Ezekiel 36 36

Ezekiel 36:36 kjv

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.

Ezekiel 36:36 nkjv

Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken it, and I will do it."

Ezekiel 36:36 niv

Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'

Ezekiel 36:36 esv

Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the LORD; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it.

Ezekiel 36:36 nlt

Then the surrounding nations that survive will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruins and replanted the wasteland. For I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do what I say.

Ezekiel 36 verses

Ezekiel 36 36 Meaning

Nations and Gentiles will see that the Lord has rebuilt Jerusalem, the devastated city, and repopulated it. This signifies the Lord's direct involvement and vindication, leading to an recognition of His power and faithfulness by the surrounding peoples.

Ezekiel 36 36 Context

Chapter 36 of Ezekiel is a prophecy of restoration and renewal for Israel. Following the pronouncements of judgment against the surrounding nations (chapters 25-32) and for Israel's own sins (chapters 1-35), this chapter shifts focus to God's faithfulness and His plan for His people. Ezekiel describes the desolate mountains of Israel being made fertile again, the exiles returning, and God cleansing His people. Verse 36, particularly the latter part, signifies the public display of God's rebuilding work. This renewal is not just for Israel's benefit but is intended to be witnessed by the surrounding nations, who had previously mocked and exulted over Israel's downfall. It serves as a testament to God's power and sovereignty, vindicating His name among those who profaned it through His people's unfaithfulness. The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the land is a tangible sign of a deeper spiritual restoration – God dwelling among His people once more.

Ezekiel 36 36 Word Analysis

• And (וְ, ve): A common conjunction connecting clauses, signifying continuation or addition.

• the nations (הַגּוֹיִם, hag Goyim): Refers to the surrounding Gentile peoples who were often in opposition to Israel, or simply other peoples of the earth.

• that (כִּֽי, ki): Can function as a conjunction, often meaning "because," "for," "that," or "when." Here it introduces the reason or the subject of what the nations will see.

• the LORD (יְהוָ֔ה, Adonai): The covenant name of God, YHWH.

• has built (בָּנָ֤ה, banah): From the root banah, meaning to build, establish, create. It indicates the active process of construction and establishment.

• it (אֹתָהּ, otah): Refers back to Jerusalem, the previously ruined city.

• up (עָלָ֣ה, alah): While literally meaning "to go up," here it suggests the completion or rebuilding "up" or into its former or greater state. It conveys a sense of rebuilding from a state of ruin and elevation.

• again (ע֔וֹד, od): Can mean "again," "still," "more." Here it emphasizes the repetition or renewal of the building process.

• and restored (וְחָפֵץ, vechafeṣ): The verb is usually ḥāpēṣ, meaning to desire, delight, be pleased with, favor. However, the Leningrad Codex reads וְשֻׁבָ֖ה, vešūvah, from the root shuv, meaning to return, restore. The KJV and other versions reflect this latter reading. The meaning is to bring back, to repair, to recover.

• it (אֹתָהּ, otah): Again refers to Jerusalem.

• Word Group: "And the nations around you will see..." (וְרָא֣וּ גוֹיִ֔ם): This phrase emphasizes the outward-facing aspect of God's restorative work. It is not a private, internal affair but a public declaration that the nations, often critics and enemies, will be compelled to witness and acknowledge.

Ezekiel 36 36 Bonus Section

The rebuilding mentioned is multifaceted, encompassing the physical return from exile and the repopulation of the land, but more profoundly, it speaks to the spiritual renewal of the people themselves – a new heart and spirit given by God, as detailed in preceding verses (Eze 36:25-27). The nations witnessing this see not just bricks and mortar, but the work of the Spirit bringing life to a barren land and a broken people. This testimony ultimately leads to the nations acknowledging God as the one true God. This future restoration is also linked to the restoration of David's kingdom, as understood in Acts 15:16, quoting Amos 9:11-12. The act of God rebuilding and restoring His people becomes a central theme in understanding His eternal plan for humanity.

Ezekiel 36 36 Commentary

This verse serves as a powerful declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and redemptive power. It highlights that God's rebuilding of Israel, particularly Jerusalem, is a public spectacle intended to bring glory to His name. The nations, who often witnessed Israel's punishment and mocked God, will be forced to confront the reality of His covenant faithfulness. This restoration isn't merely architectural or territorial but a demonstration of God's ongoing relationship with His people and His power to renew life from desolation. It anticipates a future era where God's reign is undeniable and recognized by all. This echoes throughout Scripture, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the Church, where God's redemptive work is made visible to all.