Ezekiel 46:6

KJV

And in the day of the new moon [it shall be] a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the day {H3117} of the new moon {H2320} it shall be a young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499} without blemish {H8549}, and six {H8337} lambs {H3532}, and a ram {H352}: they shall be without blemish {H8549}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On Rosh-Hodesh it is to be a young bull, six lambs and a ram, all without defect.

Berean Standard Bible

On the day of the New Moon he shall offer a young, unblemished bull, six lambs, and a ram without blemish.

American Standard Version

And on the day of the new moon it shall be a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram; they shall be without blemish:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:6 meticulously outlines the specific animal sacrifices required for the monthly observance of the new moon within the visionary temple described by the prophet. This verse underscores the divine demand for precise, unblemished offerings, reflecting God's absolute standard for worship and the profound significance of purity in approaching Him. It is a testament to the detailed order God desires in the spiritual life of His people, providing a blueprint for reverent and intentional communion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 46:6 is situated within the latter portion of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail an elaborate vision of a new temple, its ordinances, and the redistribution of the land. This section, often referred to as the "Temple Vision," begins in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple") with the prophet being transported to a very high mountain where he sees a divinely measured temple complex. Chapters 43-46 focus on the sanctuary's glory, the priests' duties, and the various sacrifices and festivals. Chapter 46, in particular, outlines the regulations concerning the prince's offerings and the specific sacrifices for the Sabbaths and new moons, emphasizing the precise liturgical calendar and the orderly nature of worship in this future temple. The detailed nature of these instructions highlights a renewed emphasis on holiness and the proper approach to God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received this vision during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national and spiritual crisis for Israel. The destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and the cessation of regular sacrificial worship left the exiles questioning God's presence and their future. Against this backdrop of despair, Ezekiel's vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and future glory. It provided a divine blueprint for a purified worship and a renewed covenant relationship, assuring the exiles that God had not abandoned them. The concept of "new moon" (Hebrew: _Rosh Chodesh_) observances was deeply rooted in Israelite tradition, dating back to the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11 "Numbers 28:11-15 - New Moon Offerings")). These monthly festivals marked the beginning of a new lunar month and were occasions for special sacrifices, trumpet blasts, and communal gathering, symbolizing renewal and ongoing covenant fidelity.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous instructions in Ezekiel 46:6 contribute to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over worship and His desire for precision in all aspects of approaching Him. Secondly, the repeated requirement of offerings "without blemish" powerfully emphasizes the theme of **Holiness and Purity**. This standard, consistently demanded throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system (e.g., [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Unblemished Burnt Offerings")), underscores the unapproachable purity of God and the necessity of blamelessness for those who would draw near to Him. Thirdly, the focus on specific offerings for the "new moon" highlights the theme of **Covenant Renewal and Restoration**, indicating a future where Israel would faithfully observe God's appointed times and experience His presence in a purified sanctuary. This vision provided hope for a future where the broken covenant would be renewed and proper worship re-established, ultimately pointing to a time of spiritual revitalization.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term refers to a day, whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or one sunset to the next) or figurative (a defined space of time). In this context, it specifies the particular time for the sacrifice, emphasizing the precise timing of the monthly observance. Its usage here highlights the ordered and calendrical nature of the worship prescribed.
* **new moon (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be new," this word refers to the new moon itself, and by implication, a month. It marks the beginning of each lunar month, signifying a recurring, monthly festival. The new moon observance was a significant part of Israel's liturgical calendar, often accompanied by special sacrifices and trumpet blasts, marking a time of spiritual renewal and communal worship.
* **without blemish (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** From a root meaning "to be complete" or "to finish," this adjective signifies something entire, perfect, complete, sound, or morally upright. When applied to sacrifices, it denotes physical perfection, free from any defect or imperfection. This requirement was fundamental to all Old Testament sacrifices, symbolizing the need for purity and wholeness in any offering presented to a holy God. It speaks to the absolute standard of divine acceptance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the day of the new moon":** This clause establishes the specific time for the prescribed sacrifice. The "new moon" (Hebrew: _Rosh Chodesh_) was a significant monthly observance in ancient Israel, marking the beginning of each lunar month. It was a time for special communal worship and offerings, distinct from the weekly Sabbath or annual festivals, emphasizing a regular, recurring act of devotion and covenant remembrance.
* **"[it shall be] a young bullock without blemish":** This specifies the primary animal offering for the new moon. A "young bullock" (Hebrew: _par ben baqar_) was a substantial and valuable sacrifice, indicating the importance and solemnity of the occasion. The crucial qualification "without blemish" (Hebrew: _tamim_) signifies that the animal must be physically perfect, free from any defect or imperfection. This requirement was foundational to all sacrificial offerings, symbolizing the need for purity and wholeness in approaching a holy God.
* **"and six lambs, and a ram":** This lists additional animals to be offered alongside the bullock. The "six lambs" (Hebrew: _shesh kebasim_) and "a ram" (Hebrew: _ayil_) further augment the sacrifice, emphasizing the magnitude and comprehensive nature of the new moon offering. The specific numbers and types of animals were divinely ordained, underscoring the meticulous detail God required in worship.
* **"they shall be without blemish":** This reiterates the critical requirement of perfection for all the animals presented. The repetition of "without blemish" underscores its paramount importance, applying to the lambs and the ram just as it did to the young bullock. This ensures that every part of the offering meets God's standard of purity and worthiness, reflecting the absolute holiness of the One being worshipped.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 46:6 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "without blemish." This reiteration serves to emphasize the absolute necessity of perfection and purity in the sacrificial offerings, underscoring a foundational principle of Old Testament worship. The precise enumeration of animals ("a young bullock," "six lambs," "a ram") is a form of **Specificity** and **Detailing**, which contributes to the overall sense of divine order and meticulous planning evident throughout the temple vision. This precision contrasts with vague or generalized instructions, reinforcing the idea that God's requirements for worship are exact and non-negotiable. Furthermore, the entire passage, as part of Ezekiel's temple vision, functions as a form of **Prophetic Blueprint** or **Symbolism**, where the detailed instructions for future worship symbolize a restored relationship with God and a renewed commitment to holiness, even if the literal fulfillment remains debated among scholars. The very act of prescribing such elaborate rituals in a time of exile offers a powerful **Contrast** between the present desolation and a future of divine order and presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:6, with its emphasis on unblemished sacrifices for the new moon, profoundly connects to the broader biblical theology of atonement, worship, and God's holiness. The requirement for perfection in offerings consistently points to the absolute purity of God, who cannot tolerate imperfection or sin in His presence. These detailed instructions were not arbitrary but served as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the gravity of sin and the necessity of a perfect substitute to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. The monthly new moon observance reinforced the ongoing need for atonement and the cyclical nature of divine grace and human response, preparing the people for a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan.

