King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:31 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:31 in the King James Version says “Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own si...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 36:31 · KJV

Context

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.

32

Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.

33

Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded.

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 · 14 words
וּזְכַרְתֶּם֙1 of 14

“Then shall ye remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת2 of 14
H853

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

דַּרְכֵיכֶ֣ם3 of 14

“ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָרָעִ֔ים4 of 14

“your own evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וּמַעַלְלֵיכֶ֖ם5 of 14

“and your doings”

H4611

an act (good or bad)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא7 of 14
H3808

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

טוֹבִ֑ים8 of 14

“that were not good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וּנְקֹֽטֹתֶם֙9 of 14

“and shall lothe”

H6962

properly, to cut off, i.e., (figuratively) detest

בִּפְנֵיכֶ֔ם10 of 14

“yourselves in your own sight”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עַ֚ל11 of 14
H5921

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

עֲוֹנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם12 of 14

“for your iniquities”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְעַ֖ל13 of 14
H5921

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

תּוֹעֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶֽם׃14 of 14

“and for your abominations”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

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 36:31 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 36:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 6:9Ezekiel 20:43Nehemiah 9:26-35Ezekiel 16:61-63Job 42:6Isaiah 6:5

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