King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:8 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:8 in the King James Version says “But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 36:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:

10

And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, 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 · 12 words
וְאַתֶּ֞ם1 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הָרֵ֤י2 of 12

“But ye O mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל3 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

עַנְפְּכֶ֣ם4 of 12

“your branches”

H6057

a twig (as covering the limbs)

תִּתֵּ֔נוּ5 of 12

“ye shall shoot forth”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

וּפֶרְיְכֶ֥ם6 of 12

“your fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

תִּשְׂא֖וּ7 of 12

“and yield”

H5375

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

לְעַמִּ֣י8 of 12

“to my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל9 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

כִּ֥י10 of 12
H3588

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

קֵרְב֖וּ11 of 12

“for they are at hand”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לָבֽוֹא׃12 of 12

“to come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 36:8 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 36:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 27:6Ezekiel 34:26-29Hebrews 10:37Hosea 2:21-23Amos 9:13-15Isaiah 30:23

Test Your Knowledge

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

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