King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 11:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 11:17 in the King James Version says “Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries wh...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.”

Ezekiel 11:17 · KJV

Context

15

Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the LORD: unto us is this land given in possession.

16

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.

17

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.

18

And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.

19

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Read Ezekiel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises restoration: "I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel." This prophecy had partial fulfillment in the post-exilic return under Ezra and Nehemiah, but awaits complete fulfillment in Christ's millennial kingdom. The threefold promise—gathering, assembling, giving the land—emphasizes divine initiative in restoration. God doesn't merely permit return but actively brings it about. The Reformed emphasis on unconditional election and effectual calling appears: God's promises don't depend on human merit but on His sovereign grace and covenant faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This promise (592 BC) preceded Jerusalem's destruction by six years, offering hope before the darkest hour. The initial fulfillment came through Cyrus' decree (539 BC) allowing Jewish return, though only a remnant returned under Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The promise encompasses both physical return to the land and spiritual restoration to covenant relationship. Modern debates over this prophecy involve whether it finds complete fulfillment in the 1948 establishment of Israel or awaits future millennial restoration. The New Testament expands "Israel" to include Gentile believers grafted into the covenant (Romans 11:17-24), suggesting spiritual and physical fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereign initiative in gathering scattered Israel encourage believers to trust His promises?
  2. What is the relationship between physical restoration to the promised land and spiritual restoration to covenant relationship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
לָכֵ֣ן1 of 22
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אָמַר֮2 of 22

“Therefore say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה3 of 22
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֮4 of 22

“Therefore say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י5 of 22

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִה֒6 of 22
H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְקִבַּצְתִּ֤י7 of 22

“I will even gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֶתְכֶם֙8 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִן9 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים10 of 22

“you from the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְאָסַפְתִּ֣י11 of 22

“and assemble”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֶתְכֶ֔ם12 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִן13 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָ֣אֲרָצ֔וֹת14 of 22

“you out of the countries”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נְפֹצוֹתֶ֖ם16 of 22

“where ye have been scattered”

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

בָּהֶ֑ם17 of 22
H0
וְנָתַתִּ֥י18 of 22

“and I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֖ם19 of 22
H0
אֶת20 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַדְמַ֥ת21 of 22

“you the land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃22 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 11:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 28:25Ezekiel 34:13Jeremiah 3:18Isaiah 11:11-16Ezekiel 36:24Jeremiah 24:5

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 11 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes