Ezekiel 44:9

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Ezekiel 44:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners that are among the children of Israel.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners that are among the children of Israel.
Ezekiel 44:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Ezekiel 44

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners that are among the children of Israel.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thus saith the Lord God, &c.] This that follows is the law and rule to be observed, and which will be observed by the churches in the latter day, though so little regarded now: no stranger uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary; of these (see Gill on “<264407>Ezekiel 44:7”) unregenerate men may not be admitted members of a Gospel church; for that is holy, and holiness becomes it; but they are unholy, and as unfit to be received as swine into a king’s palace; saints and they cannot talk together, their language being different, they are barbarians to one another; nor can they walk together, being not agreed in sentiment and practice; besides, such…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Admonition to the ministering priests, grounded upon former neglect. Ezekiel 44:4 The north gate before the house - The north gate of the inner court. God expostulates with His people in the seat of their former idolatries Ezekiel 8:3. Ezekiel 44:5 Mark well - The careful arrangements made had all been intended to keep the temple and its surroundings from profanation. Hence, attention to these particulars is enjoined. Ezekiel 44:7 Strangers - This refers especially to the sin of unauthorized and unfaithful priests ministering in the services of the temple. Compare marginal references. Ezekiel 44:8 Mine holy things - The altar, its sacrifices, the sacred utensils, and the like. For yourselves…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“44:9 No foreigners: This was not a blanket prohibition against non-Israelite access to the sanctuary. It only affected those who had not been circumcised and have not surrendered themselves to the Lord. Genuine converts could be part of the new Israel (see 47:22-23).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Eze 44:7; Psa 50:16, Psa 93:5; Joe 3:17; Zac 14:21; Mar 16:16; Joh 3:3-5; Tit 1:5-9 Ezekiel 44:10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification