Ezekiel 36:29

KJV

I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will also save {H3467} you from all your uncleannesses {H2932}: and I will call {H7121} for the corn {H1715}, and will increase {H7235} it, and lay {H5414} no famine {H7458} upon you.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will save you from all your uncleanliness. I will summon the grain and increase it, and not send famine against you.

Berean Standard Bible

I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will summon the grain and make it plentiful, and I will not bring famine upon you.

American Standard Version

And I will save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the grain, and will multiply it, and lay no famine upon you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:29 is a profound declaration of Yahweh's comprehensive restoration of Israel, promising both spiritual cleansing from their idolatry and moral impurity, and abundant physical provision, thereby reversing the judgments of famine and scarcity. This divine initiative underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, not based on their merit, but for the vindication of His holy name among the nations, ensuring their holistic well-being and security in the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger prophecy of restoration in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel"). Following chapters detailing Israel's sin, judgment, and exile, God pivots to a future hope. Specifically, verses [Ezekiel 36:22-32](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-32 - God's Name Vindicated") describe God's actions to restore Israel for the sake of His own name, which had been profaned by their actions among the nations. Verse [Ezekiel 36:25](/ezekiel/36-25 "Ezekiel 36:25 - Cleansing and New Heart") promises spiritual cleansing and a new heart, forming the immediate spiritual backdrop for verse 29. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:30](/ezekiel/36-30 "Ezekiel 36:30 - Abundant Harvest")) continue to elaborate on the physical blessings and population increase that will accompany this restoration, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national humiliation and suffering for the Israelites. Their land lay desolate, and they were dispersed among foreign nations. Famine was a recurring threat and a common consequence of divine judgment for covenant disobedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Curses of Disobedience")). The agricultural society of ancient Israel relied heavily on grain ("corn") for sustenance, making its abundance or scarcity a direct indicator of prosperity or hardship. The promise of freedom from "uncleannesses" directly addresses the pervasive idolatry and moral corruption that led to their exile, highlighting the spiritual sickness that plagued the nation (cf. [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellions")).
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration for God's Name's Sake") is God's **sovereign restoration** of Israel, driven by His concern for the **sanctity of His holy name**. This verse specifically highlights the theme of **holistic salvation**, encompassing both spiritual purification from "uncleannesses" and physical provision, reversing the curse of famine. It foreshadows aspects of the **New Covenant**, where God initiates transformation from within (cf. [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")) and provides abundantly. The promise of agricultural prosperity also ties into the theme of **restoration of the land**, which had suffered alongside the people due to their sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** H3467. This primitive root means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor." In this context, it signifies God's active intervention to deliver Israel from the spiritual bondage and consequences of their "uncleannesses," bringing them into a state of safety and freedom from the destructive power of sin. It speaks to a comprehensive, divinely initiated liberation.
* **uncleannesses (Hebrew, _ṭumʼâh'_):** H2932. Derived from the root "ṭāmēʼ" (to be unclean), this word refers to religious impurity, moral defilement, or filthiness. In the Old Testament, "uncleanness" could be ritualistic (e.g., contact with a corpse) or moral (e.g., idolatry, sexual sin). Here, it primarily denotes the deep-seated spiritual and moral corruption of Israel, particularly their idolatry and rebellion against God, which had defiled the land and led to their judgment and exile.
* **increase (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** H7235. This primitive root means "to increase (in whatever respect)," "to multiply," or "to be abundant." When applied to "corn" (grain), it signifies a superabundant harvest, far beyond what might be naturally expected or what they had experienced during the famine. It points to God's miraculous provision and the reversal of the curses of scarcity, ensuring prosperity and well-being for His restored people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will also save you from all your uncleannesses:"** This clause emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in spiritual purification. The "uncleannesses" refer to Israel's deep-seated idolatry and moral corruption that led to their exile. God promises a radical, comprehensive cleansing, not based on human effort or merit, but on His divine will and power, establishing a foundation for renewed relationship.
* **"and I will call for the corn, and will increase it,"** This signifies God's direct control over nature and His commitment to physical provision. "Corn" (grain) represents the staple food source and agricultural prosperity. God's "calling for" it implies His command over the elements to produce an abundant harvest, and "increasing it" speaks to a supernatural multiplication, reversing the scarcity and hardship that characterized their judgment.
* **"and lay no famine upon you."** This final clause is a direct promise to remove the severe judgment of famine, which was a common consequence of covenant disobedience. It assures the people of sustained security and well-being, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's restoration—addressing not only their spiritual state but also their physical needs, ensuring a life free from the threat of hunger.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Speech** is paramount, as the entire passage is a direct declaration from God ("I will..."). This emphasizes His absolute sovereignty, power, and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. There is clear **Parallelism** between the spiritual and physical aspects of restoration: God saves from "uncleannesses" (spiritual) and provides "corn" and removes "famine" (physical). This highlights the holistic nature of God's salvation, addressing both the inner spiritual condition and the outward material circumstances. The "corn" serves as a **Metonymy** for agricultural prosperity and general sustenance, representing all the material blessings that would accompany the return to the land and God's favor. The phrase "lay no famine upon you" is a powerful statement of **Reversal**, directly counteracting the curses of judgment and promising a new era of divine blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:29 powerfully articulates God's commitment to a holistic restoration, where spiritual cleansing and physical provision are inextricably linked. This promise is rooted in God's faithfulness to His covenant and His desire to vindicate His holy name among the nations, demonstrating that His redemptive work is not merely about forgiveness but about comprehensive transformation. It foreshadows the New Covenant, where God's Spirit empowers internal change and His grace provides for all needs, both spiritual and material, for His people. The removal of famine signifies the reversal of judgment and the establishment of a new era of peace and prosperity under divine favor.

