King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:15 in the King James Version says “Neither will I cause men to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 36:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

17

Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.

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 · 18 words
וְלֹא1 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אַשְׁמִ֨יעַ2 of 18

“Neither will I cause men to hear”

H8085

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

אֵלַ֤יִךְ3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עוֹד֙4 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

כְּלִמַּ֣ת5 of 18

“in thee the shame”

H3639

disgrace

וְגוַֹ֙יִךְ֙6 of 18

“any more neither shalt thou cause thy nations”

H1471

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

וְחֶרְפַּ֥ת7 of 18

“the reproach”

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

עַמִּ֖ים8 of 18

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֹ֣א9 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׂאִי10 of 18

“any more neither shalt thou bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

ע֑וֹד11 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

וְגוַֹ֙יִךְ֙12 of 18

“any more neither shalt thou cause thy nations”

H1471

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

לֹא13 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַכְשִׁ֣לִי14 of 18

“to fall”

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

ע֔וֹד15 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

נְאֻ֖ם16 of 18

“any more saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֥י17 of 18

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִֽה׃18 of 18

“GOD”

H3069

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 36:15 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 36:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 34:29Psalms 89:50Isaiah 60:14Isaiah 54:4Ezekiel 36:6Zephaniah 2:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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