Ezekiel 48:14

KJV

And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for [it is] holy unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall not sell {H4376} of it, neither exchange {H4171}, nor alienate {H5674}{H5674} the firstfruits {H7225} of the land {H776}: for it is holy {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They may not sell, exchange or alienate any of this choice land; because it is holy, for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

They must not sell or exchange any of it, and they must not transfer this best part of the land, for it is holy to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And they shall sell none of it, nor exchange it, nor shall the first-fruits of the land be alienated; for it is holy unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:14 articulates a strict prohibition against selling, exchanging, or alienating a specific portion of the land designated as the "holy oblation" within Ezekiel's visionary temple and land division. This verse underscores the absolute sacredness and inalienable nature of this dedicated territory, emphasizing that it is irrevocably set apart as "holy unto the LORD," signifying its exclusive divine ownership and perpetual dedication for sacred purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:14 is situated within the climactic final section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which details a comprehensive prophetic vision of a restored temple, a reorganized priesthood, and a meticulously re-divided land for the twelve tribes of Israel in a future, idealized state. Following the detailed architectural plans of the new temple (Ezekiel 40-43) and its rituals (Ezekiel 44-46), chapters 47-48 describe the re-allotment of the land. Specifically, Ezekiel 48 outlines the precise boundaries and allocations for each tribe, as well as for the sanctuary, the priests, the Levites, and the prince. Verses 8-14 focus on a central, consecrated portion of land known as the "holy oblation" (or "holy portion," Hebrew: _terumah qodesh_), which is distinctively set apart for the Lord. This particular verse, following the description of its dimensions and purpose, emphatically declares its inviolability, ensuring its perpetual dedication to divine service and preventing its treatment as common property.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel, marked by the destruction of the first temple and the loss of their land. In this context, the detailed vision of a new temple and a re-divided land offered a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring covenant faithfulness. The concept of "holy land" and dedicated portions was deeply embedded in Israelite culture, stemming from the Mosaic Law. The Law stipulated various forms of offerings and "firstfruits" (e.g., [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Bringing the First of the Firstfruits")), and also emphasized God's ultimate ownership of the land (e.g., [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). The prohibition against selling or alienating dedicated property, particularly land, finds parallels in other biblical texts concerning consecrated items (e.g., [Leviticus 27:28](/leviticus/27-28 "Leviticus 27:28 - Consecrated Things Cannot Be Sold")). This cultural background underscores the profound significance of setting apart a portion of the land as irrevocably sacred, distinct from tribal inheritances that could be bought or sold (though with redemption clauses).
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Holiness and Sanctity** are paramount; the land is explicitly declared "holy unto the LORD," signifying its absolute consecration and separation for divine purposes. This reinforces the pervasive theme of God's demand for holiness in all aspects of His people's lives and worship, particularly concerning His dwelling place. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Ownership** is central; the prohibition against alienation underscores that this portion of land belongs entirely to God, reflecting the principle that all the land ultimately belongs to Him (as seen in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). Thirdly, **Covenant Fidelity and Restoration** are evident, as the meticulous division and dedication of the land symbolize God's faithfulness to His promises of restoring Israel and establishing His presence among them once more. The inalienable nature of this "firstfruits" portion also connects to the theme of **Giving God the Best**, implying that the most choice part of the land is perpetually set aside for Him, symbolizing ultimate devotion and priority. This vision serves as a blueprint for an ideal future where God's presence and holiness are central and inviolable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sell (Hebrew, _mâkar'_):** (H4376) A primitive root meaning "to sell," literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender). In this context, it refers to the commercial transaction of exchanging property for money or goods, which is strictly forbidden for this sacred land. The prohibition emphasizes that this land is not a commodity to be traded.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** (H6944) From a root meaning "to be set apart" or "consecrated." It refers to a sacred place or thing, or abstractly, sanctity. Here, it signifies that the land is consecrated, dedicated, and set apart exclusively for God's divine purposes, making it distinct from common or profane use. Its holiness is the fundamental reason for its inalienability.
* **firstfruits (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** (H7225) From the same root as _rôʼsh_ (head), meaning "the first, in place, time, order or rank." Specifically, it refers to a firstfruit, beginning, chief, or principal thing. In this context, it indicates that this dedicated land itself is the prime, most sacred, or initial portion set aside for God from the entire land, embodying the principle of giving God the best and the first.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall not sell of it":** This clause issues a direct and absolute prohibition against any commercial transaction involving the holy portion of land. It cannot be treated as ordinary property that can be bought or sold for personal gain or transfer of ownership. This ensures its perpetual dedication to God.
* **"neither exchange, nor alienate":** These phrases expand upon the initial prohibition, covering other forms of transfer or diversion. "Exchange" (H4171, _mûwr_) implies bartering or trading for something else, while "alienate" (H5674, _ʻâbar_) means to transfer ownership or to cause it to pass away from its dedicated purpose. Together, these terms comprehensively forbid any action that would remove the land from its consecrated status or transfer its use to another party.
* **"the firstfruits of the land":** This specifies the object of the prohibition. It is the "firstfruits" (H7225, _rêʼshîyth_) of the land, implying that this dedicated portion is the preeminent, initial, and best part of the land, set aside for God. This emphasizes its supreme importance and unique status among all other land allocations.
* **"for [it is] holy unto the LORD":** This concluding phrase provides the theological justification for the strict prohibition. The land's inalienability stems directly from its sacred nature and its exclusive dedication to Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_). Its holiness means it is irrevocably set apart for God's purposes and cannot be treated as common property.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 48:14 is **Legal Language/Prohibition**, which uses direct and unequivocal negative commands ("shall not sell," "neither exchange, nor alienate") to establish an absolute and binding rule. This emphasizes the inviolable nature of the consecrated land, leaving no room for ambiguity or circumvention. Furthermore, the verse employs **Repetition** of synonymous verbs ("sell," "exchange," "alienate") to underscore the comprehensive nature of the prohibition, ensuring that no form of transfer or diversion is permitted. This rhetorical technique amplifies the message of inalienability. Finally, the phrase "holy unto the LORD" serves as a powerful **Theological Justification**, providing the ultimate divine rationale for the command and imbuing the land with profound **Symbolism** as a tangible representation of God's presence, ownership, and the sanctity required in His ideal kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:14 profoundly articulates the principle of divine ownership and the sanctity of what is consecrated to God. This specific instruction regarding the inalienable "holy oblation" in the visionary temple serves as a powerful reminder that certain things are set apart for God alone and are not to be treated as common property or for personal gain. It reflects a foundational biblical truth that God is the ultimate owner of all creation, and when something is dedicated to Him, it enters a realm of sacredness that demands unique respect and preservation. This concept extends beyond physical land to encompass all aspects of life that are surrendered to God's purposes, emphasizing the call to live a life of holiness and dedication.

* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")
* [Numbers 18:14](/numbers/18-14 "Numbers 18:14 - Every Devoted Thing in Israel")
* [Romans 11:16](/romans/11-16 "Romans 11:16 - If the Root is Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:14, while rooted in a specific prophetic vision of land division, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers regarding holiness, stewardship, and dedication. The inalienable nature of the "firstfruits of the land" serves as a powerful metaphor for how we are to regard those aspects of our lives, resources, and time that we dedicate to God. It challenges us to consider whether we truly treat what we claim to be "holy unto the LORD" as inviolable, or if we are prone to "sell, exchange, or alienate" it for our own convenience, gain, or worldly pursuits. This verse calls us to a radical commitment, recognizing that true dedication means setting apart our best—our "firstfruits"—and ensuring its perpetual use for God's glory, resisting the temptation to reclaim or divert it for lesser purposes. It encourages a lifestyle of intentional consecration, where our spiritual practices, our relationships, our talents, and our finances are stewarded with the understanding that they ultimately belong to God and are to be used in a manner that honors His sacred ownership.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life, resources, or time do I consider "holy unto the LORD," and how do I practically demonstrate their inalienable nature?**
* **Am I prone to "sell, exchange, or alienate" things I've dedicated to God when circumstances become challenging or when personal gain is offered?**
* **How does the principle of giving God the "firstfruits" (my best) apply to my daily walk with Christ, beyond just financial offerings?**