* [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Requirements for a Burnt Offering")
* [Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11 "Numbers 28:11-15 - New Moon Offerings")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Unacceptable Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific animal sacrifices outlined in Ezekiel 46:6 are no longer required for believers today due to the once-for-all perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our worship and service to God. Just as the ancient Israelites were commanded to bring their "unblemished" best, we are called to offer God our lives as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")). This means approaching God with intentionality, purity of heart, and genuine reverence, rather than with a casual or half-hearted attitude. It prompts us to examine whether our spiritual offerings—our time, talents, resources, and devotion—are truly "without blemish," reflecting a commitment to excellence and holiness in all we do for Him. The meticulous nature of God's instructions reminds us that true worship is not about convenience but about conforming to His divine standards, recognizing His supreme worth and our absolute dependence on His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to offer God less than my "unblemished" best?**
* **How can I cultivate a more intentional and reverent approach to worship, both individually and corporately?**
* **What does "without blemish" mean for my daily walk with Christ, considering His perfect sacrifice?**
* **How does the precision of God's instructions in Ezekiel challenge my understanding of His character and my response to His commands?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "new moon" observance in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The "new moon" (Hebrew: _Rosh Chodesh_) was a significant monthly festival in ancient Israel, marking the beginning of each lunar month. It was a time of special communal gathering, marked by trumpet blasts ([Numbers 10:10](/numbers/10-10 "Numbers 10:10 - Trumpets for New Moons")) and specific sacrifices, as detailed in [Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11 "Numbers 28:11-15 - New Moon Offerings"). It served as a regular reminder of God's covenant with His people, a time for spiritual renewal, and an opportunity for ongoing atonement and worship, reinforcing the cyclical nature of their relationship with God and their dependence on Him.

**Why is the phrase "without blemish" repeated in Ezekiel 46:6 and so important for sacrifices?**

Answer: The phrase "without blemish" (Hebrew: _tamim_) is crucial because it signifies perfection, wholeness, and purity. Its repetition in Ezekiel 46:6 underscores the absolute necessity of presenting offerings that are physically flawless and symbolically pure. This requirement, consistent throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system ([Leviticus 22:21](/leviticus/22-21 "Leviticus 22:21 - Unblemished Offerings")), taught the Israelites about the holy and perfect nature of God, who cannot accept anything less than perfection. It also foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin and offered Himself as a spotless lamb ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Lamb without Blemish")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 46:6, with its meticulous instructions for unblemished sacrifices, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The repeated demand for animals "without blemish" throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system was a constant foreshadowing of the perfect, sinless sacrifice required to truly atone for humanity's sin. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly embodied this requirement, being "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Lamb without Blemish")). His sacrifice on the cross was not merely one among many, but the singular, definitive, and eternally effective offering that perfectly satisfied God's righteous demands for purity and holiness. Unlike the new moon sacrifices which had to be repeated monthly, Christ's sacrifice was a [once-for-all event](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice"), rendering all animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision, with its emphasis on a renewed and purified worship, points forward to the new covenant reality where believers are reconciled to God not through the blood of bulls and goats, but through the precious, unblemished blood of Christ, enabling them to draw near to God with confidence and true spiritual worship ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Conscience")).

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 46:1

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.