King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:38 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:38 in the King James Version says “As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of me...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 36:38 · KJV

Context

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 · 16 words
צֹ֣אן1 of 16

“as the flock”

H6629

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

קָֽדָשִׁ֗ים2 of 16

“As the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

צֹ֣אן3 of 16

“as the flock”

H6629

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

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙4 of 16

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בְּמ֣וֹעֲדֶ֔יהָ5 of 16

“in her solemn feasts”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

כֵּ֤ן6 of 16
H3651

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

תִּהְיֶ֙ינָה֙7 of 16
H1961

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

הֶעָרִ֣ים8 of 16

“cities”

H5892

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

הֶחֳרֵב֔וֹת9 of 16

“so shall the waste”

H2720

parched or ruined

מְלֵא֖וֹת10 of 16

“be filled”

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

צֹ֣אן11 of 16

“as the flock”

H6629

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

אָדָ֑ם12 of 16

“of men”

H120

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

וְיָדְע֖וּ13 of 16

“and they shall know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי14 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֥י15 of 16
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃16 of 16

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 36:38 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 36:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:161 Kings 8:63Acts 2:5-11Exodus 34:23Ezekiel 36:33-352 Chronicles 30:21-27

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezekiel 36 →

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