Ezekiel 36:4
New International Version
therefore, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign LORD: This is what the Sovereign LORD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and the deserted towns that have been plundered and ridiculed by the rest of the nations around you—

New Living Translation
Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign LORD. He speaks to the hills and mountains, ravines and valleys, and to ruined wastes and long-deserted cities that have been destroyed and mocked by the surrounding nations.

English Standard Version
therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD: Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and the hills, the ravines and the valleys, the desolate wastes and the deserted cities, which have become a prey and derision to the rest of the nations all around,

Berean Standard Bible
therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become a spoil and a mockery to the rest of the nations around you.

King James Bible
Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;

New King James Version
therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains, the hills, the rivers, the valleys, the desolate wastes, and the cities that have been forsaken, which became plunder and mockery to the rest of the nations all around—

New American Standard Bible
Therefore, you mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, to the desolate ruins and to the abandoned cities which have become plunder and an object of ridicule to the rest of the nations which are all around—

NASB 1995
‘Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the forsaken cities which have become a prey and a derision to the rest of the nations which are round about,

NASB 1977
‘Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the forsaken cities, which have become a prey and a derision to the rest of the nations which are round about,

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of Lord Yahweh. Thus says Lord Yahweh to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the forsaken cities which have become plunder and objects of scoffing to the rest of the nations which are round about,

Amplified Bible
Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, to the desolate ruins and to the deserted cities which have become prey and a mockery to the rest of the nations which surround you,

Christian Standard Bible
therefore, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become plunder and a mockery to the rest of the nations all around.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
therefore, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become plunder and a mockery to the rest of the nations all around.”

American Standard Version
therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord Jehovah: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are forsaken, which are become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are round about;

Contemporary English Version
So all you mountains and hills, streams and valleys, listen to what I will do. Your towns may now lie in ruins, and nations may laugh and insult you.

English Revised Version
therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are forsaken, which are become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are round about:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
" 'Mountains of Israel, listen to the word of the Almighty LORD. This is what the Almighty LORD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, and to the empty ruins and abandoned cities that have become prey and are mocked by the rest of the surrounding nations:

Good News Translation
So now listen to what I, the Sovereign LORD, say to you mountains and hills, to you brooks and valleys, to you places that were left in ruins, and to you deserted cities which were plundered and mocked by all the surrounding nations.

International Standard Version
"Therefore listen to what the Lord GOD has to say, you mountains of Israel: 'This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains, to the hills, to the waterways, to the valleys, to the desolate wastelands, and to the abandoned cities that have become an object of derision to the mountains that surround you:

Majority Standard Bible
therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become a spoil and a mockery to the rest of the nations around you.

NET Bible
therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the sovereign LORD: This is what the sovereign LORD says to the mountains and hills, the ravines and valleys, and to the desolate ruins and the abandoned cities that have become prey and an object of derision to the rest of the nations round about--

New Heart English Bible
therefore, you mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD: "Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are forsaken, which are become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are all around;

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are around;

World English Bible
therefore, you mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord Yahweh: The Lord Yahweh says to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are forsaken, which have become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are all around;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Therefore, O mountains of Israel, "" Hear a word of Lord YHWH! Thus said Lord YHWH, to mountains, and to hills, "" To streams, and to valleys, "" And to ruins that [are] desolate, "" And to cities that are forsaken, "" That have been for a prey, "" And for a scorn, to the remnant of the surrounding nations,

Young's Literal Translation
Therefore, O mountains of Israel, Hear a word of the Lord Jehovah: Thus said the Lord Jehovah, to mountains, and to hills, To streams, and to valleys, And to wastes that are desolate, And to cities that are forsaken, That have been for a prey, And for a scorn, to the remnant of the nations who are round about.

Smith's Literal Translation
For this ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord Jehovah: Thus said the Lord Jehovah to the mountains and to the hills, to the torrents and to the valleys, and to the desolate wastes, and to cities being forsaken which were for plunder and for derision to the rest of the nations that are from round about;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God: Thus saith the Lord God to the mountains, and to the hills, to the brooks, and to the valleys, and to desolate places, and ruinous walls, and to the cities that are forsaken, that are spoiled, and derided by the rest of the nations round about.

