Old Testament
Ezekiel 29:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God declares that a specific land will be deserted for a long time, specifically 40 years.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
No person will walk through it, and no animal will cross it. It will be completely uninhabited for 40 years.
No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that a specific land will be deserted for a long time, specifically 40 years. No people or animals will inhabit it during this period. This signifies a time of judgment and desolation, where life as it was known will cease. The absence of human and animal presence emphasizes the severity of the situation. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The land will remain empty, reflecting the impact of divine decisions on the world. This period of barrenness is not just physical but also spiritual, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience. Ultimately, it illustrates that God has control over nations and their destinies, and His plans will unfold as He sees fit. The desolation is a call to reflect on one's relationship with God and the importance of living in accordance with His will. It invites us to consider how our actions can lead to either flourishing or desolation in our lives and communities.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 29:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make. Just as the land faced desolation, our lives can experience emptiness when we stray from our values. Staying connected to our beliefs can lead to a more fulfilling existence. Consider how your actions align with your principles and the impact they have on your surroundings. Make choices that foster growth and connection rather than isolation and emptiness.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 29:11 mean?
Ezekiel 29:11 means that a specific land will be completely deserted for 40 years, with no people or animals living there. This reflects a time of judgment and emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God.
What is the significance of the 40 years in Ezekiel 29:11?
The 40 years in Ezekiel 29:11 signifies a prolonged period of desolation and judgment. It highlights the seriousness of the situation and serves as a reminder of the impact of divine decisions on nations.
How does Ezekiel 29:11 relate to themes of obedience and faithfulness?
Ezekiel 29:11 relates to themes of obedience and faithfulness by illustrating the consequences of straying from God's will. The desolation serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's beliefs.
What can we learn from Ezekiel 29:11 about our own lives?
From Ezekiel 29:11, we learn that our choices can lead to either fulfillment or emptiness. Staying connected to our values and principles is crucial for a meaningful life, just as the land's desolation reflects the impact of divine judgment.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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