shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 44:3 presents a unique and exclusive privilege granted to "the prince" within the visionary temple, allowing him to enter and exit the otherwise permanently shut eastern gate. This special access permits him to sit within the gate's porch to "eat bread before the LORD," signifying a profound act of communion and a distinct leadership role in the restored worship system. The verse underscores the divine order, the sanctity of God's presence, and the singular status of this figure in the eschatological temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 44:3 is situated within the expansive temple vision of [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple"), which details a meticulously designed temple, its rituals, and the reordering of the land for a restored Israel. This specific chapter focuses on the regulations concerning the temple's gates and the roles of its personnel. Immediately preceding this verse, [Ezekiel 44:1-2](/ezekiel/44-1 "Ezekiel 44:1-2 - The Shut Eastern Gate") explains that the eastern gate, through which the glory of the LORD had entered, was to remain permanently shut, emphasizing God's holiness and the gate's sacredness. Verse 3 then introduces the sole exception to this rule, highlighting the extraordinary status of the prince. This precise detail contributes to the overall theme of divine order and the unique administration of worship in this future temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel received this vision during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national despair and spiritual reflection for the Jewish people. The destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem (586 BC) had left a void, and Ezekiel's vision offered a powerful message of hope for future restoration, a renewed covenant, and a purified worship. The concept of a "prince" (nasi) rather than a "king" (melek) is significant; it reflects a post-monarchical ideal of leadership, perhaps influenced by the failures of past kings, and points to a leader who would operate under God's ultimate sovereignty, distinct from the priestly class. Eating "bread before the LORD" would have resonated with familiar practices of covenant meals and sacrificial offerings, where shared food symbolized communion and fellowship with God.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's prophecy. First, it reinforces the **holiness and transcendence of God**, exemplified by the permanently shut eastern gate and the restricted access, underscoring that God's presence demands reverence and specific protocol. Second, it highlights the importance of **divine order and meticulous regulation** in worship, as seen in the precise instructions for the prince's entry and exit. Third, it introduces the **unique role of the prince**, a figure central to the administration of the future temple, whose privilege of communion ("eating bread before the LORD") signifies a special relationship with God and a distinct leadership function, often interpreted as a foreshadowing of an ideal, righteous ruler or even the Messiah. This vision offers a blueprint for a purified, restored community centered on God's presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîy’_):** From the root meaning "to lift up" or "exalt," this term denotes an exalted one, a chief, leader, or ruler. Importantly, it is distinct from _melek_ (king), suggesting a leader whose authority is derived from and subordinate to God's ultimate sovereignty. In Ezekiel's vision, the _nâsîy’_ represents an ideal, righteous leader for the restored community, emphasizing a non-monarchical, divinely appointed authority.
* **sit (Hebrew, _yâshab_):** This verb means "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain." In the context of the prince, it implies a settled, authorized presence within the sacred space. It denotes a position of honor, authority, and perhaps even a leisurely, intimate communion, rather than a fleeting visit. The act of sitting to eat suggests a deliberate, unhurried participation in a sacred meal.
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal_) bread (Hebrew, _lechem_):** The verb _ʼâkal_ means "to eat" or "to consume," while _lechem_ refers to food in general, but most commonly "bread." "Eating bread before the LORD" carries significant theological weight, often signifying participation in a sacred meal, a covenant ceremony, or an offering. It speaks to intimate fellowship, communion, and the sustenance derived from God's presence, implying a shared meal that strengthens the bond between the prince and the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[It is] for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it":** This opening clause immediately establishes the exclusivity of the privilege. The repetition of "the prince" emphasizes his singular and unparalleled status. His ability to "sit" in the gate's porch implies a settled, authorized presence, a place of honor and communion, rather than merely passing through. This is a unique exception to the general prohibition of entry through the eastern gate.
* **"to eat bread before the LORD":** This phrase describes the specific purpose of the prince's access. "Eating bread" signifies a sacred meal, a moment of fellowship and communion. "Before the LORD" indicates that this act takes place in the immediate presence of God, emphasizing the profound intimacy and spiritual nourishment involved. It suggests a participation in holy offerings or a covenant meal, highlighting the prince's role as a representative in worship and his unique access to divine sustenance.
* **"he shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate, and shall go out by the way of the same":** This final clause provides the precise logistical details of the prince's access. He is limited to entering and exiting through the "porch" (vestibule) of the eastern gate, not the gate itself, and must use the same path for both entry and exit. This meticulous instruction reinforces the divine order, the sacredness of the space, and the highly regulated nature of even the prince's privileged access, ensuring that the gate's sanctity is maintained.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 44:3 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "eastern gate" serving as a powerful symbol of God's holiness and the restricted nature of His presence, having been sealed after the glory of the LORD entered through it. The act of the prince "eating bread before the LORD" is symbolic of intimate communion, divine favor, and spiritual sustenance, echoing ancient covenant meals. The "prince" himself is a **typological** figure, representing an ideal, righteous leader who mediates between God and the people, often interpreted as foreshadowing the Messiah. The **repetition** of "the prince" at the beginning of the verse, and the phrase "by the way of the same" at the end, serves as a rhetorical device to emphasize the exclusivity, uniqueness, and precise regulation of this privilege. The entire passage functions as a **prophetic vision**, using detailed architectural and ritual descriptions to convey theological truths about God's character, future restoration, and ideal worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 44:3 profoundly underscores the themes of divine holiness, the sanctity of God's presence, and the nature of true communion. The strict regulations for the eastern gate, with only the prince granted limited access, emphasize that approaching God is not a casual matter but requires reverence, divine appointment, and adherence to sacred order. The prince's privilege of eating bread before the LORD signifies a unique, intimate fellowship, pointing to the spiritual nourishment and covenant relationship that God desires with His chosen leaders and, by extension, His people. This vision anticipates a future where God's presence is central, and worship is conducted with utmost purity and precision, reflecting His glory and character.

