Ezekiel 36:25

KJV

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then will I sprinkle {H2236} clean {H2889} water {H4325} upon you, and ye shall be clean {H2891}: from all your filthiness {H2932}, and from all your idols {H1544}, will I cleanse {H2891} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idols.

Berean Standard Bible

I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols.

American Standard Version

And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:25 presents a profound divine promise to the exiled nation of Israel, declaring God's sovereign initiative to purify His people. This verse outlines a comprehensive spiritual cleansing, where God pledges to "sprinkle clean water upon" them, thereby removing their deep-seated moral and ritual defilement, specifically from all their "filthiness" and "idols." It underscores God's unwavering commitment to internal transformation as a prerequisite for their full restoration and renewal, demonstrating His boundless grace and holiness in bringing His covenant people back into a right and vital relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36:25 is strategically placed within a pivotal section of hope and restoration (chapters 33-48) that follows the severe prophecies of judgment against Israel and surrounding nations (chapters 1-32). More precisely, it forms an integral part of a significant oracle in [Ezekiel 36:22-32](/ezekiel/36-22-32 "Ezekiel 36:22-32 - God's Promise of Restoration for His Holy Name's Sake"), where God emphatically declares His intention to restore Israel. This restoration is explicitly stated not to be for Israel's merit or righteousness, but solely for the sake of God's holy name, which had been profaned among the nations due to Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. This verse immediately precedes the foundational promise of a new heart and a new spirit in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit"), thereby establishing the divine cleansing as the necessary foundational act that enables such a radical internal transformation and empowers the people to walk in God's statutes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, roughly from 597 to 538 BC. This was a time of profound national humiliation, spiritual crisis, and existential despair for the people of Judah, who had been forcibly deported from their homeland. Their exile was understood as divine judgment for centuries of covenant unfaithfulness, particularly their rampant idolatry and deep moral corruption, issues directly confronted in this verse. The concept of "sprinkling clean water" would have resonated deeply with the exiles, immediately recalling the Levitical purification rituals (e.g., [Numbers 19](/numbers/19 "Numbers 19 - The Law of the Red Heifer for Purification")), where water, often mixed with ashes, was used to cleanse from ceremonial uncleanness, such as contact with a dead body. However, Ezekiel elevates this familiar ritual to an entirely new, spiritual plane, signifying an internal, divine cleansing from the pervasive defilement of sin that mere external ritual could never truly achieve.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Initiative and Sovereign Grace**, emphasizing that Israel's restoration and purification are entirely God's work, a testament to His unmerited favor rather than any human repentance or worthiness. It also highlights **Spiritual Cleansing and Purification**, moving beyond mere external ritual to an internal transformation that directly addresses the root causes of Israel's exile: their deep-seated "filthiness" (encompassing both moral and ritual impurity) and pervasive "idolatry." This promised cleansing is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Covenant Renewal**, as God prepares His people to re-enter a right relationship with Him and to genuinely obey His laws, thereby foreshadowing the glorious [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") promised elsewhere in prophetic scripture.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sprinkle (Hebrew, _zâraq'_):** H2236. A primitive root meaning "to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles); be here and there, scatter, strew." In this context, it refers to God's deliberate and active application of "clean water," signifying a divine act of purification. While it evokes ritualistic cleansing, here it transcends the physical, pointing to a sovereign, spiritual act of God that is both intentional and effective.
* **cleanse (Hebrew, _ṭâhêr'_):** H2891. A primitive root meaning "to be bright; i.e. (by implication) to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)." This verb, repeated in the verse (implied in "ye shall be clean" and explicit in "will I cleanse you"), underscores the comprehensive and transformative nature of the purification God promises. It signifies a profound change from a state of defilement to one of moral, spiritual, and ceremonial purity.
