Ezekiel 46:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; but he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The prince must not seize the people's land through oppression; he must use only his own property to endow his sons, protecting the people's security.
The Context of Ezekiel 46:18
Constitutional limits on the prince's authority over the people's land.
What Does Ezekiel 46:18 Mean?
This verse protects the vulnerable from princely abuse of power. Rulers throughout history have seized peasant land to enrich their heirs, destabilizing communities and impoverishing the poor. Ezekiel's law forbids this, establishing that a prince's ambitions for his children must not victimize the powerless.
The vision prioritizes the people's 'possession'—their land security and family stability. 'That my people be not scattered' indicates God's concern that communities remain whole, families stay rooted, and the land distribution remain equitable. Justice is the counterbalance to authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 46:18
What does Ezekiel 46:18 mean?
The prince must not seize the people's land through oppression; he must use only his own property to endow his sons, protecting the people's security.
What is the context of Ezekiel 46:18?
Constitutional limits on the prince's authority over the people's land.