Book of Ezekiel — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 48 · Written by: Ezekiel · Approximate date: c. 593–571 BC · Theme: Jehovah's Glory & Future Restoration

Summary of the Book of Ezekiel

Ezekiel, a priest-prophet among the exiles in Babylon, received spectacular visions of Jehovah's glory, pronounced judgment on Jerusalem and surrounding nations, and proclaimed a glorious future restoration of Jehovah's people.

The book of Ezekiel is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 48 chapters. It was written by Ezekiel approximately c. 593–571 BC. The central theme running throughout Ezekiel is jehovah's glory & future restoration — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Ezekiel

  • Ezek 18:23
  • Ezek 36:26
  • Ezek 37:1–4

Notable Passages in Ezekiel

Ezekiel 18:23

Jehovah's declaration 'Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked one?' affirms his desire for all people to repent and live, a key JW evangelistic motivation.

Ezekiel 36:26

The promise that Jehovah will replace 'the heart of stone' with 'a heart of flesh' describes the transformation his spirit produces in those who return to him.

Ezekiel 37:1–4

The valley of dry bones vision powerfully foreshadows the resurrection of the dead, when Jehovah will restore life to countless millions under his Kingdom.

Study Questions for Ezekiel

As you read the book of Ezekiel, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What do Ezekiel's inaugural visions (chapters 1–3) of Jehovah's chariot-throne teach about Jehovah's majesty and the operation of his holy spirit?
  2. How does Ezekiel's role as a 'watchman' (chapters 3, 33) parallel the responsibility of Jehovah's Witnesses to warn others about Jehovah's judgment?
  3. What does Ezekiel 18:23 — 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked one' — teach about Jehovah's desire for all to repent and live?
  4. How does the vision of the valley of dry bones (chapter 37) foreshadow the resurrection of the dead under Jehovah's Kingdom?
  5. What does Ezekiel's vision of the future Temple (chapters 40–48) teach about the importance of pure, organized worship to Jehovah?

How to Study Ezekiel with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 48 chapters of Ezekiel in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Ezekiel as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Major Prophets in 90 Days — Read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel in 90 days. (90 days, 183 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures

  • Previous book: Book of Lamentations
  • Next book: Book of Daniel
  • All 66 Bible Books
  • All Reading Plans
  • JW Study Blog