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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.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/44-30.htm" title="Ezekiel 44:30">◄</a> Ezekiel 44:31 <a href="/ezekiel/45-1.htm" title="Ezekiel 45:1">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/44.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The priests must not eat anything, whether bird or animal, found dead or torn by wild animals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/44.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The priests may not eat meat from any bird or animal that dies a natural death or that dies after being attacked by another animal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/44.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of anything, whether bird or beast, that has died of itself or is torn by wild animals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priests may not eat any bird or animal found dead or torn by wild beasts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/44.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/44.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat anything, bird or beast, that died naturally or was torn <i>by wild beasts.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat any bird or animal that has died a natural death or has been torn to pieces by animals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/44.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220The priests shall not eat any bird or beast that has died a natural death or has been torn to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“The priests shall not eat any bird or beast that has died a natural death or has been torn to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The priests shall not eat any bird or beast that has died <i>of itself</i> or has been torn to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat any bird or animal that has died a natural death or has been torn to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priests may not eat any bird or animal that died naturally or was mauled by wild beasts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priests may not eat any bird or animal that died naturally or was mauled by wild beasts.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/44.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of anything that dieth of itself, or is torn, whether it be bird or beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Priests must not eat any bird or animal that dies a natural death or that has been killed by a wild animal. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/44.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself, or is torn, whether it be fowl or beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The priests must never eat any bird or animal that has died naturally or was killed by other wild animals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/44.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The priests must not eat any bird or animal that dies a natural death or is killed by another animal." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/44.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />However, the priests are not to eat any bird or animal that has died a natural death or that has been torn apart."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priests may not eat any bird or animal found dead or torn by wild beasts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/44.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The priests will not eat any bird or animal that has died a natural death or was torn to pieces by a wild animal. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of anything that dies of itself, or is torn, whether it be bird or animal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether of fowl or beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/44.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of anything that dies of itself or is torn, whether it is bird or animal. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The priests do not eat any carcass or torn thing, from the bird or from the beast.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Any carcase and torn thing, of the fowl, and of the beasts, the priests do not eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Every carcass or torn from bind and from cattle, the priests shall not eat.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself or caught by a beast, whether it be fowl or cattle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The priests shall not consume anything which has died on its own, or which was seized by a beast, whether from the fowl or the cattle.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/44.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat anything, whether bird or animal, that died naturally or was killed by wild beasts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of anything, whether bird or animal, that died of itself or was torn by animals.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of anything that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And anything that suffers pain or is broken, of bird or of beast, the Priests shall not eat <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The priests shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself, or is torn, whether it be fowl or beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the priests shall eat no bird or beast that dies of itself, or is taken of wild beasts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=13677" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/44.htm">The Duties of the Priests</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>The best of all the firstfruits and of every contribution from all your offerings will belong to the priests. You are to give your first batch of dough to the priest, so that a blessing may rest upon your homes. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hă·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">The priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">may not</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: yō·ḵə·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">any</a> <a href="/hebrew/5775.htm" title="5775: hā·‘ō·wp̄ (Art:: N-ms) -- Flying creatures. From uwph; a bird, often collectively.">bird</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: ū·min- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: hab·bə·hê·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">or animal</a> <a href="/hebrew/5038.htm" title="5038: nə·ḇê·lāh (N-fs) -- A carcass, corpse. From nabel; a flabby thing, i.e. A carcase or carrion; figuratively, an idol.">found dead</a> <a href="/hebrew/2966.htm" title="2966: ū·ṭə·rê·p̄āh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Torn animal, torn flesh. Feminine of tereph; prey, i.e. Flocks devoured by animals.">or torn by wild beasts.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/22-8.htm">Leviticus 22:8</a></span><br />He must not eat anything found dead or torn by wild animals, which would make him unclean. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/7-24.htm">Leviticus 7:24</a></span><br />The fat of an animal found dead or mauled by wild beasts may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/11-39.htm">Leviticus 11:39-40</a></span><br />If an animal that you may eat dies, anyone who touches the carcass will be unclean until evening. / Whoever eats from the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening, and anyone who picks up the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/14-21.htm">Deuteronomy 14:21</a></span><br />You are not to eat any carcass; you may give it to the foreigner residing within your gates, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-31.htm">Exodus 22:31</a></span><br />You are to be My holy people. You must not eat the meat of a mauled animal found in the field; you are to throw it to the dogs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/17-15.htm">Leviticus 17:15</a></span><br />And any person, whether native or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening; then he will be clean.