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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 44:12 Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/44-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/26_Ezk_44_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 44:12 - The Duties of the Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezekiel/44-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezekiel/44-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/">Ezekiel</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/44.htm">Chapter 44</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezekiel/44-11.htm" title="Ezekiel 44:11">◄</a> Ezekiel 44:12 <a href="/ezekiel/44-13.htm" title="Ezekiel 44:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ezekiel/44.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/44.htm">New International Version</a> But because they served them in the presence of their idols and made the people of Israel fall into sin, therefore I have sworn with uplifted hand that they must bear the consequences of their sin, declares the Sovereign LORD. <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/44.htm">New Living Translation</a> But they encouraged my people to worship idols, causing Israel to fall into deep sin. So I have taken a solemn oath that they must bear the consequences for their sins, says the Sovereign LORD. <a href="/esv/ezekiel/44.htm">English Standard Version</a> Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I have sworn concerning them, declares the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their punishment. <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/44.htm">King James Bible</a> Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity. <a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/44.htm">New King James Version</a> Because they ministered to them before their idols and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity, therefore I have raised My hand in an oath against them,” says the Lord GOD, “that they shall bear their iniquity. <a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Since they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of wrongdoing to the house of Israel, for that reason I have sworn against them,” declares the Lord GOD, “that they shall suffer the punishment for their wrongdoing. <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/44.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I have sworn against them,&#8221 declares the Lord GOD, &#8220that they shall bear the punishment for their iniquity. <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I have sworn against them,” declares the Lord GOD, “that they shall bear the punishment for their iniquity. <a href="/lsb/ezekiel/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I have sworn against them,” declares Lord Yahweh, “that they shall bear the punishment for their iniquity. <a href="/amp/ezekiel/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Because the priests ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of sin to the house of Israel, therefore I have lifted up My hand and have sworn [an oath] against them,” says the Lord GOD, “that they shall bear the punishment for their sin and guilt. <a href="/csb/ezekiel/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Because they ministered to the house of Israel before their idols and became a sinful stumbling block to them, therefore I swore an oath against them” —this is the declaration of the Lord GOD—“that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity. <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Because they ministered to the house of Israel before their idols and became a sinful stumbling block to them, therefore I swore an oath against them"—this is the declaration of the Lord GOD—"that they would bear the consequences of their sin. <a href="/asv/ezekiel/44.htm">American Standard Version</a> Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and became a stumblingblock of iniquity unto the house of Israel; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, saith the Lord Jehovah, and they shall bear their iniquity. <a href="/cev/ezekiel/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But because these Levites served the people of Israel when they worshiped idols, I, the LORD God, promise that the Levites will be punished. They did not stop the Israelites from sinning, <a href="/erv/ezekiel/44.htm">English Revised Version</a> Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and became a stumblingblock of iniquity unto the house of Israel; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity. <a href="/gwt/ezekiel/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But they served the people by standing in front of their idols and by making Israel fall into sin. So I raised my hand and swore that they would be punished for their sins, declares the LORD. <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/44.htm">Good News Translation</a> But because they conducted the worship of idols for the people of Israel and in this way led the people into sin, I, the Sovereign LORD, solemnly swear that they must be punished. <a href="/isv/ezekiel/44.htm">International Standard Version</a> Because they kept serving them in the presence of their idols, becoming a sin-filled stumbling block to the house of Israel,' declares the Lord GOD. "'I have sworn to them that they are to bear the consequences of their iniquity. <a href="/msb/ezekiel/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. <a href="/net/ezekiel/44.htm">NET Bible</a> Because they used to minister to them before their idols, and became a sinful obstacle to the house of Israel, consequently I have made a vow concerning them, declares the sovereign LORD, that they will be responsible for their sin. <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Because they ministered to them before their idols, and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, says the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity. <a href="/wbt/ezekiel/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Because they ministered to them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity. <a href="/web/ezekiel/44.htm">World English Bible</a> Because they ministered to them before their idols, and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I have lifted up my hand against them,” says the Lord Yahweh, “and they will bear their iniquity. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Because that they serve them before their idols, and have been for a stumbling-block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I have lifted up My hand against them—a declaration of Lord YHWH—and they have borne their iniquity. <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Because that they serve them before their idols, and have been to the house of Israel for a stumbling-block of iniquity, therefore I have lifted up my hand against them -- an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah -- and they have borne their iniquity. <a href="/slt/ezekiel/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Because they will serve them before their blocks, and they were to the house of Israel for a stumbling block of iniquity; for this I lifted up my hand against them, says the Lord Jehovah, and they bare their iniquity.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Because they ministered to them before their idols, and were a stumblingblock of iniquity to the house of Israel: therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, saith the Lord God, and they shall bear their iniquity: <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But because they ministered to them in the sight their idols, and they became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, for this reason, I have lifted up my hand against them, says the Lord God, and they will bear their iniquity. <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/44.htm">New American Bible</a> Because they used to serve them before their idols, thus becoming a stumbling block to the house of Israel, therefore I have sworn an oath against them, says the Lord GOD, and they will bear the consequences of their sin. <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Because they ministered to them before their idols and made the house of Israel stumble into iniquity, therefore I have sworn concerning them, says the Lord GOD, that they shall bear their punishment.