Book of Ezekiel — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: 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.
Why the Book of Ezekiel Matters Today
Ezekiel saw Jehovah's chariot-throne in spectacular vision (Ezekiel 1) and called the exiles to recognize that Jehovah remained present and sovereign even far from the destroyed Temple. The valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37) is one of the most powerful Old Testament foreshadowings of the resurrection hope that defines JW preaching. The role of Ezekiel as a 'watchman' (Ezekiel 3:17–21; 33:1–9) is regularly applied to the responsibility of Witnesses today to warn others about Jehovah's coming judgment. Ezekiel's vision of the future Temple (chapters 40–48) sustains the hope of pure, organized worship being restored.
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:
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- How does the vision of the valley of dry bones (chapter 37) foreshadow the resurrection of the dead under Jehovah's Kingdom?
- What does Ezekiel's vision of the future Temple (chapters 40–48) teach about the importance of pure, organized worship to Jehovah?
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel
- Who wrote the book of Ezekiel?
- Ezekiel the priest and prophet wrote the book bearing his name, completing it around 591 BCE in Babylon during his ministry to the Jewish exiles.
- When was the book of Ezekiel written?
- Ezekiel was written between approximately 613 BCE and 591 BCE in Babylon during Ezekiel's 22-year prophetic ministry to the Jewish exiles.
- What is the main theme of Ezekiel?
- Ezekiel proclaims that 'they will have to know that I am Jehovah' through both judgment and restoration. The book includes spectacular visions of Jehovah's glory, the dry-bones resurrection prophecy, and the future Temple.
How to Study Ezekiel with JW Study
Track your progress through all 48 chapters of Ezekiel in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, 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.
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 — Read 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 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (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
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