Ezekiel 46:9 Meaning and Explanation
“But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →During major feasts, worshippers must enter by one gate (north or south) and exit by the opposite one, never retracing their entry path.
The Context of Ezekiel 46:9
Feast-day traffic flow rules for the people's worship.
What Does Ezekiel 46:9 Mean?
This regulation creates a flowing procession rather than a milling crowd. Those entering from the north must exit southward, and vice versa. By preventing worshippers from reversing their steps, the temple layout guides human traffic in continuous, orderly motion through sacred space.
The rule reflects a deeper principle: encounter with the holy transforms. One cannot exit as one entered; the worship journey changes the worshipper. The different path signifies that passage through God's presence leaves a mark, making return by the same route impossible and inappropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 46:9
What does Ezekiel 46:9 mean?
During major feasts, worshippers must enter by one gate (north or south) and exit by the opposite one, never retracing their entry path.
What is the context of Ezekiel 46:9?
Feast-day traffic flow rules for the people's worship.