King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:6 in the King James Version says “Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen:”

Ezekiel 36:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen:

7

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I have lifted up mine hand, Surely the heathen that are about you, they shall bear their shame.

8

But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come.

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 · 22 words
לָכֵ֕ן1 of 22
H3651

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

הִנָּבֵ֖א2 of 22

“Prophesy”

H5012

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

עַל3 of 22
H5921

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

אַדְמַ֣ת4 of 22

“therefore concerning the land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל5 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

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

אָמַ֣ר׀6 of 22

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֶהָרִ֣ים7 of 22

“unto the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְ֠לַגְּבָעוֹת8 of 22

“and to the hills”

H1389

a hillock

לָאֲפִיקִ֨ים9 of 22

“to the rivers”

H650

properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero

וְלַגֵּאָי֜וֹת10 of 22

“and to the valleys”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

כֹּֽה11 of 22
H3541

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

אָמַ֣ר׀12 of 22

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י13 of 22

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִ֗ה14 of 22

“GOD”

H3069

god

הִנְנִ֨י15 of 22
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

בְקִנְאָתִ֤י16 of 22

“in my jealousy”

H7068

jealousy or envy

וּבַחֲמָתִי֙17 of 22

“and in my fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

דִּבַּ֔רְתִּי18 of 22

“Behold I have spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יַ֛עַן19 of 22
H3282

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

כְּלִמַּ֥ת20 of 22

“the shame”

H3639

disgrace

גּוֹיִ֖ם21 of 22

“of the heathen”

H1471

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

נְשָׂאתֶֽם׃22 of 22

“because ye have borne”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

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 36:6 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 36:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 123:3-4Ezekiel 34:29Psalms 74:10Psalms 74:23Ezekiel 36:4-5Ezekiel 36:15

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Ezekiel 36 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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