Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” New Living Translation They will be as numerous as the sacred flocks that fill Jerusalem’s streets at the time of her festivals. The ruined cities will be crowded with people once more, and everyone will know that I am the LORD.” English Standard Version Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” Berean Standard Bible Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” Berean Literal Bible Like a flock of consecration, like the flock at Jerusalem on its feast s, so the ruined cities will be filled with a flock of people. And they will know that I am YHWH.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version Like a flock offered as holy sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem on its feast days, so shall the ruined cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.” ’ ” New American Standard Bible Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so will the waste cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”’” NASB 1995 “Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so will the waste cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am the LORD."’” NASB 1977 “Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so will the waste cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”’” Legacy Standard Bible Like the flock for holy offerings, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed times, so will the waste cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.”’” Amplified Bible Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so will the desolate cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know [with confident assurance] that I am the LORD.”’” Berean Annotated Bible Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem (city of peace) during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD {YHWH}. Christian Standard Bible So the ruined cities will be filled with a flock of people, just as Jerusalem is filled with a flock of sheep for sacrifice during its appointed festivals. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible So the ruined cities will be filled with a flock of people, just as the flock of sheep for sacrifice is filled in Jerusalem during its appointed festivals. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.” American Standard Version As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am Jehovah. Contemporary English Version The towns that now lie in ruins will be filled with people, just as Jerusalem was once filled with sheep to be offered as sacrifices during a festival. Then you will know that I am the LORD. English Revised Version As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD. GOD'S WORD® Translation They will be like the sheep for sacrifices, like the sheep in Jerusalem during the appointed festivals. Their ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD." Good News Translation The cities that are now in ruins will then be as full of people as Jerusalem was once full of the sheep which were offered as sacrifices at a festival. Then they will know that I am the LORD." International Standard Version The desolate cities will be filled with flocks of human beings, just like Jerusalem used to be filled with flocks of sheep during the times of the appointed festivals. Then they will know that I am the LORD.'" NET Bible Like the sheep for offerings, like the sheep of Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD." New Heart English Bible As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am the LORD.'" Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLike the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” World English Bible As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so the waste cities will be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAs a flock of holy ones, as a flock of Jerusalem, "" In her appointed times, "" So the dried up cities are full of flocks of man, "" And they have known that I [am] YHWH!” Berean Literal Bible Like a flock of consecration, like the flock at Jerusalem on its feast s, so the ruined cities will be filled with a flock of people. And they will know that I am YHWH.” Young's Literal Translation As a flock of holy ones, as a flock of Jerusalem, In her appointed seasons, So are the waste cities full of flocks of men, And they have known that I am Jehovah!' Smith's Literal Translation As holy sheep, as the sheep of Jerusalem in her appointments; thus shall the cities laid waste be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAs a holy dock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts: so shall the waste cities be full of flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord. Catholic Public Domain Version like a holy flock, like the flock of Jerusalem in her solemnities. So shall the deserted cities be filled with flocks of men. And they shall know that I am the Lord.” New American Bible Like sheep for sacrifice, like the sheep of Jerusalem on its feast days, the ruined cities shall be filled with flocks of people; then they shall know that I am the LORD. New Revised Standard Version Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals, so shall the ruined towns be filled with flocks of people. Then they shall know that I am the LORD. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAs the holy flock, as the flock comes into Jerusalem at the time of her solemn feasts, so shall the ruined cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Like holy flocks, like the flocks of Jerusalem in the time of her feasts, so shall be the cities that were destroyed and they shall be filled with flocks of the children of men, and they shall know that I AM LORD JEHOVAH OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed seasons, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am the LORD.' Brenton Septuagint Translation as holy sheep, as the sheep of Jerusalem in her feasts; thus shall the desert cities be full of flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A New Heart and Spirit…37This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock. 38Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” Cross References Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, 2 Chronicles 35:7-9 From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls for the Passover offerings for all the people who were present. / His officials also contributed willingly to the people and priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the chief officials of the house of God, gave the priests 2,600 Passover offerings and 300 bulls. / Additionally, Conaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, contributed to the Levites 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls. Deuteronomy 16:16-17 Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. / Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. Leviticus 23:37-38 These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for presenting food offerings to the LORD—burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its designated day. / These offerings are in addition to the offerings for the LORD’s Sabbaths, and in addition to your gifts, to all your vow offerings, and to all the freewill offerings you give to the LORD. so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Jeremiah 33:10-13 This is what the LORD says: In this place you say is a wasteland without man or beast, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted—inhabited by neither man nor beast—there will be heard again / the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD. / This is what the LORD of Hosts says: In this desolate place, without man or beast, and in all its cities, there will once more be pastures for shepherds to rest their flocks. … Isaiah 49:19-21 For your ruined and desolate places and your ravaged land will now indeed be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away. / Yet the children of your bereavement will say in your hearing, ‘This place is too small for us; make room for us to live here.’ / Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. So who has reared them? Look, I was left all alone, so where did they come from?’” Zechariah 8:4-5 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Old men and old women will again sit along the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of great age. / And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.” Then they will know that I am the LORD.” Ezekiel 39:22 From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God. Ezekiel 37:13-14 Then you, My people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. / I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.’” Exodus 6:7 I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. Jeremiah 33:22 As the hosts of heaven cannot be counted and as the sand on the seashore cannot be measured, so too will I multiply the descendants of My servant David and the Levites who minister before Me.” Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ Zechariah 10:8-10 I will whistle for them to gather, for I have redeemed them; and they will be as numerous as they once were. / Though I sow them among the nations, they will remember Me in distant lands; they and their children will live and return. / I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanon until no more room is found for them. Isaiah 60:22 The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly. Genesis 22:17 I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. Jeremiah 31:27 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and of beast. Isaiah 54:1-3 “Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. / “Enlarge the site of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not hold back. Lengthen your ropes and drive your stakes in deep. / For you will spread out to the right and left; your descendants will dispossess the nations and inhabit the desolate cities. Treasury of Scripture 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. holy flock. Exodus 23:17 Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD. Exodus 34:23 Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: the waste Ezekiel 36:33-35 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded… Ezekiel 34:31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD. Jeremiah 30:19 And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. Jump to Previous Appointed Cities Feasts Filled Fixed Flock Flocks Full Holy Jerusalem Numerous Offerings Ones Ruined Sacrifice Sacrifices Seasons Sheep Solemn Towns Unpeopled WasteJump to Next Appointed Cities Feasts Filled Fixed Flock Flocks Full Holy Jerusalem Numerous Offerings Ones Ruined Sacrifice Sacrifices Seasons Sheep Solemn Towns Unpeopled WasteEzekiel 36 1. The land of Israel is comforted, by destruction of the heathen, who spitefully used it8. and by the blessings of God promised unto it 16. Israel was rejected for their sin 21. and shall be restored without their desert 25. The blessings of Christ's kingdom Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts This phrase draws a parallel between the restoration of Israel and the abundant flocks brought to Jerusalem for sacrifices during the feasts. The appointed feasts refer to the three major pilgrimage festivals: Passover, Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Tabernacles), when Israelites were required to bring offerings to the temple. These events were marked by large gatherings and numerous sacrifices, symbolizing worship, community, and divine blessing. The imagery of numerous flocks suggests a future time of prosperity and spiritual renewal for Israel, reminiscent of the vibrant religious life centered around the temple. so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people Then they will know that I am the LORD. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration to the Israelites. 2. Jerusalem The central city of worship for the Israelites, known for its temple and religious feasts. 3. Ruined Cities Refers to the cities of Israel that were devastated due to the people's disobedience and subsequent exile. 4. Flock for Sacrifices Symbolizes the people of Israel, likened to sacrificial animals, emphasizing their role in worship and dedication to God. 5. Appointed Feasts These are the significant religious festivals in Jerusalem, such as Passover, which drew large gatherings of people. Teaching Points Restoration and HopeGod's promise to fill the ruined cities with people signifies hope and restoration. Believers can trust in God's ability to restore what is broken in their lives. Worship and Community The imagery of flocks during feasts highlights the importance of communal worship. Christians are encouraged to gather regularly for worship and fellowship. Divine Sovereignty The phrase "Then they will know that I am the LORD" underscores God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for His people. Believers are reminded to recognize and submit to God's authority. Faithfulness in Exile Just as the Israelites were called to remain faithful during exile, Christians are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith during challenging times. Symbolism of Sacrifice The reference to sacrificial flocks points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Believers are called to live sacrificially, dedicating their lives to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 36:38?2. How does Ezekiel 36:38 illustrate God's promise of restoration and growth for Israel? 