King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:13 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations;” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 36:13 · KJV

Context

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;

14

Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord GOD. bereave: or, cause to fall

15

Neither will I cause men to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD.

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 · 13 words
כֹּ֤ה1 of 13
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אֹמְרִ֣ים2 of 13

“Because they say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 13

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה4 of 13

“GOD”

H3069

god

יַ֚עַן5 of 13
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֹמְרִ֣ים6 of 13

“Because they say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָכֶ֔ם7 of 13
H0
אֹכֶ֥לֶת8 of 13

“unto you Thou land devourest up”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אָדָ֖ם9 of 13

“men”

H120

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

אָ֑תְּי10 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּמְשַׁכֶּ֥לֶת11 of 13

“and hast bereaved”

H7921

properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)

גּוַֹ֖יִךְ12 of 13

“thy nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הָיִֽית׃13 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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 36:13 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 36:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 13:32

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