Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’This is what the Sovereign LORD says: If the prince makes a gift from his inheritance to one of his sons, it will also belong to his descendants; it is to be their property by inheritance. New Living Translation “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: If the prince gives a gift of land to one of his sons as his inheritance, it will belong to him and his descendants forever. English Standard Version “Thus says the Lord GOD: If the prince makes a gift to any of his sons as his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons. It is their property by inheritance. Berean Standard Bible This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons as an inheritance, it will belong to his descendants. It will become their property by inheritance. Berean Literal Bible Thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘If the prince gives a gift to man of his sons as his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. King James Bible Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons'; it shall be their possession by inheritance. New King James Version ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “If the prince gives a gift of some of his inheritance to any of his sons, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. New American Standard Bible ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: “If the prince gives a gift from his inheritance to any of his sons, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. NASB 1995 Thus says the Lord GOD, “If the prince gives a gift out of his inheritance to any of his sons, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. NASB 1977 ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “If the prince gives a gift out of his inheritance to any of his sons, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. Legacy Standard Bible ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh, “If the prince gives a gift out of his inheritance to any of his sons, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. Amplified Bible ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons from his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons [permanently]; it is their possession by inheritance. Berean Annotated Bible This is what the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH} says: ‘If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons as an inheritance, it will belong to his descendants. It will become their property by inheritance. Christian Standard Bible “This is what the Lord GOD says: If the prince gives a gift to each of his sons as their inheritance, it will belong to his sons. It will become their property by inheritance. Holman Christian Standard Bible This is what the Lord GOD says: If the prince gives a gift to each of his sons as their inheritance, it will belong to his sons. It will become their property by inheritance. American Standard Version Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, it is his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. Contemporary English Version The LORD God said: If the ruler of Israel gives some of his land to one of his children, it will belong to the ruler's child as part of the family property. English Revised Version Thus saith the Lord GOD: If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, it is his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. GOD'S WORD® Translation " 'This is what the Almighty LORD says: Suppose the prince offers one of his sons a gift from his property. The gift will belong to his descendants because it is their inheritance. Good News Translation The Sovereign LORD commands: "If the ruling prince gives any of the land he owns to one of his sons as a present, it will belong to that son as a part of his family property. International Standard Version "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'If the Regent Prince gives a gift to someone, it is to remain with the man's descendants as their own inheritance. NET Bible "'This is what the sovereign LORD says: If the prince should give a gift to one of his sons as his inheritance, it will belong to his sons, it is their property by inheritance. New Heart English Bible "Thus says the Lord GOD: 'If the prince give a gift to any of his sons, it is his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. Webster's Bible Translation Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince shall give a gift to any of his sons, the inheritance of it shall be to his sons; it shall be their possession by inheritance. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis is what the Lord GOD says: ‘If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons as an inheritance, it will belong to his descendants. It will become their property by inheritance. World English Bible “‘The Lord Yahweh says: “If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons, it is his inheritance. It shall belong to his sons. It is their possession by inheritance. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThus said Lord YHWH: “When the prince gives a gift to any of his sons, it [is] his inheritance, it [is] for his sons; it [is] their possession by inheritance. Berean Literal Bible Thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘If the prince gives a gift to man of his sons as his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. Young's Literal Translation Thus said the Lord Jehovah: When the prince giveth a gift to any of his sons, his inheritance it is, to his sons it is; their possession it is by inheritance. Smith's Literal Translation Thus said the Lord Jehovah: If the prince shall give a gift to a man of his sons, of his inheritance, it shall be to his sons; this their possession by inheritance. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThus saith the Lord God: If the prince give a gift to any of his sons: the inheritance of it shall go to his children, they shall possess it by inheritance. Catholic Public Domain Version Thus says the Lord God: If the prince grants a gift to any of his sons, the inheritance of it will go to his sons; they shall possess it as an inheritance. New American Bible Thus says the Lord GOD: If the prince makes a gift of part of his heritage to any of his sons, it belongs to his sons; that property is their heritage. New Revised Standard Version Thus says the Lord GOD: If the prince makes a gift to any of his sons out of his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons, it is their holding by inheritance. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThus says the LORD God: If the high priest give a gift to any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons; it shall be their possession by inheritance. