Lexical Summary yeza: Bed, Couch Original Word: יֶזַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance anything that causes sweat From an unused root mean to ooze; sweat, i.e. (by implication) a sweating dress -- any thing that causeth sweat. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition sweat NASB Translation sweat (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יֶ֫זַע] noun [masculine] sweat (see זֵעָה below) — לֹא יַחְגְּרוּ בַיָּ֑זַע Ezekiel 44:18 strike out Co, q. v. Topical Lexicon Definition and ContextStrong’s Hebrew 3154 יֶזַע appears only once, in Ezekiel 44:18, translated “sweat.” The term identifies the moisture that forms on the body under exertion or heat. While limited in occurrence, its placement in a priestly regulation grants it theological weight. Canonical Setting Ezekiel 40–48 describes the eschatological temple and its ordinances. Within that vision, Ezekiel 44:15-31 regulates the conduct and dress of the Zadokite priests. Verse 18 states: “They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.” The single use of יֶזַע therefore stands at the intersection of holiness, worship, and restored relationship between God and His people. Priestly Significance 1. Absence of Human Toil in Worship The prohibition of sweat signals that priestly service is not to be characterized by human striving. In contrast to common labor, ministry in God’s presence must reflect His provision and rest (Exodus 33:14). 2. Symbol of Unaffected Holiness Sweat arises naturally from the flesh; its exclusion in temple service underscores separation from the ordinary. Linen, a cool and breathable fabric, prevents perspiration and therefore the contamination of sacred space. 3. Echoes of Eden and the Fall Genesis 3:19 links sweat to the curse on Adam: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread.” By banning sweat, the temple ritual anticipates a reversal of the curse, pointing toward restored fellowship where the effects of sin are removed. Broader Biblical Theology 1. Foreshadowing Sabbath Rest Hebrews 4:9-11 exhorts believers to “strive to enter that rest.” The juxtaposition of “striving” and “rest” parallels the priests’ labor without sweat, portraying service empowered by God rather than the flesh. 2. Typology Fulfilled in Christ Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), fulfilled the requirement perfectly. In Gethsemane, “His sweat became like drops of blood” (Luke 22:44), bearing the curse so that His people may minister in freedom from it. 3. New Covenant Ministry 2 Corinthians 3:5 teaches, “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our competence comes from God.” The principle behind יֶזַע prohibits reliance on human effort in spiritual service. Historical and Cultural Notes Ancient Near Eastern priests typically wore wool, which retains heat. By contrast, Ezekiel’s linen requirement set Israel’s worship apart, visualizing purity and divine provision. Post-exilic communities, influenced by Ezekiel’s vision, emphasized ritual cleanness, preparing the way for Second Temple expectations of a messianic priest-king. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Serve from Rest Ministry flows from abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5). External busyness must not translate into fleshly striving. 2. Guard Holiness Like linen garments, the believer’s “white robes” (Revelation 7:14) symbolize purity. Personal conduct should align with positional holiness. 3. Anticipate Full Restoration The absence of sweat in the future temple reminds believers of the coming day when toil and curse are fully removed (Revelation 22:3). Related Themes and References Genesis 2:15; Genesis 3:17-19 – labor and curse Exodus 28:42; Leviticus 16:4 – priestly linen garments Isaiah 61:10 – garments of salvation Matthew 11:28-30 – Christ’s easy yoke Hebrews 10:19-22 – access through a new and living way Conclusion Though יֶזַע appears only once, its strategic placement in Ezekiel 44:18 enriches the theology of worship, holiness, and rest. It points backward to Eden’s loss, forward to the completed redemption in Christ, and practically guides believers to minister without reliance on the flesh, clothed in the righteousness and peace provided by God. Forms and Transliterations בַּיָּֽזַע׃ ביזע׃ baiYaza bay·yā·za‘ bayyāza‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 44:18 HEB: לֹ֥א יַחְגְּר֖וּ בַּיָּֽזַע׃ NAS: they shall not gird themselves with [anything which makes them] sweat. KJV: they shall not gird [themselves] with any thing that causeth sweat. INT: shall not gird sweat 1 Occurrence |
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