* [Leviticus 7:15-18](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15-18 - Eating Peace Offerings")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Boldly Approach the Throne of Grace")
* [Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Revelation 21:25 - Gates of New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 44:3, though set in a visionary temple, offers timeless principles for believers today. The profound reverence demanded by God's holiness, symbolized by the shut gate, should shape our approach to worship and our daily lives. While we no longer approach a physical temple, we are called to recognize the sanctity of God's presence in our spiritual lives and in the gathered church. The prince's unique privilege of "eating bread before the LORD" can inspire us to seek deeper communion and fellowship with God, recognizing the spiritual nourishment that comes from His presence. Through Christ, we have been granted extraordinary access, far surpassing that of the prince, yet this access should still be met with awe and a desire for purity. We are called to live lives that reflect the order and holiness of God, ensuring that our spiritual walk is intentional and reverent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the exclusivity of the prince's access in Ezekiel's vision deepen your appreciation for the access we have to God through Jesus Christ?**
* **What does "eating bread before the LORD" symbolize for your personal communion with God today, and how can you cultivate that intimacy?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, cultivate a greater sense of reverence, order, and intentionality in our worship and daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the prince" in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The "prince" (Hebrew: _nâsîy’_) in Ezekiel's vision is a distinct and prominent figure, separate from the priests and Levites. He is not referred to as "king" (_melek_), which is significant given the historical failures of Israel's monarchy. Instead, the _nâsîy’_ represents an ideal, righteous leader who operates under God's ultimate sovereignty. Scholars interpret this figure in various ways: as a future Davidic king, a righteous ruler in a restored Israel, or most commonly, as a typological or Messianic figure who foreshadows Jesus Christ, the perfect leader and mediator in God's kingdom. His role is primarily administrative and involves special access to the temple for worship and communion.

**Why is the eastern gate shut in Ezekiel's temple vision?**

Answer: The eastern gate is declared shut in [Ezekiel 44:1-2](/ezekiel/44-1 "Ezekiel 44:1-2 - The Eastern Gate Shut Forever") because "the glory of the LORD, the God of Israel, had entered by the way of it." This act signifies the profound holiness of God and the sacredness of His presence. The permanent closing of the gate serves to preserve its sanctity, preventing common access and emphasizing that this particular entrance was consecrated by God's glory. It underscores the divine order and the reverence due to God's dwelling place, with only the appointed prince having a specific, limited exception for entry and exit.

**What is the significance of "eating bread before the LORD" for the prince?**

Answer: The phrase "eating bread before the LORD" signifies a profound act of communion and fellowship with God. In ancient Israelite culture, sharing a meal often symbolized a covenant relationship, intimacy, and divine favor. For the prince, this privilege likely implies participation in sacred meals related to offerings or sacrifices, or a unique form of spiritual nourishment derived directly from God's presence. It highlights his distinct status, his role as a representative of the people in worship, and the deep intimacy he shares with the divine, reinforcing his unique, divinely appointed leadership in the restored community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 44:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "prince" of Ezekiel's vision, with his unique access and communion before the LORD, serves as a powerful type of the Messiah. Jesus is the true and eternal [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), the perfect leader who embodies righteous governance and perfect worship. Where the earthly prince had limited access through a specific gate, Jesus declares, "I am the [door](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus the Door"); if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved." He is the ultimate means of access to God, not just for a privileged few, but for all who believe. The prince's act of "eating bread before the LORD" foreshadows the intimate communion believers now share with God through Christ. Jesus, through His sacrifice, has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God, allowing us to [draw near with confidence to the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Boldly Approach the Throne of Grace"). Furthermore, the "bread" points to the spiritual sustenance found in Christ, who is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life"), and whose body, broken for us, is commemorated in the Lord's Supper, where we truly eat and drink "before the Lord" in spiritual communion. In Christ, the exclusivity of the prince's access is transformed into an inclusive invitation for all believers, who are made a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood") with direct access to God.

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

Ezekiel 46:2

And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.

1 Corinthians 10:18

Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

1 Corinthians 10:33

Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

Ezekiel 34:24

And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].

Ezekiel 37:25

And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David [shall be] their prince for ever.

Genesis 31:54

Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

Ezekiel 40:9

Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate [was] inward.