Ezekiel 46:17

KJV

But if he give a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his to the year of liberty; after it shall return to the prince: but his inheritance shall be his sons' for them.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if he give {H5414} a gift {H4979} of his inheritance {H5159} to one {H259} of his servants {H5650}, then it shall be his to the year {H8141} of liberty {H1865}; after it shall return {H7725} to the prince {H5387}: but his inheritance {H5159} shall be his sons {H1121}' for them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if he gives part of his hereditary property to one of his slaves, it will be his until the year of freedom, at which time it will revert to the prince, so that the prince's heritage will go to his sons.

Berean Standard Bible

But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it will belong to that servant until the year of freedom; then it will revert to the prince. His inheritance belongs only to his sons; it shall be theirs.

American Standard Version

But if he give of his inheritance a gift to one of his servants, it shall be his to the year of liberty; then it shall return to the prince; but as for his inheritance, it shall be for his sons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:17 details the regulations governing the prince's gifts and inheritance within the visionary temple and land distribution. It stipulates that any gift of his inheritance bestowed upon a servant is temporary, reverting to the prince in the "year of liberty," akin to the Jubilee. Conversely, the prince's core inheritance is permanently reserved for his sons, ensuring the preservation of his lineage's patrimony and preventing the permanent alienation of land, thereby upholding divine principles of order, justice, and equitable distribution in the idealized future state.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 46:17 is situated within the highly detailed and prescriptive vision of the new temple and restored Israel, spanning chapters [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple") through [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - Division of the Land and the City"). This extensive section serves as an eschatological blueprint for a future, ideal Israel, emphasizing divine order, purity, and justice. Specifically, chapters [Ezekiel 45](/ezekiel/45 "Ezekiel 45 - The Holy District and Prince's Portion") and [Ezekiel 46](/ezekiel/46 "Ezekiel 46 - Ordinances for the Prince and Offerings") focus on the role and responsibilities of the "prince" (Hebrew: *nasi*), who is a civil leader distinct from the priestly class. These chapters outline his designated land portion, his duties in providing sacrifices, and strict regulations concerning his personal property and interactions with the temple. Verse 17, therefore, elaborates on the management of his inheritance, ensuring that his benevolence does not disrupt the divinely ordained land tenure system, which is a cornerstone of this visionary restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Ezekiel was given during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma and displacement for the Israelites. The loss of their land, temple, and sovereignty created a deep longing for restoration. In ancient Israelite society, land was not merely property but a sacred inheritance from God, tied to tribal and family identity. The Mosaic Law, particularly the institution of the [Year of Jubilee](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Sabbatical Year and Year of Jubilee"), was designed to prevent the permanent alienation of ancestral land, ensuring that it would revert to its original families every fifty years. This system aimed to maintain social equity, prevent the rise of a landless class, and remind the people that the land ultimately belonged to God (as seen in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). Ezekiel's inclusion of similar land laws, even for the prince, demonstrates a profound commitment to these foundational principles of justice and equitable distribution, projecting them onto an ideal future where divine order is perfectly upheld.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's vision and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Justice**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for equitable land distribution and the prevention of permanent dispossession, even in the idealized future. The regulations for the prince, though a leader, show that all are subject to God's laws, preventing abuse of power and ensuring social stability. Secondly, the explicit reference to the "year of liberty" highlights the enduring principle of **Restoration and Reversion**, echoing the [Jubilee laws found in Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Sabbatical Year and Year of Jubilee"). This concept ensures that alienated property eventually returns to its rightful owners, symbolizing God's commitment to setting things right and providing fresh starts. Thirdly, the verse clearly distinguishes between permanent and temporary holdings, emphasizing the **Preservation of Lineage and Inheritance**. The prince's inheritance is secured for his sons, while gifts to servants are temporary, reflecting the importance of maintaining family patrimony and preventing the erosion of tribal boundaries, a concern also seen in [Numbers 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Inheritance of Daughters"). Finally, the passage implicitly speaks to **Stewardship and Responsibility**, as the prince, though powerful, is a steward of his inheritance, obligated to manage it according to divine principles, ensuring his actions do not undermine the long-term well-being of his lineage or the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to inherit," signifies something inherited, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, or portion. In the context of ancient Israel, *nachălâh* was profoundly significant, representing the tribal and family land allotment received as a divine gift, symbolizing identity, security, and continuity. In Ezekiel 46:17, it refers to the prince's personal estate, which is distinct from the land designated for his official duties (cf. [Ezekiel 45:7-8](/ezekiel/45-7 "Ezekiel 45:7-8 - The Prince's Portion of Land")). The verse emphasizes that while he can give *gifts* from this inheritance, the core *nachălâh* must ultimately remain with his sons, preserving the family line's foundational asset.
* **liberty (Hebrew, _dᵉrôwr'_):** Derived from a root suggesting rapid movement or freedom, *dᵉrôwr* specifically denotes "freedom" or "release." It is the exact term used in [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - Proclamation of Liberty for the Jubilee") to describe the "proclamation of liberty" in the Year of Jubilee. This "year of liberty" was a divinely mandated fiftieth year when all land sold or forfeited would revert to its original owners, and all Israelite indentured servants would be set free. In Ezekiel 46:17, its application ensures that any gift from the prince's inheritance to a servant is temporary, lasting only until this year of release, preventing permanent transfer and upholding the principle of land reversion.
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** This word, meaning "an exalted one," "king," or "ruler," refers to the civil leader in Ezekiel's vision. Distinct from the pre-exilic Davidic kings and the high priest, the *nâsîyʼ* in Ezekiel's temple vision is a key figure in the restored community, responsible for providing sacrifices and administering justice, but notably operating under strict divine regulations. His role is to facilitate the worship and order of the community, not to wield absolute power. The specific laws regarding his inheritance in this verse highlight his accountability and the divine constraints placed even upon the highest human authority in the ideal state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if he give a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants":** This clause introduces a specific scenario: the prince, from his personal, inherited property, bestows a gift upon a servant. This demonstrates the prince's authority and generosity, but immediately sets the stage for the limitations that follow. The "gift" (*mattânâh*) implies a voluntary transfer, not a sale.
* **"then it shall be his to the year of liberty;":** This is the core stipulation for gifts to servants. The gift is not a permanent transfer but a temporary possession, lasting only until the next "year of liberty" (Jubilee). This ensures that the servant benefits for a period, but the land ultimately remains within the prince's patrimony, preventing its permanent alienation outside the family or designated lineage.
* **"after it shall return to the prince:":** This directly states the consequence of the "year of liberty" for such gifts. Once the Jubilee year arrives, the gifted portion reverts to the prince, reinforcing the temporary nature of the grant and the principle of land reversion. This mechanism prevents the gradual diminishment of the prince's core inheritance through repeated gifting.
* **"but his inheritance shall be his sons' for them.":** This final clause provides a crucial contrast and clarifies the ultimate destination of the prince's *permanent* inheritance. Unlike temporary gifts to servants, the prince's main *nachălâh* is irrevocably designated for his sons. This ensures the continuity of the family line's patrimony, mirroring the broader biblical emphasis on preserving tribal and family land allotments across generations (cf. [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - Daughters' Right to Inheritance")).

