Old Testament
Ezekiel 39:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They will assign men to a continuous task, traveling through the land to bury any remains still on the ground, to cleanse it. After seven months, they will search.
Compare translations
And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.
What Ezekiel 39:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a commitment to restoring the land after a time of destruction. The people will appoint individuals whose job is to travel throughout the area, searching for any remains that need to be buried. This act of burying the dead is not just about cleanliness; it symbolizes respect for life and the importance of honoring those who have passed. After seven months of this diligent work, they will conduct a thorough search to ensure that nothing is left behind. This process highlights the significance of healing and renewal in the aftermath of conflict. It shows a community coming together to restore dignity and order. The act of cleansing the land is a powerful reminder of the need for closure and the importance of moving forward after tragedy. It emphasizes the value of taking responsibility for the past while looking ahead to a hopeful future. This passage encourages us to reflect on how we can contribute to healing in our own lives and communities.
How to apply Ezekiel 39:14 to your life
We can learn from this passage about the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and their consequences. Just as the people worked to cleanse their land, we should seek to heal relationships and communities. Consider how you can contribute to healing in your own life, whether through forgiveness or support for others in need. Every small act counts towards a greater good. Reflect on how you can help restore dignity and hope.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 39:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 39:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 39:14 mean?
Ezekiel 39:14 describes a process of cleansing the land after destruction, where appointed men will search for and bury any remains. This act symbolizes respect for the deceased and the community's commitment to restoring dignity and order.
What is the significance of burying the dead in Ezekiel 39:14?
Burying the dead in Ezekiel 39:14 signifies honoring those who have passed and restoring the land's sanctity. It reflects the community's responsibility to care for the deceased and highlights the importance of closure after conflict.
How does Ezekiel 39:14 relate to community healing?
Ezekiel 39:14 illustrates how a community can come together to heal after tragedy by taking responsibility for the past. The act of burying remains fosters unity and respect, paving the way for renewal and hope.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 39:14?
The themes in Ezekiel 39:14 include restoration, healing, community involvement, respect for the dead, and renewal. These themes highlight the importance of addressing the past while looking forward to a better future.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.