King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:29 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:29 in the King James Version says “I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.”

Ezekiel 36:29 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

28

And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

29

I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.

30

And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.

31

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

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
וְהוֹשַׁעְתִּ֣י1 of 13

“I will also save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

אֶתְכֶ֔ם2 of 13
H853

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

מִכֹּ֖ל3 of 13
H3605

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

טֻמְאֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם4 of 13

“you from all your uncleannesses”

H2932

religious impurity

וְקָרָ֤אתִי5 of 13

“and I will call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל6 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַדָּגָן֙7 of 13

“for the corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֣י8 of 13

“and will increase”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

אֹת֔וֹ9 of 13
H853

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

וְלֹא10 of 13
H3808

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

אֶתֵּ֥ן11 of 13

“it and lay”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם12 of 13
H5921

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

רָעָֽב׃13 of 13

“no famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

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 36:29 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 36:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:7-9Hosea 2:21-23Matthew 1:21Titus 2:14Romans 11:26Hosea 14:4

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