* [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11 "Blessings of Obedience"): This passage details the blessings of abundant harvest and provision for obedience, which Ezekiel 36:29 promises to restore, even after disobedience, by God's grace.
* [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"): Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life," connecting the physical provision of grain with the ultimate spiritual sustenance He provides, fulfilling the deeper hunger of humanity.
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ"): This verse speaks to the radical spiritual transformation in Christ, where believers become "new creations," echoing the cleansing from "uncleannesses" promised in Ezekiel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:29 offers immense comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's salvation is comprehensive, addressing not only our spiritual brokenness but also our physical needs and circumstances. Just as He promised to cleanse Israel from their "uncleannesses," He desires to purify us from all sin and defilement through the work of Christ and the Spirit. Furthermore, His promise to provide "corn" and remove "famine" assures us of His providential care in all aspects of life. This verse calls us to trust in God's sovereignty over both our spiritual transformation and our material well-being, recognizing that true security and abundance come from Him alone. It encourages us to live lives of purity and gratitude, resting in His unfailing provision and seeking His kingdom first.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need God's cleansing from "uncleannesses" today, whether spiritual or moral?**
* **How does this promise of God's provision for "corn" and removal of "famine" speak to your anxieties about material needs or future security?**
* **How can recognizing God's holistic salvation (spiritual and physical) deepen your trust and worship of Him?**

### FAQ

**What does "uncleannesses" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 36:29, "uncleannesses" (Hebrew: _ṭumʼâh_) primarily refers to the spiritual and moral impurity of the Israelites, particularly their pervasive idolatry, covenant breaking, and moral corruption. These actions defiled the land and broke their relationship with God, leading to their exile. God's promise to "save you from all your uncleannesses" signifies a radical, internal cleansing and purification, necessary for their restoration to a right relationship with Him and their return to the land. This spiritual cleansing is foundational to the subsequent physical blessings.

**How does God "call for the corn" and "increase it"?**

Answer: The phrase "I will call for the corn, and will increase it" signifies God's absolute sovereignty over nature and His direct intervention in providing for His people. "Corn" (grain) was the staple food and a symbol of agricultural prosperity. God "calling for" it implies His command over the elements—rain, soil fertility, and growth—to produce an abundant harvest. "Increasing it" suggests a supernatural multiplication, far beyond normal yields, ensuring a surplus of food. This is a divine reversal of the famine and scarcity that were consequences of their disobedience, demonstrating God's power to bless and sustain. It highlights that true provision comes from God alone, not merely from human effort or natural processes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:29 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise to "save you from all your uncleannesses" is perfectly realized in Christ's atoning work on the cross. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the ultimate spiritual cleansing that mere ritual could not achieve (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Through faith in Him, believers are purified from the defilement of sin and given a new heart and a new spirit, as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Furthermore, the promise of physical provision and the removal of famine are echoed in Christ, who declared Himself the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), satisfying spiritual hunger and thirst (cf. [John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Living Bread")). While not eliminating all physical hardship in this fallen world, Christ assures His followers of God's providential care (cf. [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")) and promises a future where there will be no more hunger or thirst in His eternal kingdom (cf. [Revelation 7:16](/revelation/7-16 "Revelation 7:16 - No More Hunger or Thirst")). Thus, Jesus embodies the comprehensive salvation—spiritual purity and ultimate provision—that Ezekiel's prophecy foreshadowed.

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

John 1:7

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe.

John 1:9

[That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Hosea 2:21

And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the LORD, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth;

Hosea 2:23

And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my God.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Romans 11:26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: