King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:37 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:37 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 36:37 · KJV

Context

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.

38

As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD. holy: Heb. flock of holy things

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 · 15 words
כֹּ֤ה1 of 15
H3541

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

אָמַר֙2 of 15

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 15

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִ֔ה4 of 15

“GOD”

H3069

god

ע֗וֹד5 of 15
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

זֹ֛את6 of 15
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אִדָּרֵ֥שׁ7 of 15

“I will yet for this be enquired”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

לְבֵֽית8 of 15

“of by the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל9 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת10 of 15

“to do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶ֑ם11 of 15
H0
אַרְבֶּ֥ה12 of 15

“it for them I will increase”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

אֹתָ֛ם13 of 15
H853

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

כַּצֹּ֖אן14 of 15

“like a flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

אָדָֽם׃15 of 15

“them with men”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

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 36:37 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 36:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 5:14Hebrews 10:21-22Ezekiel 14:3Zechariah 10:6Zechariah 10:9Ezekiel 20:3

Test Your Knowledge

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