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel; therefore I have lifted up my hand against them, says the LORD God, and they have borne their iniquity. <a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because they ministered to them before their idols, and they were a stumbling block of evil to the children of Israel; because of this, I have lifted my hands against them, says THE LORD OF LORDS, and they bear their evil<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezekiel/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and became a stumblingblock of iniquity unto the house of Israel; therefore have I lifted up My hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity. <a href="/sep/ezekiel/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Because they ministered to them before their idols, and it became to the house of Israel a punishment of iniquity; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, saith the Lord God. <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=13449" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/44.htm">The Duties of the Levites</a> …11Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them. 12<a href="/hebrew/3282.htm" title="3282: ya·‘an (Adv) -- From an unused root meaning to pay attention; properly, heed; by implication, purpose; used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause.">Because</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8334.htm" title="8334: yə·šā·rə·ṯū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To minister, serve. A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to.">they ministered</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/1544.htm" title="1544: ḡil·lū·lê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- An idol. Or gillul; from galal; properly, a log; by implication, an idol.">their idols</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and became</a> <a href="/hebrew/4383.htm" title="4383: lə·miḵ·šō·wl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Or mikshol; masculine from kashal; a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (specifically an idol), scruple).">a stumbling block</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ā·wōn (N-cs) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">of iniquity</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: lə·ḇêṯ- (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">to the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">therefore</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: nā·śā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">I swore with an uplifted</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">concerning them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: wə·nā·śə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">that they would bear the consequences</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ă·wō·nām (N-csc:: 3mp) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">of their iniquity,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">declares</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD.</a> 13They must not approach Me to serve Me as priests or come near any of My holy things or the most holy things. They will bear the shame of the abominations they have committed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/leviticus/10-1.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a> Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. <a href="/numbers/16-1.htm">Numbers 16:1-35</a> Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted / a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly. / They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” ... <a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12-17</a> Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD / or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling / and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. ... <a href="/1_samuel/2-22.htm">1 Samuel 2:22-25</a> Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / “Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people. / No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. ... <a href="/1_kings/12-31.htm">1 Kings 12:31-33</a> Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites. / And Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar; he made this offering in Bethel to sacrifice to the calves he had set up, and he installed priests in Bethel for the high places he had set up. / On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, Jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar he had set up in Bethel. So he ordained a feast for the Israelites, offered sacrifices on the altar, and burned incense. <a href="/2_kings/17-16.htm">2 Kings 17:16-20</a> They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. / They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. / So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained, ... <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">2 Kings 23:8-9</a> Then Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He tore down the high places of the gates at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which was to the left of the city gate. / Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests. <a href="/jeremiah/23-11.htm">Jeremiah 23:11-15</a> “For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD. / “Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. / “Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray. ... <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6-9</a> My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. / The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; they exchanged their Glory for a thing of disgrace. / They feed on the sins of My people and set their hearts on iniquity. ... <a href="/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8-9</a> But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. / “So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.” <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a> Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13-15</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. <a href="/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39</a> Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12-13</a> The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Because they ministered to them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, said the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity.they ministered<a href="/1_samuel/2-29.htm">1 Samuel 2:29,30</a> Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? … <a href="/2_kings/16-10.htm">2 Kings 16:10-16</a> And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof… <a href="/isaiah/9-16.htm">Isaiah 9:16</a> For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.<a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Ezekiel 14:3,4</a> Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? … therefore<a href="/ezekiel/20-6.htm">Ezekiel 20:6,15,23,28</a> In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands: … <a href="/deuteronomy/32-40.htm">Deuteronomy 32:40-42</a> For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever… <a href="/psalms/106-26.htm">Psalm 106:26</a> Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:and they shall<a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Ezekiel 44:10,13</a> And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-11.htm">Block</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-24.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Consequences</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-27.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-4.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-26.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Images</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-5.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-18.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-3.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-27.htm">Served</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-9.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-7.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-7.htm">Uplifted</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-11.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/44-13.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/hosea/2-6.htm">Block</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Consequences</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-27.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-14.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-5.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-14.htm">House</a> <a href="/hosea/3-4.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/daniel/4-5.htm">Images</a> <a href="/daniel/9-5.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-14.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-19.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-3.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-13.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/daniel/7-10.htm">Served</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-27.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-27.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/daniel/11-34.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/romans/11-9.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/amos/4-2.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-14.htm">Uplifted</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-13.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 44</div>1. <a href="/ezekiel/44-1.htm">The east gate assigned only to the prince</a> 4. <a href="/ezekiel/44-4.htm">The priests reproved for polluting the sanctuary</a> 9. <a href="/ezekiel/44-9.htm">Idolaters incapable of the priests office</a> 15. <a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">The sons of Zadok are accepted thereto</a> 17. <a href="/ezekiel/44-17.htm">Ordinances for the priests</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/44.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/44.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Because they ministered before their idols This phrase highlights the sin of idolatry, which was a recurring issue for Israel. The priests, who were supposed to lead the people in worship of Yahweh, instead served idols. This reflects a violation of the first two commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-4</a>). The historical context shows that idolatry was prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, and Israel often fell into the same practices as their neighbors, despite God's commands to remain separate and holy (<a href="/leviticus/20-26.htm">Leviticus 20:26</a>).and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel The priests' idolatry led the people of Israel into sin, acting as a "stumbling block." This term is used throughout Scripture to describe something that causes others to sin (<a href="/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14</a>, <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13</a>). The priests' failure to uphold God's law resulted in widespread corruption and spiritual decline among the Israelites, demonstrating the critical role of spiritual leaders in guiding the community.therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them The imagery of God swearing with an "uplifted hand" signifies a solemn oath, emphasizing the seriousness of His declaration. This expression is used in other parts of the Bible to denote God's unchangeable promises or judgments (<a href="/exodus/6-8.htm">Exodus 6:8</a>, <a href="/numbers/14-30.htm">Numbers 14:30</a>). It underscores the certainty of the consequences that would follow due to the priests' actions.that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity The phrase indicates divine justice, where the priests are held accountable for their sins. This principle of bearing one's iniquity is consistent with the biblical theme of reaping what one sows (<a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>). It reflects God's holiness and justice, ensuring that sin does not go unpunished, especially among those who are meant to be spiritual leaders.declares the Lord GOD This declaration affirms the authority and sovereignty of God. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes His ultimate power and the certainty of His words. Throughout Ezekiel, this phrase is used to assert that the message is not from the prophet himself but from God, ensuring that the audience understands the divine origin and authority behind the pronouncement.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a> A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and the one receiving God's messages. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_levites.htm">The Levites</a> Specifically, the Levites who went astray by ministering before idols, leading Israel into sin. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_israel.htm">The House of Israel</a> The collective people of Israel, who were led into idolatry and sin by the unfaithful Levites. 4. <a href="/topical/i/idols.htm">Idols</a> False gods that the Levites served, causing them to become a stumbling block to Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_god.htm">The Lord GOD</a> The sovereign God who judges the Levites for their unfaithfulness and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_idolatry.htm">The Seriousness of Idolatry</a> Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must examine our hearts for modern-day idols. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_accountability.htm">Leadership Accountability</a> Spiritual leaders are held to a high standard. Their actions can lead others toward or away from God. This calls for integrity and faithfulness in leadership roles. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_sin.htm">Consequences of Sin</a> Sin has real consequences, both for individuals and communities. Understanding this should lead us to repentance and a desire to live righteously. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_word.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Word</a> God is faithful to His promises, both in blessing and in judgment. This should encourage us to trust in His character and His Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_holiness.htm">The Call to Holiness</a> As believers, we are called to be set apart for God, living lives that reflect His holiness and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_44.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 44</a> <a href="/q/what_are_sacred_stones_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about sacred stones?</a> <a href="/q/heed_warnings,_stay_faithful.htm">What does the Bible say about body piercings?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_1_cor_8_10-12_align_with_sin_responsibility.htm">In 1 Corinthians 8:10-12, how is the idea of 'wounding a weak conscience' consistent with a broader biblical worldview that heavily focuses on personal responsibility for sin?</a> <a href="/q/should_christians_wear_earrings.htm">Should Christians wear earrings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Because יַ֗עַן (ya·‘an) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3282.htm">Strong's 3282: </a> Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause they ministered יְשָׁרְת֤וּ (yə·šā·rə·ṯū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8334.htm">Strong's 8334: </a> To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to before לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face their idols גִלּֽוּלֵיהֶ֔ם (ḡil·lū·lê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> A log, an idol and became וְהָי֥וּ (wə·hā·yū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a stumbling block לְמִכְשׁ֣וֹל (lə·miḵ·šō·wl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4383.htm">Strong's 4383: </a> A stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a stumbling block of iniquity עָוֺ֑ן (‘ā·wōn) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity to the house לְבֵֽית־ (lə·ḇêṯ-) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc therefore עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against I swore with an uplifted נָשָׂ֨אתִי (nā·śā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take hand יָדִ֜י (yā·ḏî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand concerning them עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against that they would bear the consequences וְנָשְׂא֖וּ (wə·nā·śə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take of their iniquity, עֲוֺנָֽם׃ (‘ă·wō·nām) Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity declares נְאֻם֙ (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> An oracle the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> The Lord GOD. יְהוִ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> YHWH <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Ezekiel 44:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-12.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 44:12 Because they ministered to them before their (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/44-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 44:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 44:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/44-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 44:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 44:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>