King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:3 in the King James Version says “Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people: Because: Heb. Because for because are: or, ye are made to come up on the lip of the tongue”

Ezekiel 36:3 · KJV

Context

1

Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:

2

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:

3

Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people: Because: Heb. Because for because are: or, ye are made to come up on the lip of the tongue

4

Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about; rivers: or, bottoms, or, dales

5

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.

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 · 23 words
לָכֵן֙1 of 23
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הִנָּבֵ֣א2 of 23

“Therefore prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

אָמַ֖ר3 of 23

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֥ה4 of 23
H3541

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

אָמַ֖ר5 of 23

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י6 of 23

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִ֑ה7 of 23

“GOD”

H3069

god

יַ֣עַן8 of 23
H3282

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

בְּיַ֡עַן9 of 23
H3282

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

שַׁמּוֹת֩10 of 23

“Because they have made you desolate”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

וְשָׁאֹ֨ף11 of 23

“and swallowed you up”

H7602

to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten

אֶתְכֶ֜ם12 of 23
H853

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

מִסָּבִ֗יב13 of 23

“on every side”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

לִֽהְיוֹתְכֶ֤ם14 of 23
H1961

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

מֽוֹרָשָׁה֙15 of 23

“that ye might be a possession”

H4181

a possession

לִשְׁאֵרִ֣ית16 of 23

“unto the residue”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם17 of 23

“of the heathen”

H1471

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

וַתֵּֽעֲל֛וּ18 of 23

“and ye are taken up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל19 of 23
H5921

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

שְׂפַ֥ת20 of 23

“in the lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

לָשׁ֖וֹן21 of 23

“of talkers”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

וְדִבַּת22 of 23

“and are an infamy”

H1681

slander

עָֽם׃23 of 23

“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

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 36:3 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 36:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 44:13-14Jeremiah 18:16Lamentations 2:15-16Psalms 35:15-16Psalms 61:1Jeremiah 41:1-18

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