King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:25 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:25 in the King James Version says “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, wil... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Ezekiel 36:25 · KJV


Context

23

And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. their: or, your

24

For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

25

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

26

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you." This describes spiritual purification, not mere ritual. The "clean water" anticipates Christian baptism, symbolizing regeneration and washing away of sins. God promises cleansing from both external defilement ("filthiness") and internal corruption ("idols"). The Reformed doctrine of definitive sanctification appears—believers are cleansed decisively at conversion, though progressive sanctification continues. The passive voice "ye shall be clean" emphasizes God's action, not human effort. We don't cleanse ourselves; God cleanses us.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The cleansing ritual used water mixed with ashes from a red heifer (Numbers 19), symbolizing purification from defilement. Ezekiel prophesied (587 BC) that God would spiritually accomplish what rituals symbolized. The exile proved ceremonial cleansing insufficient without heart transformation. John the Baptist's baptism prepared for Christ, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). Christian baptism fulfills this prophecy—not the water itself but what it represents: Spirit-wrought regeneration cleansing from sin and idolatry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of God's cleansing challenge attempts at self-purification?
  2. What is the relationship between ritual baptism and the spiritual reality it symbolizes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְזָרַקְתִּ֧י1 of 11

Then will I sprinkle

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

עֲלֵיכֶ֛ם2 of 11
H5921

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

מַ֥יִם3 of 11

water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

טְהוֹרִ֖ים4 of 11

clean

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

אֲטַהֵ֥ר5 of 11

upon you and ye shall be clean

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

מִכֹּ֧ל6 of 11
H3605

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

טֻמְאוֹתֵיכֶ֛ם7 of 11

from all your filthiness

H2932

religious impurity

וּמִכָּל8 of 11
H3605

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

גִּלּ֥וּלֵיכֶ֖ם9 of 11

and from all your idols

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

אֲטַהֵ֥ר10 of 11

upon you and ye shall be clean

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

אֶתְכֶֽם׃11 of 11
H853

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


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 36:25 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 36:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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