Catholic Public Domain Version
because of this, O mountains of Israel, listen to the word of the Lord God. Thus says the Lord God to the mountains, and to the hills, to the torrents, and to the valleys, and to the deserts, and to the ruins, and to the forsaken cities, which have been depopulated and ridiculed by the remainder of the nations all around:

New American Bible
therefore, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD: Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, plundered and mocked by the nations remaining around you:

New Revised Standard Version
therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD: Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and the hills, the watercourses and the valleys, the desolate wastes and the deserted towns, which have become a source of plunder and an object of derision to the rest of the nations all around;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD God: Thus says the LORD God to the mountains and to the hills and to the streams and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are deserted, which became a prey and a mockery among the rest of the people round about;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because of this, hear the word of THE LORD OF LORDS: ‘Mountain of Israel, thus says THE LORD OF LORDS to the mountains, and to the hills, and to the rivers and to the valleys, and to the ruins that are laid waste, and to the cities that are left, and they were prey and mockery to the rest of the nations around them
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD: Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains and to the hills, to the streams and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are forsaken, which are become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are round about;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord to the mountains, and to the hills, and to the streams, and to the valleys, and to the places that have been made desolate and destroyed, and to the cities that have been deserted, and have become a spoil and a trampling to the nations that were left round about;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Prophecy to the Mountains of Israel
3therefore prophesy and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Because they have made you desolate and have trampled you on every side, so that you became a possession of the rest of the nations and were taken up in slander by the lips of their talkers, 4therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become a spoil and a mockery to the rest of the nations around you. 5Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Surely in My burning zeal I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, who took My land as their own possession with wholehearted joy and utter contempt, so that its pastureland became plunder.…

Cross References
Isaiah 49:19
For your ruined and desolate places and your ravaged land will now indeed be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away.

Jeremiah 33:12-13
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: In this desolate place, without man or beast, and in all its cities, there will once more be pastures for shepherds to rest their flocks. / In the cities of the hill country, the foothills, and the Negev, in the land of Benjamin and the cities surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, the flocks will again pass under the hands of the one who counts them, says the LORD.

Joel 2:18-19
Then the LORD became jealous for His land, and He spared His people. / And the LORD answered His people: “Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil, and by them you will be satisfied. I will never again make you a reproach among the nations.

Amos 9:14-15
I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. / I will firmly plant them in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God.

Zechariah 8:12
“For the seed will be prosperous, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will yield its produce, and the skies will give their dew. To the remnant of this people I will give all these things as an inheritance.

Isaiah 62:4
No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride.

Jeremiah 32:43-44
And fields will be bought in this land about which you are saying, ‘It is a desolation, without man or beast; it has been delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans.’ / Fields will be purchased with silver, and deeds will be signed, sealed, and witnessed in the land of Benjamin, in the areas surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah—the cities of the hill country, the foothills, and the Negev—because I will restore them from captivity, declares the LORD.”

Isaiah 51:3
For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.

Isaiah 61:4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.

Jeremiah 31:5
Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant and enjoy the fruit.

Romans 8:19-21
The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. / For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Isaiah 35:1-2
The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. / It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

Hosea 2:21-23
“On that day I will respond—” declares the LORD—“I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth. / And the earth will respond to the grain, to the new wine and oil, and they will respond to Jezreel. / And I will sow her as My own in the land, and I will have compassion on ‘No Compassion.’ I will say to those called ‘Not My People,’ ‘You are My people,’ and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

Isaiah 11:6-9
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. / The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. / The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. ...

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore, you mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus said the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;

mountains

Ezekiel 36:1,6
Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD: …

Deuteronomy 11:11
But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:

rivers.

Ezekiel 36:33-35
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 6:14
So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

2 Chronicles 36:17-21
Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand…

a prey

Ezekiel 34:28
And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.

Psalm 79:4
We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

Isaiah 64:10,11
Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation…

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Cities Derision Desolate Forsaken Hear Heathen Hills Israel Mountains Nations Prey Residue Rivers Round Streams Valleys Wastes Watercourses Word
Ezekiel 36
1. The land of Israel is comforted, by destruction of the heathen, who spitefully used it
8. and by the blessings of God promised unto it
16. Israel was rejected for their sin
21. and shall be restored without their desert
25. The blessings of Christ's kingdom














therefore
The word "therefore" serves as a pivotal transition, indicating a conclusion or result based on previous statements. In the context of Ezekiel, it connects the preceding judgments and promises of restoration. The Hebrew word used here is "לָכֵן" (lakhen), which often introduces divine pronouncements. It underscores the certainty and authority of God's forthcoming message, emphasizing that what follows is a direct consequence of Israel's past actions and God's sovereign plan.

O mountains of Israel
The "mountains of Israel" symbolize the land itself, representing the physical and spiritual heritage of the Israelites. In Hebrew, "הָרֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" (harei Yisrael) evokes the idea of permanence and strength. Mountains are often seen as places of divine revelation and encounter in the Bible, such as Mount Sinai. Here, they are personified to receive God's word, highlighting the land's central role in God's covenant with His people.

hear the word of the Lord GOD
The command to "hear" (שְׁמַע, shema) is a call to attention and obedience. It is reminiscent of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, a foundational declaration of faith for Israel. The phrase "the word of the Lord GOD" (דְּבַר אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, devar Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message. It is a reminder that God's words are not mere suggestions but commands that demand a response.

This is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase introduces a prophetic declaration, affirming that the message is not Ezekiel's own but directly from God. The repetition of "Lord GOD" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, Adonai Yahweh) underscores God's sovereignty and covenantal relationship with Israel. It assures the audience of the reliability and seriousness of the prophecy.

to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys
The comprehensive mention of "mountains and hills, ravines and valleys" (הֶהָרִים וְהַגְּבָעוֹת, הַאֲפִיקִים וְהַגֵּיאוֹת) signifies the entirety of the land. Each geographical feature represents different aspects of the land's topography and its historical and spiritual significance. This all-encompassing address indicates that God's message is for the whole land, reflecting His concern for every part of His creation.

to the desolate ruins and the abandoned cities
The "desolate ruins and the abandoned cities" (הַחֳרָבוֹת הַשֹּׁמֵמוֹת וְהֶעָרִים הַנְּטוּשׁוֹת) paint a picture of devastation and loss. These terms reflect the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the resulting judgment. However, they also set the stage for God's promise of restoration, as He often brings hope and renewal out of desolation.

which have been plundered and ridiculed
The phrase "plundered and ridiculed" (אֲשֶׁר הָיוּ לָבַז וְלִקְלָס) describes the humiliation and suffering experienced by Israel at the hands of surrounding nations. This historical context highlights the reality of Israel's plight and the need for divine intervention. It also serves as a reminder of God's justice, as He will address the wrongs done to His people.

by the rest of the nations around them
The "nations around them" (גּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר סְבִיבוֹתֵיהֶם) refers to the neighboring peoples who have taken advantage of Israel's vulnerability. This phrase underscores the geopolitical realities of ancient Israel, surrounded by often hostile nations. It also points to the broader theme of God's sovereignty over all nations, as He will ultimately vindicate His people and establish His kingdom.

Verse 4. - The rivers (or, channels, bottoms, dales) were the water-courses, wadies, or ravines through which mountain streams flowed, as in Ezekiel 35:8; and the residue of the heathen were the surrounding nations that had mocked Israel in her degradation, and were then profiting by her fall (comp. Psalm 79:4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
therefore,
לָכֵן֙ (lā·ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

O mountains
הָרֵ֣י (hā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

hear
שִׁמְע֖וּ (šim·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the word
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD.’
יְהוִ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

This is what
כֹּֽה־ (kōh-)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD
יְ֠הוִה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

says
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to the mountains
לֶהָרִ֨ים (le·hā·rîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

and hills,
וְלַגְּבָע֜וֹת (wə·lag·gə·ḇā·‘ō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1389: A hillock

to the ravines
לָאֲפִיקִ֣ים (lā·’ă·p̄î·qîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 650: Containing, a tube, a bed, valley of a, stream, a strong thing, a hero

and valleys,
וְלַגֵּאָי֗וֹת (wə·lag·gê·’ā·yō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common plural
Strong's 1516: A valley

to the desolate
הַשֹּֽׁמְמוֹת֙ (haš·šō·mə·mō·wṯ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 8076: Devastated

ruins
וְלֶחֳרָב֤וֹת (wə·le·ḥo·rā·ḇō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2723: Waste, desolation, ruin

and abandoned
הַנֶּעֱזָב֔וֹת (han·ne·‘ĕ·zā·ḇō·wṯ)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

cities,
וְלֶעָרִ֣ים (wə·le·‘ā·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

which
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

have become
הָי֤וּ (hā·yū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

plunder
לְבַז֙ (lə·ḇaz)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 957: Spoiling, robbery, spoil, booty

and a mockery
וּלְלַ֔עַג (ū·lə·la·‘aḡ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3933: A mocking, derision

to the rest
לִשְׁאֵרִ֥ית (liš·’ê·rîṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7611: Rest, residue, remnant, remainder

of the nations
הַגּוֹיִ֖ם (hag·gō·w·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

all around.
מִסָּבִֽיב׃ (mis·sā·ḇîḇ)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 36:4 Therefore you mountains of Israel hear (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 36:3
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