Ezekiel 36:30

KJV

And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will multiply {H7235} the fruit {H6529} of the tree {H6086}, and the increase {H8570} of the field {H7704}, that ye shall receive {H3947} no more reproach {H2781} of famine {H7458} among the heathen {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will multiply the yield of fruit from the trees and increase production in the fields, so that you never again suffer the reproach of famine among the nations.

Berean Standard Bible

I will also make the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field plentiful, so that you will no longer bear reproach among the nations on account of famine.

American Standard Version

And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye may receive no more the reproach of famine among the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:30 stands as a divine promise of abundant agricultural provision and the removal of national disgrace for the restored nation of Israel. This verse, embedded within a larger prophecy of spiritual and physical renewal, assures God's people that He will reverse the curses of scarcity and shame brought on by their disobedience, demonstrating His faithfulness and power not only to Israel but also to the surrounding Gentile nations. It highlights God's comprehensive plan to restore His people to a place of dignity and prosperity in their land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36:30 is part of a magnificent prophecy of Israel's restoration, immediately following the promise of spiritual renewal in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"). In these preceding verses, God pledges to cleanse His people, give them a new heart and spirit, and enable them to walk in His statutes. The physical restoration of the land, promised in verses 28-30, is thus presented as a direct consequence and visible manifestation of this internal spiritual transformation. The land, which had been desolate and barren due to judgment, is now promised to yield abundantly, removing the very sign of their past sin and shame. This flow from spiritual to physical blessing underscores the holistic nature of God's redemptive work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 36 was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people who had lost their land, their temple, and their national identity. Famine was a common and devastating consequence of war, siege, and divine judgment in the ancient Near East, often leading to extreme suffering and public humiliation. For Israel, famine was not merely a physical hardship but a profound national disgrace, a visible sign that their God had abandoned them or was powerless, leading to scorn from surrounding "heathen" (Gentile) nations. The promise of abundant fruit and increase directly addresses this deep-seated shame, signaling a reversal of their fortunes and a restoration of their honor in the eyes of the world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader Old Testament. It emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness** in God's ability and commitment to restore His people and their land, even after severe judgment. The theme of **Restoration and Renewal** is central, encompassing not just spiritual cleansing but also physical prosperity and the removal of public shame. Furthermore, the phrase "among the heathen" highlights the theme of **God's Glory Revealed to the Nations**. God's visible blessing upon Israel serves as a testimony to His power and faithfulness, countering the previous scorn and demonstrating His unique identity as the one true God to all peoples, a theme echoed in passages like [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations") and [Joel 2:26-27](/joel/2-26-27 "Joel 2:26-27 - No More Shame").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Multiply (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** This primitive root (H7235) signifies to "increase in whatever respect," encompassing abundance, greatness, and multiplicity. In Ezekiel 36:30, it points to a supernatural, extraordinary increase in agricultural yield, far beyond what natural conditions or human effort might produce. It implies a divine intervention that reverses scarcity into overflowing plenty, underscoring God's power to provide lavishly.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** Derived from H2781, this word denotes "contumely, disgrace, or shame." It is a strong term for public humiliation and scorn. For Israel, famine was not merely a physical lack but a deep national disgrace, making them an object of ridicule among the surrounding nations who questioned the power of their God. God's promise to remove this "reproach" signifies a restoration of their dignity and honor in the eyes of the world.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to a "foreign nation" or "Gentile." Its inclusion emphasizes the public and international dimension of God's restoration. The famine and subsequent reproach were witnessed by these foreign nations, and now, God's abundant provision will also be witnessed by them, serving as a powerful testimony to His unique identity and faithfulness, thus bringing glory to His name among those who previously scorned Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will multiply the fruit of the tree,"**: This clause initiates God's direct promise of agricultural abundance. "Fruit of the tree" specifically refers to the produce from orchards, vineyards, and other cultivated trees, indicating a reversal of barrenness and a supernatural increase in their yield. This is a direct act of divine intervention, emphasizing God's active role as the provider.
* **"and the increase of the field,"**: Complementing the previous phrase, "increase of the field" refers to the general agricultural produce from cultivated land, such as grains and vegetables. Together, these two phrases ("fruit of the tree" and "increase of the field") signify a comprehensive and holistic restoration of agricultural productivity across all sectors, ensuring a complete end to scarcity.
* **"that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen."**: This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and consequence of God's abundant provision. The "reproach of famine" refers to the public shame and humiliation Israel suffered due to their inability to sustain themselves, which was observed and mocked by the "heathen" or Gentile nations. God's promise is to remove this specific source of disgrace, thereby restoring Israel's dignity and demonstrating His power and faithfulness to the entire world.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:30 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in "I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field," suggesting an abundance far beyond normal agricultural yields, emphasizing the supernatural nature of God's provision. The phrase "no more reproach of famine" uses **Antithesis**, directly contrasting the past state of shame and scarcity with a future of dignity and plenty. The "heathen" function as a **Witnessing Audience**, highlighting that God's actions are not only for Israel's benefit but also for the demonstration of His glory to the surrounding nations. This serves as a form of **Theophany**, where God reveals His character and power through His actions in the physical world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:30 beautifully illustrates God's commitment to holistic restoration—spiritual, physical, and reputational. It underscores the biblical principle that divine blessing often serves a dual purpose: to meet the needs of God's people and to bear witness to His power and faithfulness to the world. The removal of "reproach" is a significant theological point, emphasizing God's desire not only to provide but also to restore dignity and honor to those who have been shamed, often due to their own sin, but now turn back to Him. This promise of a land overflowing with produce, eliminating famine and shame, points to a future where God's people are truly blessed and His name is glorified.

