Ezekiel 36:3

Ezekiel 36:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

therefore prophesy and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Because they have made you desolate and have trampled you on every side, so that you became a possession of the rest of the nations and were taken up in slander by the lips of their talkers,

King James Version KJV

Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people:

American Standard Version ASV

therefore prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because, even because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the nations, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and the evil report of the people;

Bible in Basic English BBE

For this cause be a prophet, and say, This is what the Lord has said: Because, even because they have been glad over you and put you to shame on every side, because you have become a heritage for the rest of the nations, and you are taken up on the lips of talkers and in the evil talk of the people:

Free Bible Version FBV

so you must prophesy and announce that this is what the Lord God says: They have turned you into a wasteland, attacking you from every direction, so that you became the property of other nations and people gossiped about you and slandered you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore prophesie, and say, Thus sayth the Lord God, Because that they haue made you desolate, and swallowed you vp on euery side, that ye might be a possession vnto the residue of the heathen, and ye are come vnto the lippes and tongues of men, and vnto the reproch of the people,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

therefore, prophesy, and thou hast said: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Because, even because, of desolating, And of swallowing you up from round about, For your being a possession to the remnant of the nations, And ye are taken up on the tip of the tongue, And [are] an evil report of the people.

World English Bible WEB

therefore prophesy, and say, ‘The Lord GOD says: “Because, even because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that you might be a possession to the residue of the nations, and you are taken up in the lips of talkers, and the evil report of the people;”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession to the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Therefore prophesy, and say: Thus saith the Lord God: Because you have been desolate, and trodden under foot on every side, and made an inheritance to the rest of the nations, and are become the subject of the talk, and the reproach of the people:

Translation for Translators T4T

Therefore prophesy about those mountains and say, “This is what Yahweh the Lord declares: Armies of other nations attacked you [DOU] from every direction, with the result that your land became abandoned, and people of other nations occupied you, and they spoke maliciously about you and slandered you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 36:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 36:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לָ/כֵן֙ הִנָּבֵ֣א וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֔ כֹּ֥ה אָמַ֖ר אֲדֹנָ֣/י יְהוִ֑ה יַ֣עַן בְּ/יַ֡עַן שַׁמּוֹת֩ וְ/שָׁאֹ֨ף אֶתְ/כֶ֜ם מִ/סָּבִ֗יב לִֽ/הְיוֹתְ/כֶ֤ם מֽוֹרָשָׁה֙ לִ/שְׁאֵרִ֣ית הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם וַ/תֵּֽעֲל֛וּ עַל שְׂפַ֥ת לָשׁ֖וֹן וְ/דִבַּת עָֽם

לָ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 right Prep | Adv

הִנָּבֵ֣א nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy V-Niphal-Impv-2ms

וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֔ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2ms

כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֖ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff

יְהוִ֑ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 YHWH/God N-proper

יַ֣עַן yaʻan H3282 because Conj

בְּ/יַ֡עַן yaʻan H3282 because Prep | Conj

שַׁמּוֹת֩ shâmêm H8074 be desolate V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/שָׁאֹ֨ף shâʼaph H7602 to long for Conj | V-Qal-Ptc

אֶתְ/כֶ֜ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

מִ/סָּבִ֗יב çâbîyb H5439 around Prep | N-cs

לִֽ/הְיוֹתְ/כֶ֤ם hâyâh H1961 to be Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

מֽוֹרָשָׁה֙ môwrâshâh H4181 possession N-fs

לִ/שְׁאֵרִ֣ית shᵉʼêrîyth H7611 remnant Prep | N-fs

הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-mp

וַ/תֵּֽעֲל֛וּ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-2mp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שְׂפַ֥ת sâphâh H8193 lips N-fs

לָשׁ֖וֹן lâshôwn H3956 tongue N-cs

וְ/דִבַּת dibbâh H1681 slander Conj | N-fs

עָֽם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 36:3

לָ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

הִנָּבֵ֣א nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" V-Niphal-Impv-2ms

To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.

Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.

וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֔ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֖ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff

Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.

Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.

יְהוִ֑ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 "YHWH/God" N-proper

YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.

Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)

Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.

יַ֣עַן yaʻan H3282 "because" Conj

This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.

Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.

בְּ/יַ֡עַן yaʻan H3282 "because" Prep | Conj

Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.

שַׁמּוֹת֩ shâmêm H8074 "be desolate" V-Qal-Inf-a

The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.

Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.

וְ/שָׁאֹ֨ף shâʼaph H7602 "to long for" Conj | V-Qal-Ptc

To crush or trample something, also to desire or hasten eagerly, as seen in Psalm 7:2. It implies a strong emotional response, like anger or intense longing. This word is used to describe God's judgment in Isaiah 13:3.