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** H1544. From `gâlal`, properly "a log (as round); by implication, an idol." This term, often used by Ezekiel, is a highly derogatory word for idols, frequently translated as "dung-gods" or "detestable things." Its use here emphasizes the utter abhorrence God has for the false gods Israel worshipped, highlighting the depth of their spiritual defilement and the radical, comprehensive nature of the cleansing required to remove such abominations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you":** This clause initiates God's promise of purification, emphasizing His direct and sovereign action ("I will"). The "clean water" is not merely physical water but a potent symbolic representation of divine cleansing, evoking the ritual purity laws of the Old Covenant (e.g., [Numbers 8:7](/numbers/8-7 "Numbers 8:7 - Cleansing of the Levites")) but pointing to a deeper, spiritual reality. It signifies the removal of defilement and the impartation of purity by God's own hand, an act of unmerited grace.
* **"and ye shall be clean":** This is the immediate, certain, and comprehensive result of God's action. The passive voice ("ye shall be clean") further stresses that this state of purity is a divine gift, not something achieved by human effort or ritualistic performance. It implies a thorough and effective cleansing, restoring the people to a state of ceremonial, moral, and spiritual acceptability before God.
* **"from all your filthiness":** This specifies the pervasive nature of the defilement from which God will cleanse them. "Filthiness" (Hebrew, _ṭumʼâh_) refers to both ritual impurity and profound moral defilement, encompassing the wide range of sins and abominations that had separated Israel from God and inevitably led to their exile. It speaks to the deep-seated corruption of their hearts and lives.
* **"and from all your idols":** This clause highlights the primary source of Israel's "filthiness" and the most grievous of their covenant sins. Idolatry was a pervasive and destructive issue throughout Israel's history, representing a fundamental betrayal of their exclusive covenant with Yahweh. God promises to cleanse them not just from the outward practice but from the inward attachment and devotion to these "detestable things," signifying a complete spiritual liberation from false worship and misdirected affections.
* **"will I cleanse you":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and emphatic confirmation of God's promise. By repeating the verb "cleanse" (related to "be clean"), God underscores the certainty, thoroughness, and divine origin of this spiritual purification. It is a definitive, unshakeable act of God's grace, ensuring a complete removal of sin and defilement, establishing a new foundation for their relationship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:25 is exceptionally rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The "clean water" is a potent symbol, drawing upon the familiar imagery of purification rites in the Old Testament, but here it transcends the physical to represent a profound spiritual cleansing initiated by God Himself. It functions as a powerful **metaphor** for the divine removal of sin and defilement, suggesting a thorough washing away of impurity that restores the individual to a state of purity. The terms "filthiness" and "idols" are also highly symbolic, representing the spiritual and moral corruption that had deeply estranged Israel from God and led to their judgment. The phrase "sprinkle clean water upon you" employs **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (sprinkling) to God, thereby emphasizing His personal, active, and intimate involvement in the purification process. The clear **parallelism** between "from all your filthiness, and from all your idols" highlights the dual nature of Israel's pervasive sin and underscores the comprehensive scope of God's promised cleansing. The repeated emphasis on "I will" (implied in "will I sprinkle," "ye shall be clean," and explicit in "will I cleanse you") powerfully demonstrates **divine sovereignty** and the absolute certainty of God's covenant promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:25 stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign grace and His unwavering commitment to the holiness of His people. It reveals that true spiritual cleansing is not achieved through human effort, ritualistic performance, or self-improvement alone, but is fundamentally a divine initiative, a gracious gift from God's own hand. This promise underscores the depth and pervasiveness of human sin—encompassing both moral "filthiness" and the pervasive spiritual adultery of "idolatry"—and God's radical, comprehensive solution to it. The "sprinkling of clean water" foreshadows a new era of spiritual renewal, where God Himself purifies the heart, enabling a restored relationship, genuine obedience, and a transformed life, thereby setting the indispensable stage for the New Covenant.