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-26.htm">Leviticus 19:26</a></span><br />You must not eat anything with blood still in it. You must not practice divination or sorcery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20</a></span><br />Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Acts 15:29</a></span><br />You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-28.htm">1 Corinthians 10:28</a></span><br />But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">1 Corinthians 8:7-13</a></span><br />But not everyone has this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that they eat such food as if it were sacrificed to an idol. And since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. / But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. / Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-14.htm">Romans 14:14</a></span><br />I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-20.htm">Romans 14:20-21</a></span><br />Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. / It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-4.htm">1 Timothy 4:4-5</a></span><br />For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-18.htm">Mark 7:18-19</a></span><br />“Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, / because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.)</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/22-31.htm">Exodus 22:31</a></b></br> And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat <i>any</i> flesh <i>that is</i> torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/17-15.htm">Leviticus 17:15</a></b></br> And every soul that eateth that which died <i>of itself</i>, or that which was torn <i>with beasts, whether it be</i> one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe <i>himself</i> in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/22-8.htm">Leviticus 22:8</a></b></br> That which dieth of itself, or is torn <i>with beasts</i>, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/39-17.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-18.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-4.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-11.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-4.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-20.htm">Carcase</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-12.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-25.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-41.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-18.htm">Died</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-32.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-18.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-29.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-7.htm">Food</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-15.htm">Found</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-17.htm">Fowl</a> <a href="/ezekiel/31-15.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-26.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-30.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/ezekiel/30-4.htm">Torn</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-11.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-4.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/4-16.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/daniel/2-38.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/daniel/4-16.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/daniel/2-38.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/daniel/7-6.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/matthew/24-28.htm">Carcase</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-21.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/amos/1-8.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/daniel/2-13.htm">Death</a> <a href="/hosea/13-1.htm">Died</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-9.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/hosea/13-1.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-21.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-21.htm">Food</a> <a href="/daniel/1-19.htm">Found</a> <a href="/daniel/2-38.htm">Fowl</a> <a href="/daniel/2-1.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/daniel/10-8.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-4.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Torn</a> <a href="/joel/2-14.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/daniel/5-21.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 44</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-1.htm">The east gate assigned only to the prince</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-4.htm">The priests reproved for polluting the sanctuary</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-9.htm">Idolaters incapable of the priests office</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">The sons of Zadok are accepted thereto</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-17.htm">Ordinances for the priests</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>The priests may not eat any bird or animal found dead or torn by wild beasts.</b><br>This directive is part of the broader Levitical laws concerning purity and holiness, particularly for those serving in the temple. The priests were held to a higher standard of cleanliness and ritual purity, reflecting their role as mediators between God and the people. This command is rooted in the Mosaic Law, specifically in <a href="/leviticus/17-15.htm">Leviticus 17:15 and 22</a>:8, which prohibited the consumption of animals that died naturally or were killed by other animals. Such animals were considered unclean, and consuming them would defile the priest, making him unfit for service.<br><br>The prohibition also underscores the importance of life and the sanctity of blood, which is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Blood was seen as the life force of a creature, and its improper handling or consumption was strictly forbidden (<a href="/leviticus/17-11.htm">Leviticus 17:11</a>). This law served as a constant reminder of the need for holiness and the separation from death and decay, which are consequences of sin.<br><br>In a broader theological context, this regulation can be seen as a type pointing to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus was without sin and perfectly pure, offering Himself as the spotless sacrifice (<a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Hebrews 7:26-27</a>). The emphasis on purity and holiness in the priesthood foreshadows the perfect holiness of Christ.<br><br>Culturally, this command would have set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations, many of whom did not have such dietary restrictions. It reinforced their identity as God's chosen people, called to live according to His statutes and to be a light to the nations.<br><br>Geographically, the land of Israel was home to various wild animals, and encounters with carcasses would have been common. This law required vigilance and discernment from the priests, ensuring that they remained ceremonially clean and able to perform their duties in the temple.