King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:1 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:1 in the King James Version says “Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:”

Ezekiel 36:1 · KJV

Context

1

Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:

2

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:

3

Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people: Because: Heb. Because for because are: or, ye are made to come up on the lip of the tongue

Read Ezekiel 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse points toward God's gracious purposes of restoration despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. The Reformed emphasis on sovereign grace shines through—restoration doesn't depend on Israel's merit or ability but on God's covenant faithfulness and irrevocable purposes (Romans 11:29). This anticipates new covenant promises where God gives a new heart and His Spirit to enable obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The pattern of judgment followed by grace-based restoration prefigures the gospel: humanity deserves condemnation but receives mercy through Christ's atoning work. God's restoration demonstrates His glory by showing grace triumphs over judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
  2. What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
  3. How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֶן2 of 13

“Also thou son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֔ם3 of 13

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הִנָּבֵ֖א4 of 13

“prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

אֶל5 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָרֵי֙6 of 13

“Ye mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל7 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְאָ֣מַרְתָּ֔8 of 13

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָרֵי֙9 of 13

“Ye mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

שִׁמְע֖וּ11 of 13

“hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דְּבַר12 of 13

“the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“of 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 36:1 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 36:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 33:28Ezekiel 36:8Ezekiel 34:14Ezekiel 6:2-3Ezekiel 37:22Jeremiah 22:29

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 36 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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