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 46:17 employs several literary devices to convey its precise legal and theological message. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characterized by its prescriptive, conditional ("But if... then it shall be...") and declarative ("it shall return... shall be his sons'") phrasing, typical of covenant law and regulations throughout the Pentateuch. This precise, unambiguous language ensures clarity regarding the prince's obligations and the land's destiny. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the temporary nature of gifts given to servants and the permanent, hereditary nature of the prince's core inheritance for his sons. This juxtaposition highlights the sanctity and importance of ancestral land. Furthermore, the explicit mention of the "year of liberty" functions as **Allusion** and **Symbolism**. It alludes directly to the Mosaic Jubilee laws, grounding Ezekiel's visionary regulations in established divine principles. As **Symbolism**, the Jubilee represents divine justice, restoration, and the ultimate ownership of all land by God, ensuring that no one is permanently dispossessed and that the social order remains balanced and equitable. The meticulous detail in these regulations reflects a broader theological emphasis on God's desire for perfect order and justice in the restored community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:17, with its meticulous regulations concerning the prince's inheritance and gifts, powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the preservation of order within the community. The principle of land reverting in the "year of liberty" is a profound theological statement that God is the ultimate owner of the land and all resources. Human possession is always stewardship, temporary and conditional. This divine framework prevents the accumulation of excessive wealth and power in a few hands, mitigating social stratification and ensuring that every family retains a stake in the land—a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness to His people. It underscores that even leaders are bound by divine law, serving as stewards rather than absolute proprietors, and that true prosperity is found in adherence to God's just decrees, which prioritize communal well-being and the long-term flourishing of all generations.

* [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - Proclamation of Liberty for the Jubilee")
* [Numbers 36:7](/numbers/36-7 "Numbers 36:7 - Inheritance to Remain in the Tribe")
* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord and Proclamation of Liberty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 46:17, while detailing specific laws for an idealized future, offers profound principles applicable to our lives today. It reminds us that all our possessions, talents, and even our very lives are ultimately gifts from God, entrusted to us for a season. Like the prince, we are stewards, not absolute owners. This perspective challenges us to consider how we manage our "inheritance"—our resources, time, and influence. Are we using them wisely, with an eye towards justice and the well-being of others, or are we accumulating them selfishly? The "year of liberty" principle encourages us to practice generosity and release, understanding that holding too tightly to earthly things can hinder both our spiritual growth and our ability to bless others. It also instills hope in God's restorative justice, reminding us that even when things seem permanently lost or unfairly distributed, God has mechanisms for reversal and renewal, both in the grand sweep of history and in our personal lives. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that true, imperishable inheritance is found not in earthly possessions but in our relationship with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I view my possessions and resources as a temporary "gift" rather than a permanent "inheritance" that is solely mine?**
* **How can the principle of the "year of liberty" inspire me to practice generosity, release, or forgiveness in my relationships and with my resources?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's character, particularly His concern for justice and equity, and how might that shape my own actions?**
* **How does the distinction between temporary earthly gifts and permanent spiritual inheritance impact my priorities and pursuits?**

