King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:10 in the King James Version says “And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wa...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:”

Ezekiel 36:10 · KJV

Context

8

But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come.

9

For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:

10

And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:

11

And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

12

Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them of men.

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 · 11 words
וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֤י1 of 11

“And I will multiply”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

עֲלֵיכֶם֙2 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אָדָ֔ם3 of 11

“men”

H120

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

כָּל4 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּ֥ית5 of 11

“upon you all the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

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

כֻּלֹּ֑ה7 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וְנֹֽשְׁבוּ֙8 of 11

“shall be inhabited”

H3427

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

הֶֽעָרִ֔ים9 of 11

“even all of it and the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְהֶחֳרָב֖וֹת10 of 11

“and the wastes”

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

תִּבָּנֶֽינָה׃11 of 11

“shall be builded”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

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 36:10 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 36:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 36:33Jeremiah 33:12Jeremiah 30:19Isaiah 27:6Ezekiel 36:37Jeremiah 31:27-28

Test Your Knowledge

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

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