King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:35 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:35 in the King James Version says “And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.”

Ezekiel 36:35 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by.

35

And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.

36

Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.

37

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.

Read Ezekiel 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The result of restoration: 'And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.' The comparison to 'the garden of Eden' depicts complete restoration and blessing—paradise regained. What was destroyed by judgment becomes more glorious than before. The threefold description 'waste and desolate and ruined' emphasizes total devastation; the transformation to 'fenced, and are inhabited' shows complete reversal. This prophecy had initial fulfillment in the return from exile and Jerusalem's rebuilding, but awaits ultimate fulfillment in the new creation (Revelation 21-22) when God makes all things new. The Eden imagery connects restoration to creation purposes—God recovers His original design for human flourishing in His presence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The land's desolation resulted from covenant curses (Leviticus 26:27-35, Deuteronomy 28:49-52). Babylonian destruction in 586 BC left Jerusalem and Judah devastated. The exile lasted approximately 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11), during which the land lay largely uninhabited, fulfilling sabbath rest (2 Chronicles 36:21). The return under Zerubbabel (538 BC), Ezra (458 BC), and Nehemiah (445 BC) brought gradual restoration—temple rebuilt, walls reconstructed, cities repopulated. Yet this restoration fell short of Ezekiel's glorious vision, awaiting eschatological fulfillment. The New Testament interprets Eden restoration christologically and eschatologically—Christ reverses the curse (Galatians 3:13), and the new creation will feature paradise restored (Revelation 22:1-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of Eden-like restoration fuel hope during present struggles and spiritual desolation?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's determination to restore and exceed what sin and judgment destroyed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאָמְר֗וּ1 of 13

“And they shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָאָ֤רֶץ2 of 13

“land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַלֵּ֙זוּ֙3 of 13

“This”

H1977

that

וְהַֽנְשַׁמּ֥וֹת4 of 13

“and desolate”

H8074

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

הָיְתָ֖ה5 of 13
H1961

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

כְּגַן6 of 13

“is become like the garden”

H1588

a garden (as fenced)

עֵ֑דֶן7 of 13

“of Eden”

H5731

eden, the region of adam's home

וְהֶעָרִ֧ים8 of 13

“cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הֶחֳרֵב֛וֹת9 of 13

“and the waste”

H2720

parched or ruined

וְהַֽנְשַׁמּ֥וֹת10 of 13

“and desolate”

H8074

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

וְהַנֶּהֱרָס֖וֹת11 of 13

“and ruined”

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

בְּצוּר֥וֹת12 of 13

“are become fenced”

H1219

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

יָשָֽׁבוּ׃13 of 13

“and are inhabited”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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 36:35 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 36:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 51:3Joel 2:3Jeremiah 33:9Psalms 58:11Psalms 64:9Ezekiel 37:13

Places in This Verse

Eden 1Special Place · Modern: Armenia · 40.38°N, 44.95°E13 verses across 4 books
View all places in Ezekiel 36 →

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