* [Numbers 19:13](/numbers/19-13 "Numbers 19:13 - Purification from Uncleanness")
* [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Cleanse Me with Hyssop")
* [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - A Fountain Opened for Cleansing from Sin and Uncleanness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:25 offers profound hope and deeply practical guidance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our deepest need is not merely behavioral modification or external conformity, but a radical, internal cleansing from the defilement of sin and the insidious, often subtle, pull of idolatry. Just as God promised to sovereignly cleanse ancient Israel, He offers spiritual purification to all who turn to Him through faith in Christ. This verse teaches us that genuine, lasting cleansing is exclusively a work of God's grace, not something we can earn, achieve, or merit through our own efforts. It calls us to humbly acknowledge our "filthiness" and to identify the "idols" that subtly or overtly compete for God's rightful, supreme place in our hearts—be it self-reliance, material possessions, relationships, achievements, or even good works. Recognizing God's sovereign initiative in cleansing should foster profound humility, overflowing gratitude, and an unwavering trust in His boundless power to transform us from within. It also encourages us to actively cooperate with the indwelling Holy Spirit as He continues the ongoing work of sanctification, progressively purifying us and empowering us to live lives that genuinely honor and glorify Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "filthiness" or "idols" in my life do I need to fully surrender to God for His cleansing touch?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign initiative in cleansing impact my approach to personal holiness and spiritual growth, fostering reliance on Him rather than self-effort?**
* **In what practical ways can I more fully rely on the "clean water" of God's grace for ongoing purification, rather than attempting to cleanse myself?**

### FAQ

**What is the "clean water" in Ezekiel 36:25?**

Answer: The "clean water" in [Ezekiel 36:25](/ezekiel/36-25 "Ezekiel 36:25 - God's Promise of Spiritual Cleansing") is symbolic, not literal. While it evokes the ritual purification practices of the Old Testament (e.g., the water of purification in [Numbers 19](/numbers/19 "Numbers 19 - The Law of the Red Heifer for Purification")), in this profound prophetic context, it represents a deep and comprehensive spiritual cleansing initiated by God Himself. It signifies the divine removal of sin, moral defilement, and the pervasive idolatry that separated Israel from God. The New Testament later reveals this ultimate cleansing to be accomplished through the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, leading to a new birth and ongoing purification (see [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - The Washing of Regeneration and Renewal by the Holy Spirit")).

**How does God cleanse from "filthiness" and "idols"?**

Answer: God cleanses from "filthiness" (moral and ritual impurity) and "idols" (anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives) through a sovereign act of His grace and power. In the Old Testament, this promise of internal transformation pointed forward to the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"). For believers today, this initial cleansing is accomplished through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, which purifies us from all sin and guilt ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")). Furthermore, the indwelling Holy Spirit works continuously to convict us of sin, empower us to resist temptation, and progressively transform our hearts and desires, leading us away from idolatry and towards true worship and obedience to God ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")). It is a divine work that enables us to live in increasing purity and conformity to Christ's image.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:25 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and the establishment of the New Covenant. The "sprinkling of clean water" is a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the spiritual cleansing and new birth made possible solely through Christ. Just as the prophet foretold, God Himself initiated this purification, not through mere ritualistic water, but through the infinitely precious, shed blood of His Son, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through Christ's perfect, atoning sacrifice on the cross, our "filthiness" and the deep defilement of our "idols" are completely and eternally washed away ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by the Blood of Christ")). Furthermore, the promise of being made "clean" is profoundly realized through the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ pours out upon all who believe ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - The Washing of Regeneration and Renewal by the Holy Spirit")). This spiritual baptism unites believers with Christ in His death and resurrection, signifying a new life free from the dominion of sin and idolatry ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - United with Christ in Baptism")). Thus, what was promised in Ezekiel is fully, perfectly, and eternally accomplished in Christ, who not only cleanses us from all unrighteousness but also empowers us to walk in newness of life, thereby fulfilling God's ancient and gracious promise to His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Jeremiah 33:8

And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Titus 3:6

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Isaiah 4:4

When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.