<br><br>Historically, this regulation reflects the broader covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to His laws was a sign of faithfulness and devotion. It also highlights the seriousness with which God views the role of those who serve Him, emphasizing the need for integrity and purity in worship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book that bears his name. His visions and prophecies often focus on the holiness of God and the restoration of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/priests.htm">Priests</a></b><br>The Levitical priests are the focus of this verse. They were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the temple. Their conduct and diet were strictly regulated to ensure purity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/temple.htm">Temple</a></b><br>The temple in Jerusalem is the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence. Ezekiel's vision includes a restored temple, emphasizing the importance of holiness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/u/unclean_animals.htm">Unclean Animals</a></b><br>Animals found dead or torn by wild beasts are considered unclean according to Levitical law. Consuming such animals would defile the priests, who were to remain ceremonially pure.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/holiness.htm">Holiness</a></b><br>A recurring theme in Ezekiel, holiness is the state of being set apart for God's purposes. The regulations for priests underscore the need for holiness in those who serve God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_service.htm">Holiness in Service</a></b><br>Just as the priests were called to maintain purity, Christians are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's service. This involves avoiding spiritual defilement and pursuing righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>The dietary laws for priests illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands. Believers today are called to obey God's Word, trusting that His instructions are for our good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>The prohibition against eating unclean animals teaches us to discern what is spiritually nourishing and what is harmful. We must be vigilant in what we consume, both physically and spiritually.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_purity.htm">Symbolism of Purity</a></b><br>The physical purity required of priests symbolizes the spiritual purity required of all believers. Through Christ, we are made clean and are called to live in a way that reflects our new identity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_leaders.htm">Role of Leaders</a></b><br>Just as priests were held to a higher standard, spiritual leaders today are called to exemplify holiness and integrity, guiding others in their walk with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_44.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 44</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_ezekiel_46_and_other_texts_align.htm">Ezekiel 46:4-8 prescribes animal sacrifices long after the exile; how does this align with other texts that emphasize altered religious practices or question the necessity of sacrifices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_priests'_inheritances_align_biblically.htm">Ezekiel 44:28 indicates priests have no inheritance apart from the Lord--how does this align with land allotment practices known from other biblical or historical sources?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_ezekiel_31_6_literal_and_plausible.htm">In Ezekiel 31:6, is the claim that 'all the birds of the heavens' nested in its boughs to be taken literally, and if so, is it biologically plausible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where's_proof_zadokites_stayed_faithful.htm">Ezekiel 44:15 singles out Zadokite priests for special privileges--where is the historical record or proof that this priestly line remained uniquely faithful?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/44.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">Dead of itself, or torn.--</span>Comp. <a href="/leviticus/22-8.htm" title="That which dies of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith; I am the LORD.">Leviticus 22:8</a>. The same law was binding upon all the Israelites. (<a href="/leviticus/17-15.htm" title="And every soul that eats that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.">Leviticus 17:15</a>.) In the wilderness they were required to "cast it to the dogs" (<a href="/exodus/23-31.htm" title="And I will set your bounds from the Red sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and you shall drive them out before you.">Exodus 23:31</a>); afterwards they might give it to a stranger or sell it to an alien. (<a href="/deuteronomy/14-21.htm" title="You shall not eat of anything that dies of itself: you shall give it to the stranger that is in your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it to an alien: for you are an holy people to the LORD your God. You shall not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.">Deuteronomy 14:21</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/44.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - The commandment of the Mosaic Law is here renewed against eating the flesh of any fowl or beast that had either died a natural death or been mangled in the killing (comp. <a href="/leviticus/17-15.htm">Leviticus 17:15</a>; <a href="/leviticus/22-8.htm">Leviticus 22:8</a>) - a commandment which, while enjoined specially upon the priests (<a href="/leviticus/22-8.htm">Leviticus 22:8</a>), was equally binding upon all (Exodus 20:31; <a href="/deuteronomy/14-21.htm">Deuteronomy 14:21</a>). <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The priests</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּהֲנִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·hă·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">eat</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹאכְל֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḵə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">any</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bird</span><br /><span class="heb">הָע֖וֹף</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ō·wp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5775.htm">Strong's 5775: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flying creatures</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or animal</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bə·hê·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">found dead</span><br /><span class="heb">נְבֵלָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ḇê·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5038.htm">Strong's 5038: </a> </span><span class="str2">A flabby thing, a carcase, carrion, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or torn [by] [wild] [beasts].</span><br /><span class="heb">וּטְרֵפָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṭə·rê·p̄āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2966.htm">Strong's 2966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Prey, flocks devoured by animals</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/44-31.htm">Ezekiel 44:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/44-31.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 44:31 The priests shall not eat of anything (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/44-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 44:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 44:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/45-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 45:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 45:1" /></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>