### FAQ
**What is the "year of liberty" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "year of liberty" (Hebrew: *shenat hadderor*) is a direct reference to the Year of Jubilee, a divinely ordained institution in ancient Israelite law, primarily described in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Sabbatical Year and Year of Jubilee"). Occurring every fifty years, the Jubilee was a time of profound social and economic reset. During this year, all land that had been sold or transferred would revert to its original tribal and family owners, and all Israelite indentured servants would be set free. It was a mechanism to prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth and land by a few, ensuring that every family retained its ancestral inheritance and that society remained relatively equitable. In Ezekiel 46:17, its inclusion signifies that even in the idealized future, the principles of divine ownership and restorative justice remain foundational, ensuring that gifts from the prince to his servants are temporary and do not permanently diminish his family's designated inheritance.

**Why are the prince's gifts to servants temporary?**

Answer: The temporary nature of the prince's gifts to his servants, reverting in the year of liberty, serves several crucial purposes within Ezekiel's visionary framework. Firstly, it upholds the principle of **land inheritance and tribal patrimony**. In ancient Israel, land was tied to family and tribal identity, and its permanent alienation was generally discouraged. By making gifts temporary, the system ensures that the prince's core inheritance, designated for his sons, remains intact and does not gradually diminish over generations through repeated acts of generosity to non-family members. Secondly, it reflects the **divine ownership of the land**. The land ultimately belongs to God (as stated in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")), and human possession is always stewardship. The Jubilee mechanism, applied here, reinforces this theological truth by periodically resetting land ownership. Thirdly, it promotes **social equity and prevents perpetual dispossession**. While servants receive a benefit, they do not gain permanent ownership, which could lead to a concentration of land outside the established family lines. This regulation contributes to the overall vision of a perfectly ordered and just society in the restored Israel, where divine principles govern even the actions of the highest civil authority.

**How does this verse relate to the overall vision of Ezekiel's temple?**

Answer: Ezekiel 46:17 is an integral part of the comprehensive vision of the new temple and restored Israel presented in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"). This entire section outlines God's blueprint for an ideal future, characterized by divine presence, purity, and perfect order. This verse, specifically addressing the prince's inheritance, demonstrates that this divine order extends beyond the temple rituals to encompass civil administration and land distribution. It shows that even the highest human authority, the prince, is subject to meticulous divine laws designed to ensure justice and prevent abuse of power. The inclusion of the "year of liberty" principle within these regulations highlights the enduring importance of the Mosaic covenant's social justice tenets in the eschatological age. Thus, the verse underscores that the restored community will not only be spiritually pure but also socially equitable, with every aspect of life, including property rights, governed by God's perfect wisdom and concern for His people's well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 46:17, with its emphasis on inheritance, liberty, and the role of the prince, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The earthly prince in Ezekiel's vision, though a steward under divine law, foreshadows the ultimate **Prince of Peace**, Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal King (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "The Prince of Peace")). While the earthly prince's gifts were temporary and reverted in the "year of liberty," Christ offers an **eternal inheritance** that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for believers ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "Our Imperishable Inheritance")). The "year of liberty" in the Old Testament, which brought release from debt and return of land, points to the spiritual liberty proclaimed by Jesus. He announced His ministry as fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1 "Jesus Proclaims Good News and Liberty"), declaring "the year of the Lord's favor" in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Jesus Proclaims the Year of the Lord's Favor"). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ provides true freedom from the bondage of sin and death ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Freedom in Christ")), a liberty far surpassing any earthly release. Moreover, as the ultimate Son, Christ secures for His spiritual "sons" and "daughters" (believers) an **unshakeable inheritance** not based on earthly lineage or temporary land grants, but on adoption into God's family through Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). He is the mediator of a new covenant, ensuring that those who are called receive the promised eternal inheritance ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, Mediator of a New Covenant and Eternal Inheritance")). Thus, the meticulous laws of Ezekiel 46:17, designed to maintain order and justice in an earthly realm, find their ultimate, perfect, and eternal expression in the redemptive work of Christ, who establishes a spiritual kingdom of everlasting justice, true liberty, and an unfading inheritance for all who believe.

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

Leviticus 25:10

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

Galatians 4:30

Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

Galatians 4:31

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Matthew 25:14

¶ For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Matthew 25:29

For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

Luke 19:25

(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

Luke 19:26

For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.