Definition: 1) to gasp, pant, pant after, long for, breathe heavily 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gasp, pant after, snuff up 1a2) to gasp or pant (with desire), pant after, be eager for 1a3) to thirst for one's blood (from actions of animals) (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: desire (earnestly), devour, haste, pant, snuff up, swallow up. See also: Job 5:5; Ecclesiastes 1:5; Psalms 56:2.

אֶתְ/כֶ֜ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִ/סָּבִ֗יב çâbîyb H5439 "around" Prep | N-cs

This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.

Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side

Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.

לִֽ/הְיוֹתְ/כֶ֤ם hâyâh H1961 "to be" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

מֽוֹרָשָׁה֙ môwrâshâh H4181 "possession" N-fs

This word means a possession or inheritance, referring to something that is passed down or owned. In the Bible, it is used to describe a heritage or legacy, such as a family's land or traditions.

Definition: a possession

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: heritage, inheritance, possession. See also: Exodus 6:8; Ezekiel 25:10; Ezekiel 36:5.

לִ/שְׁאֵרִ֣ית shᵉʼêrîyth H7611 "remnant" Prep | N-fs

The Hebrew word for remnant refers to what is left after something has been destroyed or taken away, like the Israelites who survived the Babylonian exile. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The concept of a remnant is key to God's plan for his people.

Definition: 1) rest, residue, remainder, remnant 1a) rest, what is left 1b) remainder, descendants

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 45:7; Jeremiah 42:19; Psalms 76:11.

הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-mp

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

וַ/תֵּֽעֲל֛וּ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-2mp

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

שְׂפַ֥ת sâphâh H8193 "lips" N-fs

This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.

Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.

לָשׁ֖וֹן lâshôwn H3956 "tongue" N-cs

The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.

Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.

וְ/דִבַּת dibbâh H1681 "slander" Conj | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to slander or evil reports, as seen in Leviticus 19:16 where God warns against spreading false rumors.

Definition: 1) whispering, defamation, evil report 1a) whispering 1b) defamation, defaming 1c) evil report, unfavourable saying

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: defaming, evil report, infamy, slander. See also: Genesis 37:2; Psalms 31:14; Proverbs 10:18.

עָֽם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 36:3

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Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 36:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 36:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 36:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:3
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:3
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 36:3
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 36:3
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:3
Sermons on Ezekiel 36:3

Context — A Prophecy to the Mountains of Israel

1“And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say: O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD. 2This is what the Lord GOD says: Because the enemy has said of you, ‘Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession,’

3therefore prophesy and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Because they have made you desolate and have trampled you on every side, so that you became a possession of the rest of the nations and were taken up in slander by the lips of their talkers,

4therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become a spoil and a mockery to the rest of the nations around you. 5Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Surely in My burning zeal I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, who took My land as their own possession with wholehearted joy and utter contempt, so that its pastureland became plunder.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 44:13–14	You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us. You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.
2	Lamentations 2:15–16	All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?” All your enemies open their mouths against you. They hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day for which we have waited. We have lived to see it!”
3	Jeremiah 18:16	They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads.
4	Matthew 27:39–44	And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him.
5	Jeremiah 52:1–5	Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. And Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as Jehoiakim had done. For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon. So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year.
6	Ezekiel 13:10	Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built,
7	Daniel 9:16	O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us.
8	Psalms 61:1	Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.
9	Jeremiah 24:9	I will make them a horror and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and an object of scorn, ridicule, and cursing wherever I have banished them.
10	Lamentations 2:5	The Lord is like an enemy; He has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation for the Daughter of Judah.

Ezekiel 36:3 Summary

This verse is saying that the nations around Israel have taken advantage of them and treated them badly, but God sees and cares about this. He hates it when people are mean and hurtful to each other, and He wants to bring justice and restoration (as seen in Isaiah 61:1-4). Just like a parent wants to protect and care for their child, God wants to protect and care for His people, and He will not let their suffering go unnoticed (as seen in Psalm 103:6-7).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the nations to have made Israel desolate?

This refers to the way the surrounding nations have taken advantage of Israel's weakness and overrun their land, much like what is described in Deuteronomy 28:49-50, where God warns of the consequences of disobedience.

Why does God care about the slander of Israel by other nations?

God is a God of justice and righteousness, and He hates slander and gossip, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19, where He lists seven things He hates, including a lying tongue.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?

This verse shows that even when it seems like God is not in control, He is still working behind the scenes to bring about justice and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His plans will not be thwarted.

What is the significance of the phrase 'the rest of the nations' in this verse?