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Thus says THE LORD OF LORDS: “When the Leader will give a gift to one of his sons, it will be his inheritance to his children OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thus saith the Lord GOD: If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, it is his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. Brenton Septuagint Translation Thus saith the Lord God; If the prince shall give a gift to one of his sons out of his inheritance, this shall be to his sons a possession as an inheritance. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Prince's Offerings…15Thus they shall provide the lamb, the grain offering, and the oil every morning as a regular burnt offering.’ 16This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons as an inheritance, it will belong to his descendants. It will become their property by inheritance. 17But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it will belong to that servant until the year of freedom; then it will revert to the prince. His inheritance belongs only to his sons; it shall be theirs.… Cross References This is what the Lord GOD says: Ezekiel 21:3 and tell her that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked. Ezekiel 24:3 Now speak a parable to this rebellious house and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Put the pot on the fire; put it on and pour in the water. Ezekiel 34:11 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. ‘If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons as an inheritance, Genesis 25:5-6 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. / But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. Deuteronomy 21:16-17 when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. / Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him. Numbers 27:8-11 Furthermore, you shall say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter. / If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. / If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. … it will belong to his descendants. 1 Chronicles 28:8 So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, keep and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever. Genesis 17:8 And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” Numbers 36:7-9 No inheritance in Israel may be transferred from tribe to tribe, because each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. / Every daughter who possesses an inheritance from any Israelite tribe must marry within a clan of the tribe of her father, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. / No inheritance may be transferred from one tribe to another, for each tribe of Israel must retain its inheritance.” It will become their property by inheritance. Leviticus 25:46 You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother. Numbers 27:7 “The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly. You certainly must give them property as an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer their father’s inheritance to them. Joshua 14:1-2 Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, as distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel. / Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. Leviticus 25:10 So you are to consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be your Jubilee, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan. Deuteronomy 21:15-17 If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, / when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. / Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him. 1 Kings 21:3 But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” 1 Chronicles 28:5 And of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. Treasury of Scripture Thus said the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift to any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons'; it shall be their possession by inheritance. If the prince Genesis 25:5,6 And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac… 2 Chronicles 21:3 And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn. Psalm 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. Jump to Previous Belong Descendants Gift Gives Heritage Inheritance Makes One's Possession Prince Property Ruler Sovereign Theirs ThereofJump to Next Belong Descendants Gift Gives Heritage Inheritance Makes One's Possession Prince Property Ruler Sovereign Theirs ThereofEzekiel 46 1. Ordinances for the prince in his worship9. and for the people 16. An order for the prince's inheritance 19. The courts for boiling and baking This is what the Lord GOD says: This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the message. In the prophetic books, this introduction is common, underscoring that the message is not from the prophet himself but from God. It reflects the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, similar to how "Thus saith the Lord" is used in other parts of the Old Testament. If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons as an inheritance: it will belong to his descendants: It will become their property by inheritance: Persons / Places / Events 1. The Lord GODThe sovereign ruler and ultimate authority, speaking through the prophet Ezekiel. 2. The Prince A leader or ruler in Israel, possibly representing the Davidic line or a future messianic figure. 3. Sons The descendants of the prince, who are the recipients of the inheritance. 4. Inheritance The property or gift given by the prince to his sons, signifying a transfer of ownership and blessing. 5. Ezekiel The prophet through whom God communicates His laws and visions to the people of Israel. Teaching Points The Importance of InheritanceInheritance is not just a transfer of property but a continuation of legacy and blessing. It reflects God's promises and faithfulness to His people. Role of Leadership The prince's responsibility to provide for his descendants mirrors the responsibility of leaders to care for and ensure the well-being of those they lead. Spiritual Inheritance As believers, we are heirs of God's promises through Christ. This spiritual inheritance is eternal and surpasses any earthly possession. Faithfulness in Stewardship Just as the prince is to be faithful in distributing his inheritance, we are called to be faithful stewards of the resources and gifts God has entrusted to us. Generational Impact Our actions and decisions have lasting effects on future generations. We are encouraged to live in a way that honors God and blesses those who come after us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 46:16?2. How does Ezekiel 46:16 emphasize the importance of inheritance within families? 3. What does Ezekiel 46:16 reveal about God's provision for future generations? 4. How can we apply the principle of inheritance in Ezekiel 46:16 today? 5. How does Ezekiel 46:16 connect with other biblical teachings on inheritance? 6. What responsibilities do we have in preserving spiritual inheritance for our descendants? 7. What does Ezekiel 46:16 reveal about inheritance laws in ancient Israel? 8. How does Ezekiel 46:16 reflect God's justice and fairness? 9. What is the significance of the prince's inheritance in Ezekiel 46:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 46? 11. Is the doctrine of eternal security supported by the Bible? 12. What does the Bible say about gender equality? 13. Ezekiel 46:2-3 outlines rituals for a 'prince' in the temple; why is there no clear historical or archaeological evidence of a ruler fulfilling these specific temple duties? 14. What are the key themes in Ezekiel's life story? What Does Ezekiel 46:16 Mean The authority behind the instruction“This is what the Lord GOD says” (Ezekiel 46:16) anchors the command in God’s absolute sovereignty. Similar prophetic formulae in Ezekiel 2:4–5 and Isaiah 1:24 remind us that the prophet speaks only what God authorizes. Because the entire vision (Ezekiel 40–48) comes from the same divine source, the details that follow carry the weight of God’s unchanging character (Malachi 3:6). Identifying the prince The “prince” appears repeatedly in Ezekiel 44–46. He is distinguished from the priests (Ezekiel 45:22) yet closely associated with the Davidic line promised an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:16; Ezekiel 34:23–24). While never called “king,” he functions as the civil ruler in the millennial temple economy, anticipating the ultimate reign of Christ (Isaiah 9:7) while still representing the restored house of David on earth (Jeremiah 33:17). Understanding the gift “If the prince gives a gift” implies voluntary generosity rather than payment or tax. Under Mosaic Law, rulers held territorial allotments (1 Samuel 8:14), but Ezekiel clarifies righteous boundaries so the prince cannot oppress the people (Ezekiel 45:8). The gift, therefore, illustrates servant-leadership that reflects God’s heart (Psalm 72:1–4). Focus on sons and descendants The phrase “to any of his sons as an inheritance” guarantees that legitimate heirs receive what the prince assigns. This echoes God’s earlier defense of familial inheritance rights (Numbers 27:1–11; Deuteronomy 21:15–17). By specifying “it will belong to his descendants,” the passage safeguards against confiscation or redistribution that would violate covenant order (1 Kings 21:3). The permanence of inheritance “It will become their property by inheritance” stresses lasting possession, paralleling God’s promise of Israel’s land “for an everlasting possession” (Genesis 17:8). In the millennial setting, stability of land ownership reflects the faithfulness of God’s covenant with David and Israel (Ezekiel 37:25). The prince may steward land, but once transferred to his sons it is theirs in perpetuity, underscoring the security found in God’s decrees (Psalm 125:1–2). Implications for covenant faithfulness By legislating the prince’s generosity and limiting his power, God protects both royal heirs and common Israelites. This prevents abuses that plagued earlier monarchies (Ezekiel 22:27; Micah 2:1–2). The structure mirrors the perfect justice of Christ’s future rule, where righteousness and peace flourish (Isaiah 11:3–5). Practical takeaways for believers today • God values orderly transfer of blessings; inheritance laws reveal His concern for family continuity (Proverbs 13:22). • Leaders are called to give without exploitation, reflecting Christlike stewardship (1 Peter 5:2–3). • The permanence promised here foreshadows our “imperishable, undefiled” inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). summary Ezekiel 46:16 establishes a just principle: when the future prince grants land to his sons, that land is theirs forever. Rooted in God’s authority, the command protects family inheritance, restrains governmental overreach, and anticipates the unshakeable security of God’s kingdom. The verse points us to a righteous rule where gifts are given freely, possessions are held securely, and God’s covenant faithfulness stands at the center of communal life. (16) If the prince give a gift.--Ezekiel 46:15-18 contain provisions in regard to the prince's alienation of his domain. According to Ezekiel 45:7-8, he was to have a portion of land on each side of the "oblation," which should be sufficiently ample to prevent any attempts on his part at violence and exaction. For the same purpose, it was necessary that this territory should remain inalienably in his family. He might therefore convey any portion of it to his sons in fee simple, for they would naturally inherit it; but a conveyance to any one else came under the Mosaic law (Leviticus 25), and reverted to him or his heirs in the year of Jubile, here called "the year of liberty."Verses 16-18. - Instructions for the prince as to how he should deal with his property are summarized in three regulations, introduced by the solemn formula of "Thus saith the Lord" (comp. ver. 1; Ezekiel 45:9). Verse 16. - The first regulation. The prince might dispose of a portion of his royal property (see Ezekiel 45:7, 8) by presenting part of it as a gift to any of his sons. In this case what was gifted should belong to his son or sons in perpetuity, should be his or theirs as his or their possession by inheritance; it should never again revert to the prince.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew This is whatכֹּה־ (kōh-) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136: The Lord GOD יְהֹוִ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמַ֞ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘If כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the prince הַנָּשִׂ֤יא (han·nā·śî) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5387: An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mist gives יִתֵּ֨ן (yit·tên) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set a gift מַתָּנָה֙ (mat·tā·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4979: A present, a sacrificial offering, a bribe to any לְאִ֣ישׁ (lə·’îš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of his sons מִבָּנָ֔יו (mib·bā·nāw) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son as an inheritance, נַחֲלָת֥וֹ (na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion it הִ֖יא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are will belong to his descendants. לְבָנָ֣יו (lə·ḇā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son It will become תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה (tih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be their property אֲחֻזָּתָ֥ם (’ă·ḥuz·zā·ṯām) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 272: Something seized, a possession by inheritance. בְּנַחֲלָֽה׃ (bə·na·ḥă·lāh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion Links Ezekiel 46:16 NIVEzekiel 46:16 NLT Ezekiel 46:16 ESV Ezekiel 46:16 NASB Ezekiel 46:16 KJV Ezekiel 46:16 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 46:16 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 46:16 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 46:16 French Bible Ezekiel 46:16 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 46:16 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: If (Ezek. 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