Ezekiel 36:38 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The restored cities will be as full of people as Jerusalem is full of worshippers during feasts, and Israel will know their God.
The Context of Ezekiel 36:38
The restored cities will overflow with worshipping people who know their God.
What Does Ezekiel 36:38 Mean?
The comparison to Jerusalem's crowds during solemn feasts invokes the image of corporate worship and joy. The same vibrancy and sacred purpose that characterized the feast-crowds will mark the waste cities when they are repopulated. The cities will not merely be inhabited but filled with life and purpose.
The final phrase—'they shall know that I am the LORD'—returns to the core promise. Through all of this restoration, Israel will experientially know God. Knowledge here means intimate relationship, recognition of God's power and faithfulness, and voluntary submission to His lordship.
Ezekiel 36:38 in the Original Language
edah (עֵדָה), 'flock' — a congregation, assembly, or gathering of God's people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 36:38
What does Ezekiel 36:38 mean?
The restored cities will be as full of people as Jerusalem is full of worshippers during feasts, and Israel will know their God.
What is the context of Ezekiel 36:38?
The restored cities will overflow with worshipping people who know their God.