3. What does the imagery of "flocks for sacrifices" signify in Ezekiel 36:38? 4. How can Ezekiel 36:38 inspire us to trust in God's restoration today? 5. Connect Ezekiel 36:38 with other biblical promises of restoration and multiplication. 6. How can we apply the hope of Ezekiel 36:38 in our communities? 7. How does Ezekiel 36:38 reflect God's promise of restoration to Israel? 8. What historical context surrounds the prophecy in Ezekiel 36:38? 9. How does Ezekiel 36:38 relate to the concept of divine judgment and mercy? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 36? 11. What does defiling God's temple mean? 12. How do the Old and New Covenants differ? 13. How credible is the depiction of widespread child sacrifice in Ezekiel 16:20-21, given limited archaeological evidence for such practices in Jerusalem? 14. (Hebrews 13:20-21) How can this text's explanation of God's covenant through Jesus align with other biblical passages that present conflicting perspectives on atonement and redemption? What Does Ezekiel 36:38 Mean Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices• Ezekiel draws on the familiar sight of temple worship, where “numerous flocks” were brought for burnt offerings (2 Chronicles 30:24; 35:7). • The picture is one of abundance, order, and devotion—every animal set apart for a holy purpose (Leviticus 1:3–9). • God promises a comparable abundance of people, signaling spiritual vitality rather than mere population growth (Psalm 50:5-6). At Jerusalem during her appointed feasts • Three pilgrimage feasts—Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles—filled Jerusalem with worshipers (Deuteronomy 16:16; John 2:13). • The city, once bustling with praise, had become desolate because of Israel’s sin (Lamentations 1:1). • God pledges to restore those festival crowds, reviving joyful worship in the land (Zechariah 14:16). So the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people • “Ruined cities” refers to the towns devastated by Babylon (Jeremiah 33:10). • God’s restoration reverses every loss: – Population returns (Isaiah 44:26). – Economy revives (Amos 9:14). – Community life flourishes (Psalm 107:36-37). • The imagery of “flocks of people” conveys safety and shepherd-like care (Ezekiel 34:11-16). Then they will know that I am the LORD • Recognition of the LORD is the climactic goal (Ezekiel 36:23; 39:28). • Restoration showcases His faithfulness to covenant promises first given to Abraham (Genesis 17:7-8). • The renewed land and people become a living testimony to surrounding nations (Isaiah 60:3; Romans 11:12). summary Ezekiel 36:38 assures that just as Jerusalem once overflowed with sacrificial flocks at the great feasts, God will one day repopulate Israel’s shattered towns with throngs of people. Their return, prosperity, and joyful worship will unmistakably declare the LORD’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and covenant love. (38) The flock of Jerusalem.--The comparison is with the vast flocks of sacrificial animals accustomed to be carried to Jerusalem at the great annual feasts. The object is to give a vivid idea of the numbers of the people, but there is an especial appropriateness in the simile from the fact that these flocks were devoted to the Lord.Verse 38. - The people who should occupy the land of Israel in the coming age should be as the holy flock - literally, as the flock of holy things, or beasts; i.e. of sacrificial lambs - as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; literally, in her appointed times; i.e. her festal seasons (comp. Micah 2:12), referring to the three well-known annual occasions when the male population of the land came to the sanctuary (Deuteronomy 16:16), and when in consequence the flocks and herds poured into the metropolis were well-nigh past reckoning (see 2 Chronicles 29:33; 2 Chronicles 35:7; and comp. Josephus, 'Wars,' 6:9. 3). Perhaps in addition to the idea of the multiplication of the people, that of their dedication to the service of Jehovah is suggested by the prophet's language.
Hebrew Like the numerous flocksכְּצֹ֣אן (kə·ṣōn) Preposition-k | Noun - common singular construct Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock for sacrifices קָֽדָשִׁ֗ים (qā·ḏā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity at Jerusalem יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙ (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel during her appointed feasts, בְּמ֣וֹעֲדֶ֔יהָ (bə·mō·w·‘ă·ḏe·hā) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting so כֵּ֤ן (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus the ruined הֶחֳרֵב֔וֹת (he·ḥo·rê·ḇō·wṯ) Article | Adjective - feminine plural Strong's 2720: Parched, ruined cities הֶעָרִ֣ים (he·‘ā·rîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement will be תִּהְיֶ֙ינָה֙ (tih·ye·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be filled מְלֵא֖וֹת (mə·lê·’ō·wṯ) Adjective - feminine plural Strong's 4392: Full, filling, fulness, fully with flocks צֹ֣אן (ṣōn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock of people. אָדָ֑ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being Then they will know וְיָדְע֖וּ (wə·yā·ḏə·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3045: To know that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I am the LORD.’” יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Links Ezekiel 36:38 NIVEzekiel 36:38 NLT Ezekiel 36:38 ESV Ezekiel 36:38 NASB Ezekiel 36:38 KJV Ezekiel 36:38 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 36:38 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 36:38 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 36:38 French Bible Ezekiel 36:38 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 36:38 As the flock for sacrifice as (Ezek. Eze Ezk) |
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