This phrase refers to the fact that Israel's desolation and slander are not just the result of one or two nations, but rather a collective effort by many nations, highlighting the widespread opposition to God's people, as seen in Psalm 83:1-8.

Reflection Questions

How have I contributed to the slander or mocking of God's people, and what can I do to repent and make amends?
What are some ways that I can stand in solidarity with God's people, even when they are facing persecution or hardship?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when it seems like evil is prevailing, and what scriptures can I turn to for comfort and encouragement?
What are some ways that I can pray for the restoration and flourishing of God's people, and how can I be a part of that process?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 36:3

Therefore prophesy and say, thus saith the Lord God,.... Who heard all the enemy said, and knew all their designs and purposes, their schemes and devices: because they have made you desolate; ravaged

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 36:3

Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:3

Because they, Edomites, and others with them, have made you desolate; first broken your strength, wasted your cities, and burnt the temple, and waylaid you, to cut off them that were escaped at last. Swallowed you up; devoured you, as hungry beasts devour the prey. On every side; from all coasts of the land, through the whole. That ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen; that such of the heathen as remained here might have, what they no where else could have, being the scum and worst of men, an inheritance and possession; so unnatural was Edom, that east out his own kindred, to bring in the vilest of men and the most barbarous strangers. Ye are taken up in the lips of talkers; you are the subject on which wild and foul mouths discourse, which is explained, in that the people ever talked of them with reproach, and branding them as infamous. This was foretold to Israel, , and they were advised to prevent it.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:3

Ezekiel 36:3 Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made [you] desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and [are] an infamy of the people:Ver. 3. Because they have.] Heb., Because and because; importing earnestness and heat of indignation. So Leviticus 26:43. And ye are taken up in the lips of talkers.] Heb., Ye are made to ascend upon the lip of the tongue, and upon the evil fame of the people. God takes it extreme ill that his people should be traduced and defamed; which yet hath been their lot in all ages; but he will not fail to vindicate them, and to avenge them.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:3

(3) In the lips of talkers, and are an infamy.—A phrase equivalent to a by-word and a reproach. (Comp. Deuteronomy 28:37; 1 Kings 9:7, &c.) In the previous clause the words, “have swallowed you up,” should rather be “pant for you,” the word being taken from the snuffing and panting of wild beasts. It was after this fashion that “the residue of the heathen,” all those whom the conquests of Nebuchadnezzar had yet left, panted for the possession of the lands of Israel.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 36:3

3. Because …] lit. because, because, Ezekiel 13:10. The passage throughout betrays passionate feeling on the part of the prophet. His patriotism is aglow as the loved mountains of his native land rise before his mind; cf. the pathetic words in reference to the exiled king, Ezekiel 19:9. Hence the excitation and solemnity displayed in introducing the prophecy, which itself is expressed (Ezekiel 36:7 seq.) only after four or five commands to utter it (Ezekiel 36:3-6). For made desolate gaped for might be read, Isaiah 42:14. and ye are taken up] Or, and are come up upon the lips, Deuteronomy 28:37; Lamentations 2:15; Daniel 9:16 (niph. not unusual in this verb, Jeremiah 37:5).

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 36:3

The residue of the pagan - Those of the surrounding nations which had survived Jerusalem’s fall, and may have profited by it.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:3

3. Because — The Hebrew repeats this word to make it doubly emphatic. Jehovah’s judgments are never arbitrary. (Compare “therefore,” Ezekiel 36:4-6.) Heathen — Rather, nations.

Sermons on Ezekiel 36:3

	Sermon	Description
	Exposition on Psalm 44 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 43, highlighting the connection between the suffering of the Martyrs and the Passion of Christ, emphasizing the endurance and faith of believers ami
	Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th
	(The Life of Jesus) His Crucifixion by Earle Maxwell	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of receiving a late-night phone call from a distressed woman whose husband was in the intensive care ward. This experience
	Silence the Mocking Voices by Shane Idleman	This sermon emphasizes the impact of mocking voices that can lead to discouragement and distraction from God's will. It delves into the mocking of Jesus and the importance of surre
	Destined for the Cross by Paul E. Billheimer	Paul E. Billheimer preaches on the foundational principle of self-sacrifice in the universe, exemplified by Christ's choice to stay on the cross despite temptations to come down an
	Exposition on Psalm 22 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 21, reflecting on the words spoken by Jesus Christ Himself during His resurrection. The psalm portrays the suffering and humility of Christ, from be
	(The Full Gospel) 23. the Secret of Discernment by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of discernment in recognizing truth, as illustrated by the thief on the cross who, despite his criminal background, discerned Jesus' innocence