Ezekiel 36:33
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 36:33 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel speaks of a promise from the Lord GOD to the people of Israel. In this verse, the Lord assures the people that after cleansing them from their sins and iniquities, He will cause them to dwell in the cities once again. This is a message of hope and restoration for the Israelites who have strayed from the path of righteousness. The cleansing mentioned here refers to the forgiveness and purification of their sins, allowing them to start afresh and rebuild their lives. The image of the wastes being builded signifies a new beginning and the restoration of what was once destroyed. It is a message of redemption and renewal, showing that God's grace and mercy are always available to those who seek forgiveness and turn back to Him. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His promise to restore His people when they repent and turn to Him.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the relationship between cleansing from iniquities and restoration of cities. The cleansing from iniquities represents God's forgiveness and redemption for His people, allowing them to dwell in cities once again. This cleansing not only involves the removal of sin but also the restoration of broken relationships and the healing of a broken community. The rebuilding of the wastes signifies God's restoration and renewal of His people, emphasizing His power to transform what was once desolate into something prosperous and thriving. This verse highlights God's promise of not only forgiveness but also restoration and flourishing for those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.
Ezekiel 36:33 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: In the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be builded.
World English Bible
Thus says the Lord Yahweh: In the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be built.
Douay-Rheims
Thus saith the Lord God: In the day that I shall cleanse you from all your iniquities, and shall cause the cities to be inhabited, and shall repair the ruinous places,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus sayth the Lord God, What time as I shall haue clensed you from all your iniquities, I will cause you to dwel in the cities, and the desolate places shalbe builded.