King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:62 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:62 in the King James Version says “And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD:” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD:”

Ezekiel 16:62 · KJV

Context

60

Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.

61

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

62

And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD:

63

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: God emphasizes His initiative in establishing covenant and the purpose: that His people will truly know Him. This knowing goes beyond intellectual assent to intimate personal relationship based on divine self-revelation through gracious covenant.

I will establish my covenant with thee emphasizes divine initiative and sovereignty. God establishes the covenant; humans do not negotiate or earn it. This covenant will be God work from beginning to end, ensuring its success unlike the Mosaic covenant which depended partly on human obedience and failed.

Thou shalt know that I am the LORD states the covenant purpose. This knowing (Hebrew: yada) indicates intimate, experiential knowledge, not mere information. The phrase I am the LORD (I am Yahweh) reveals divine name and character. True covenant relationship produces genuine knowledge of God character, will, and ways.

From Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that salvation purpose is not merely human benefit but God glory revealed through intimate relationship with His people. Knowing God is eternal life (John 17:3). The new covenant provides this knowledge through Christ revelation and Spirit internal teaching (Jeremiah 31:34, 1 John 2:27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase thou shalt know that I am the LORD appears over 60 times in Ezekiel, functioning as signature formula. Through both judgment and restoration, God purpose is that humans—Israel and nations—will recognize His identity, sovereignty, and character. This echoes Exodus 6:7: ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.

The distinction between knowing about God versus knowing God personally permeates biblical theology. Israel possessed correct information about Yahweh but lacked heart relationship, leading to covenant violation. The new covenant promise includes internal knowledge through Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33-34, Joel 2:28-29, fulfilled at Pentecost).

Post-exilic and New Testament periods emphasized this personal knowledge. Jesus defined eternal life as knowing God and Christ (John 17:3). Paul expressed his highest ambition as knowing Christ (Philippians 3:10). This experiential, relational knowledge transcends mere intellectual theology.

For Ezekiel audience, this promise offered hope: future restoration would provide what the past lacked—genuine, intimate knowledge of God through His gracious covenant initiative. They would know Him not just as lawgiver but as redeemer, not just by reputation but by experience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God personally?
  2. How does God establishing covenant ensure it will succeed where human effort failed?
  3. In what ways does the new covenant provide knowledge of God that was impossible under the old?
  4. What is the relationship between covenant relationship and experiential knowledge of God?
  5. How does Christ declaration I am teach us about God self-revelation (John 8:58, Exodus 3:14)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַהֲקִימֹתִ֥י1 of 9

“And I will establish”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֲנִ֛י2 of 9
H589

i

אֶת3 of 9
H853

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

בְּרִיתִ֖י4 of 9

“my covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אִתָּ֑ךְ5 of 9
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וְיָדַ֖עַתְּ6 of 9

“with thee and thou shalt know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי7 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֥י8 of 9
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃9 of 9

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

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

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 16:62 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 16:62 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 24:7Ezekiel 6:7Ezekiel 20:37Hosea 2:18-23Joel 3:17Ezekiel 20:43-44

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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