King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 39:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 39:15 in the King James Version says “And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamongog. set up: Heb. build”

Ezekiel 39:15 · KJV

Context

13

Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD.

14

And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search. men: Heb. men of continuance

15

And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamongog. set up: Heb. build

16

And also the name of the city shall be Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land. Hamonah: that is, The multitude

17

And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood. unto: Heb. to the fowl of every wing my sacrifice: or, my slaughter

Read Ezekiel 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When any seeth a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it—The Hebrew tsiyun (צִיּוּן, "sign" or "marker") refers to a monument or waymark, ensuring discovered remains are not left to cause further defilement. This protocol prevents contamination of searchers while ensuring professional burial crews can locate and properly inter the remains.

The attention to a man's bone (etzem adam, עֶצֶם אָדָם) shows God's concern for thoroughness—even skeletal fragments require proper burial. Numbers 19:16 specifies that touching a bone defiles; thus, the marker system allows laypeople to identify remains without incurring uncleanness while consecrated burial teams handle actual interment in the valley of Hamon-gog. This division of labor demonstrates practical wisdom in maintaining corporate purity while accomplishing necessary cleansing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological discoveries from ancient Israel show various types of burial markers and ossuaries, confirming the cultural practice of marking grave sites. The systematic approach described here—civilian markers plus professional burial teams—reflects sophisticated understanding of ritual purity logistics.

For the exilic community, this detailed protocol answered practical questions about restoration: How could the land be purified after such massive slaughter? Ezekiel's answer shows God provides both the victory and the practical means of consequent purification. The valley of Hamon-gog becomes a permanent memorial, similar to how Achan's cairn (Joshua 7:26) or Absalom's pillar (2 Samuel 18:18) memorialized significant events. This transforms battlefield carnage into testimony of divine judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the marker system teach about balancing corporate purity with individual participation in God's work?
  2. How does God's attention to even scattered bones demonstrate His thoroughness in dealing with sin and defilement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הָעֹֽבְרִים֙1 of 17

“And the passengers”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

הָעֹֽבְרִים֙2 of 17

“And the passengers”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בָּאָ֔רֶץ3 of 17

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְרָאָה֙4 of 17

“when any seeth”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֶ֣צֶם5 of 17

“bone”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

אָדָ֔ם6 of 17

“a man's”

H120

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

וּבָנָ֥ה7 of 17

“then shall he set up”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶצְל֖וֹ8 of 17

“by”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

צִיּ֑וּן9 of 17

“a sign”

H6725

a monumental or guiding pillar

עַ֣ד10 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַֽמְקַבְּרִ֔ים11 of 17

“have buried”

H6912

to inter

אֹתוֹ֙12 of 17
H853

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

הַֽמְקַבְּרִ֔ים13 of 17

“have buried”

H6912

to inter

אֶל14 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גֵּ֖יא15 of 17

“it in the valley”

H1516

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

הֲמ֥וֹן16 of 17
H0
גּֽוֹג׃17 of 17

“of Hamongog”

H1996

the multitude of gog; the name of an emblematic place in palestine

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 39:15 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 39:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 11:44

Places in This Verse

Valley of Hamon-gogValley · Modern: Abarim · 31.75°N, 35.72°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Ezekiel 39 →

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