They shall not come near to me probably refers to approaching God in spiritual rituals as the next clause to serve me as priest suggests, but it could also refer to coming physically close to the most holy areas of the Temple itself. Nor come near any of my sacred things and the things that are most sacred clearly refers to coming very close to anything that was holy. This clause almost has the idea of “they must not touch those things.” The things that are most sacred does not refer to “the Most Holy Place” (Good News Translation; similarly King James Version); rather, this phrase reinforces my sacred things and emphasizes how holy the Temple and its contents were. It may be rendered “the things that are especially for me [or, for my service].”

But they shall bear their shame: This clause, which is very similar to “they shall bear their punishment” in the previous verse, shows that part of the Levites’ punishment will be shame. Contemporary English Version says “They must suffer shame and disgrace,” and New Century Version has “But they will be made ashamed.”

Because of the abominations which they have committed gives the reason for their disgrace. Good News Translation says “for the disgusting things they have done.” For abominations see 5.9.

A model for this verse is:

• The Levites are not allowed to approach me as priests, or come close enough to touch my holy things, those things that are very, very holy. They will be ashamed of the wicked things they have done.

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .