Ezekiel 37:28
And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָֽדְעוּ֙
shall know
H3045
וְיָֽדְעוּ֙
shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
And the heathen
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
And the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 12
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֔ה
that I the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
that I the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְקַדֵּ֖שׁ
do sanctify
H6942
מְקַדֵּ֖שׁ
do sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
6 of 12
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בִּהְי֧וֹת
H1961
בִּהְי֧וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִקְדָּשִׁ֛י
when my sanctuary
H4720
מִקְדָּשִׁ֛י
when my sanctuary
Strong's:
H4720
Word #:
10 of 12
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
Cross References
Ezekiel 20:12Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.Exodus 31:13Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.Ezekiel 36:23And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.Ephesians 5:26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:Leviticus 21:8Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, am holy.Psalms 102:15So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.Psalms 126:2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.Psalms 79:10Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.Romans 11:15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Historical Context
Israel's exile shamed God's name among nations who mocked Yahweh's impotence (587 BC). Restoration would vindicate His name and power. The return from Babylon impressed surrounding nations, but complete fulfillment came through the gospel reaching all nations. The church's growth demonstrates God's sanctifying power globally. The Great Commission fulfills this: disciples from all nations testifying to God's transforming grace (Matthew 28:19). Final fulfillment awaits Christ's return when every nation acknowledges His lordship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your sanctification serve as testimony to unbelievers of God's transforming power?
- What does God's concern for global testimony teach about the church's missionary calling?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be among them for evermore." God's restoration of Israel will testify to the nations, demonstrating His sanctifying power and covenant faithfulness. The phrase "for evermore" guarantees permanence. This missionary dimension appears throughout Scripture—Israel blessed to bless nations (Genesis 12:3). Christ's church fulfills this: God sanctifying a people from every nation, demonstrating His glory globally. The goal is universal recognition: "every knee shall bow" (Philippians 2:10). God's work with His people aims at global testimony.