King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:11 in the King James Version says “And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your ol...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 36:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations;

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 15 words
וְרָב֣וּ1 of 15

“And I will multiply”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

עֲלֵיכֶ֛ם2 of 15
H5921

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

אָדָ֥ם3 of 15

“upon you man”

H120

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

וּבְהֵמָ֖ה4 of 15

“and beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וְרָב֣וּ5 of 15

“And I will multiply”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וּפָר֑וּ6 of 15

“and bring fruit”

H6509

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

וְהוֹשַׁבְתִּ֨י7 of 15

“and I will settle”

H3427

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

אֶתְכֶ֜ם8 of 15
H853

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

כְּקַדְמֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם9 of 15

“you after your old estates”

H6927

priority (in time); also used adverbially (before)

וְהֵיטִֽבֹתִי֙10 of 15

“and will do better”

H2895

to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense

מֵרִאשֹׁ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם11 of 15

“unto you than at your beginnings”

H7221

a beginning

וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם12 of 15

“and ye shall know”

H3045

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

כִּֽי13 of 15
H3588

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

אֲנִ֥י14 of 15
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃15 of 15

“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 36:11 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 36:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 33:12Jeremiah 23:5-8Micah 7:14Jeremiah 31:27Ezekiel 37:13Ezekiel 16:55

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 36 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes