Ezekiel 44:31

The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.

The priests {H3548} shall not eat {H398} of any thing that is dead of itself {H5038}, or torn {H2966}, whether it be fowl {H5775} or beast {H929}.

The cohanim are not to eat anything, bird or animal, that dies naturally or is torn to death.

The priests may not eat any bird or animal found dead or torn by wild beasts.

The priests shall not eat of anything that dieth of itself, or is torn, whether it be bird or beast.

Ezekiel 44:31 is part of a detailed vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the future temple and its regulations, particularly focusing on the conduct and purity required of the priests who would serve there. This specific verse addresses a crucial aspect of their dietary laws.

Context

This verse is found within a larger section of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) that describes a detailed blueprint for a new temple, its services, and the organization of the land. After the destruction of the first temple and the Babylonian exile, this vision offered hope and a renewed understanding of God's dwelling place and the proper worship that should occur there. The regulations for the priests in Ezekiel 44:15-31 emphasize their unique role and the high standards of holiness required of them to minister before a holy God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Priestly Purity and Consecration: The primary message is the absolute necessity for the priests to maintain ritual purity. Their diet was a significant marker of their consecrated status and their separation from common practices. By avoiding unclean foods, they demonstrated their dedication to God's standards.
  • Distinction Between Clean and Unclean: The prohibition against eating animals "dead of itself" (nevelah, a carcass that died naturally) or "torn" (terephah, an animal torn by a wild beast) aligns with broader Old Testament dietary laws. These animals were considered ritually unclean, partly because their blood had not been properly drained, which was crucial in Israelite law (Leviticus 17:15, Exodus 22:31).
  • Holiness of God's Presence: The strict rules for the priests underscored the holiness of the God they served and the sacredness of the temple. Anyone ministering in God's presence had to reflect His purity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here are significant:

  • "dead of itself" translates the Hebrew word nevelah (נְבֵלָה), which refers to an animal that has died naturally, not through ritual slaughter. Such an animal was considered ritually unclean.
  • "torn" comes from the Hebrew terephah (טְרֵפָה), referring to an animal that has been attacked and killed or mangled by a wild beast. This too rendered the meat ritually impure.
Both terms highlight the importance of the manner of death and preparation for consumption within Israelite purity laws, particularly for those in sacred service.

Practical Application

While the literal dietary laws of the Old Testament are not binding for New Covenant believers (Acts 10:15), the underlying principles of holiness and separation remain profoundly relevant. Believers are now called a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), spiritually ministering to God.

  • Spiritual Purity: Just as the ancient priests avoided physical defilement, believers today are called to avoid spiritual defilement. This involves being discerning about what we "consume" in terms of influences, entertainment, relationships, and ideas that could corrupt our spiritual walk or compromise our witness.
  • Consecrated Living: The verse reminds us that serving God requires a consecrated life, set apart for His purposes. Our choices, even seemingly small ones, can reflect our dedication to holiness and our desire to honor God in all we do.
  • Respect for God's Standards: It reinforces the timeless truth that God is holy and desires His people to reflect His holiness in their lives.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 22:8

    That which dieth of itself, or is torn [with beasts], he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I [am] the LORD.

  • Exodus 22:31

    And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat [any] flesh [that is] torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.

  • Deuteronomy 14:21

    Ye shall not eat [of] any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that [is] in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:13

    Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

  • Leviticus 17:15

    And every soul that eateth that which died [of itself], or that which was torn [with beasts, whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.

  • Ezekiel 4:14

    Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

  • Romans 14:20

    For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back