King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 34:25 Mean?

Ezekiel 34:25 in the King James Version says “And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall d... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods .

Ezekiel 34:25 · KJV


Context

23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

24

And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.

25

And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods .

26

And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.

27

And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods." The "covenant of peace" refers to the New Covenant established through Christ's blood (Hebrews 13:20). The imagery of safety from wild beasts represents comprehensive security—physical and spiritual. In fallen creation, danger abounds; in restored creation, peace reigns. This anticipates the new heavens and earth where the wolf dwells with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6-9). Christ's atonement reconciles not just God and humanity but ultimately all creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel faced constant threats—wild animals, enemy nations, drought, disease. The wilderness and woods symbolized danger zones requiring avoidance. God promises transformation: places of danger become places of safety. The post-exilic return brought partial fulfillment, but complete fulfillment awaits the new creation. Jesus brought peace with God through His cross (Ephesians 2:14-17), and His return will bring cosmic peace. The covenant of peace ensures ultimate security for God's people—nothing can separate them from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's covenant of peace address both spiritual and eventual physical restoration?
  2. What does safety in dangerous places teach about security in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְכָרַתִּ֤י1 of 14

And I will make

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לָהֶם֙2 of 14
H0
בְּרִ֣ית3 of 14

with them a covenant

H1285

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

שָׁל֔וֹם4 of 14

of peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֥י5 of 14

to cease

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

חַיָּֽה6 of 14

beasts

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

רָעָ֖ה7 of 14

and will cause the evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

מִן8 of 14
H4480

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ9 of 14

out of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְיָשְׁב֤וּ10 of 14

and they shall dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בַמִּדְבָּר֙11 of 14

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

לָבֶ֔טַח12 of 14

safely

H983

properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

וְיָשְׁנ֖וּ13 of 14

and sleep

H3462

properly, to be slack or languid, i.e., (by implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old, stale or inveterate

בַּיְּעָרִֽים׃14 of 14

in the woods

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)


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 34:25 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 34:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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