### FAQ

**What is the "holy oblation" or "firstfruits of the land" mentioned in Ezekiel 48:14?**

Answer: The "holy oblation" (Hebrew: _terumah qodesh_) refers to a specific, large portion of land meticulously described in Ezekiel 48:8-14. It is a central, sacred district within the visionary re-division of the land of Israel. This area is explicitly designated for the sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites, serving as the dwelling place for God's presence and the center of worship. The term "firstfruits of the land" in this context signifies that this dedicated portion is the preeminent, initial, and best part of the entire land, set aside exclusively for the Lord, emphasizing its supreme importance and unique status as God's own property. It is not merely a piece of land but the consecrated core of the restored nation, symbolizing God's central place within His people.

**Why is it strictly forbidden to sell, exchange, or alienate this dedicated land?**

Answer: The strict prohibition against selling, exchanging, or alienating this land is rooted in its absolute holiness and divine ownership. As the verse states, "it is holy unto the LORD." This means the land is consecrated, set apart exclusively for God's purposes, and therefore cannot be treated as common property subject to human commercial transactions or transfers. This ensures its perpetual dedication and prevents its desecration or misuse. It reflects the broader biblical principle that what is consecrated to God is inviolable and belongs solely to Him, as seen in other laws regarding devoted things (e.g., [Leviticus 27:28](/leviticus/27-28 "Leviticus 27:28 - Consecrated Things Cannot Be Sold")). The inalienability of this land guarantees that the sacred space for God's dwelling and the support for His priestly service will remain undisturbed for all time.

**How does this vision of an inalienable holy land relate to New Testament believers?**

Answer: While the specific vision of land division in Ezekiel is literal for its original context, its underlying principles offer profound spiritual lessons for New Testament believers. The concept of an inalienable "holy unto the LORD" portion points to the ultimate sacredness of God's presence and our calling to be a people set apart for Him. In the New Covenant, believers themselves become the temple of the Holy Spirit (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), and are called to be a "holy nation" (e.g., [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Holy Nation")). This implies that our lives, bodies, resources, and time are not our own to "sell, exchange, or alienate" for worldly pursuits, but are to be perpetually dedicated as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (e.g., [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). The principle of giving God the "firstfruits" also translates spiritually to offering our best, our initial and most devoted efforts, to Him, rather than our leftovers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 48:14, with its emphasis on an inalienable "firstfruits of the land" that is "holy unto the LORD," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament vision points to a physical, dedicated space, Christ embodies the true and ultimate "holy portion" consecrated to God. He is the perfectly holy Son, set apart from eternity, whose entire life, death, and resurrection were an unblemished offering, "holy and pleasing to God" (e.g., [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")). Just as the land could not be alienated, so Christ's dedication to the Father's will was absolute and irreversible; He did not "sell, exchange, or alienate" His mission, but faithfully completed it (e.g., [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - I Have Glorified You on Earth")). Furthermore, Christ is the "firstfruits" in a profound sense—the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who are in Him. Through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, He not only became the ultimate "holy unto the LORD" offering, but He also consecrated a new people, making believers themselves a "kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (e.g., [James 1:18](/james/1-18 "James 1:18 - Firstfruits of His Creatures")) and a "holy priesthood" (e.g., [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")) dedicated to God, a spiritual reality that can never be alienated from His divine ownership.

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 27:28

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, [both] of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing [is] most holy unto the LORD.

Leviticus 27:9

And if [it be] a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that [any man] giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy.

Leviticus 27:10

He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.

Leviticus 25:34

But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it [is] their perpetual possession.

Malachi 3:8

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

Leviticus 27:32

And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, [even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.