* [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11-12 "Deuteronomy 28:11-12 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Joel 2:26-27](/joel/2-26-27 "Joel 2:26-27 - God's People Will Never Be Ashamed")
* [Psalm 126:1-3](/psalms/126-1-3 "Psalm 126:1-3 - When the Lord Restored Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:30 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is not only concerned with our spiritual well-being but also with our physical needs and our public testimony. Just as He promised to reverse the famine and shame for ancient Israel, He remains faithful to provide for us and to restore our dignity. This doesn't always manifest as literal agricultural abundance, but as God's unwavering commitment to meet our needs and remove sources of spiritual, emotional, or even relational shame. Our lives, when transformed and blessed by God, become a living testament to His goodness and power, drawing others to Him. We are called to live in such a way that God's provision in our lives points to His glory, demonstrating His faithfulness to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel a "reproach" or shame that I need God to remove?**
* **How does God's promise of physical provision in Ezekiel 36:30 relate to His promise to supply all my needs in the New Testament?**
* **How can my life, blessed by God, serve as a testimony to His faithfulness among those who do not yet know Him?**

### FAQ
**What was the "reproach of famine" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "reproach of famine" refers to the deep national shame and public humiliation that Israel experienced due to widespread hunger and scarcity. Famine was not only a physical hardship but also a visible sign of God's judgment for their disobedience, leading to scorn and mockery from the surrounding "heathen" or Gentile nations. These nations would often interpret Israel's suffering as a sign that their God was either weak or had abandoned them, thus bringing disgrace upon God's name and His people. God's promise in [Ezekiel 36:30](/ezekiel/36-30 "Ezekiel 36:30 - No More Reproach of Famine") is to remove this specific source of shame, restoring Israel's dignity and demonstrating His power to the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:30 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who embodies the complete restoration and provision that God promised. While the immediate context speaks of physical abundance for Israel, the deeper spiritual truth points to Jesus as the one who removes the ultimate "reproach"—the shame of sin and separation from God. Just as God promised to "multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field," Christ provides spiritual abundance, becoming the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies our deepest hunger and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water") who quenches our spiritual thirst. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus takes away the "reproach of famine" that is spiritual barrenness and the shame of our sin, as foretold in [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ Bears Our Sufferings"). He restores our dignity and makes us children of God, no longer objects of scorn but inheritors of His grace. This spiritual provision and removal of shame are witnessed not just by "heathen" nations, but by the entire world, as the Gospel of Christ is proclaimed to all peoples, demonstrating God's glory and faithfulness through the church, His body, which is nourished by His boundless grace ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - The Church, His Body")).

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

Ezekiel 34:27

And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.

Joel 2:26

And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Deuteronomy 29:28

And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as [it is] this day.

Leviticus 26:4

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Joel 2:17

Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?