Ezekiel 37:3
Ezekiel 37:3 in Multiple Translations
Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.”
And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.
And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord Jehovah, thou knowest.
And he said to me, Son of man, is it possible for these bones to come to life? And I made answer, and said, It is for you to say, O Lord.
Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come back to life?” “Lord God, only you know the answer,” I replied.
And he sayde vnto me, Sonne of man, can these bones liue? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.
And He saith unto me, 'Son of man, do these bones live?' And I say, 'O Lord Jehovah, Thou — Thou hast known.'
He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I answered, “Lord GOD, you know.”
And he said to me, Son of man, can these bones live? and I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.
And he said to me: Son of man, dost thou think these bones shall live? And I answered: O Lord God, thou knowest.
He asked me, “You human, do you think that these bones can become living people again?” I replied, “Yahweh my Lord, only you know if that can happen.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 37:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 37:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֵלַ֔/י
בֶּן
אָדָ֕ם
הֲ/תִחְיֶ֖ינָה
הָ/עֲצָמ֣וֹת
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
וָ/אֹמַ֕ר
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
יְהוִ֖ה
אַתָּ֥ה
יָדָֽעְתָּ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֕ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
הֲ/תִחְיֶ֖ינָה
châyâh
H2421
to live
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
הָ/עֲצָמ֣וֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
Art | N-fp
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וָ/אֹמַ֕ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֖ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יָדָֽעְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 37:3
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָ֕ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
הֲ/תִחְיֶ֖ינָה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
הָ/עֲצָמ֣וֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
Art | N-fp
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וָ/אֹמַ֕ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִ֖ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יָדָֽעְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 37:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 37:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
- Sermons on Ezekiel 37:3
Context — The Valley of Dry Bones
1The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones.
2He led me all around among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, and indeed, they were very dry.
3Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.”
4And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 11:25–26 | Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” |
| 2 | John 5:21 | For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 32:39 | See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. |
| 4 | Romans 4:17 | As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. |
| 5 | Hebrews 11:19 | Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 1:9–10 | Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, |
| 7 | Acts 26:8 | Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 2:6 | The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. |
| 9 | John 6:5–6 | When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 32:29 | If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate. |
Ezekiel 37:3 Summary
In Ezekiel 37:3, God asks Ezekiel if a valley full of dry bones can come to life, and Ezekiel responds by saying that only God knows. This conversation highlights the power and limitations of human ability, and sets the stage for God's revelation of His power to bring life to the dead. Just like the dry bones, we all need the breath of God to come to life spiritually, as seen in John 3:6 and Ephesians 2:5. By acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God's power, we can experience new life and restoration, just like the promise of Ezekiel 37:1-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'Son of man' mean in Ezekiel 37:3?
The phrase 'Son of man' is a title used by God to address Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a messenger of God, similar to its use in Psalm 8:4 and Daniel 7:13.
Why did God ask Ezekiel if the bones could come to life?
God asked Ezekiel this question to prompt him to consider the power and limitations of human ability, and to prepare him for the revelation of God's power to bring life to the dead, as seen in John 11:25-26 and Romans 4:17.
What does Ezekiel's response, 'only You know', indicate about his understanding of God's power?
Ezekiel's response indicates that he recognized the limitations of human knowledge and ability, and acknowledged that only God knows what is possible, as expressed in Isaiah 55:9 and Job 42:3.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of resurrection in the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger biblical theme of resurrection and new life, as seen in Ezekiel 37:1-14, and foreshadowing the ultimate resurrection of all believers in Jesus Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 and Revelation 20:11-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'dry bones' in my own life that need the breath of God to come to life?
- How can I, like Ezekiel, acknowledge the limitations of my own power and trust in God's ability to bring life and restoration?
- What are some areas where I need to surrender my own understanding and trust in God's sovereignty, saying 'only You know'?
- How can I apply the principle of God's power to bring life to the dead in my own life and ministry, as seen in Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Romans 8:11?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:3
And he said unto me, son of man, can these bones live?.... Is there any probability of it? is there any reason to believe they shall live? can any ways and means be devised, or any methods taken, to cause them to live?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:3
And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Can these bones live?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
He said; the Lord, who brought Ezekiel hither, asks him what he thought. Can these bones live? either, is it likely they should? or, is it a future thing that shall be, or possible, that they may live? Thou knowest: the prophet’ s answer refers all to God, to whom all things are possible which argue power in doing, and who knows all he will do in time to come. The prophet’ s answer seems to own the possibility, and refers the futurity to the will of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
Ezekiel 37:3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.Ver. 3. Can these bones live?] In the resurrection at the last day he knew they should, for among the Jews that was generally believed; but whether in this world, and at this time, that was the question. The Jewish doctors boldly, but groundlessly, answer that these dead bones and bodies did then revive, and that many of them did return into the land of Israel, and married wives and begat children. But this is as true as that other dotage of theirs, that the dead bodies of Jews, in what country soever buried, do by certain underground passages travel into Judea, and there rest until the general resurrection. O Lord God, thou knowest.] And he to whom thou art pleased to reveal it. Eðå÷ù. The Russians in a difficult question use to answer, God and our great duke know all this.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
(3) Can these bones live?—The question is put to the prophet in order to emphasise the human impossibility of that which is immediately brought about by the Divine omnipotence. (Comp. Matthew 9:5-6.) It was precisely this teaching which the people needed. As they had formerly refused to believe his announcements of impending judgment, so now that this had come, they were utterly incredulous in regard to his declarations of future blessing. It seemed to them impossible, and what they needed to be taught was that “what is impossible with man is possible with God.” Thou knowest.—The prophet sees the natural impossibility, yet perceives that there must be some deeper reason for the question, and therefore replies in these words. It may be, too, that the question thus asked, before its object is suggested, connected itself in his mind with the thought of the literal resurrection of the dead and the difficulties it suggests.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
Verse 3. Can these bones live?] Is it possible that the persons whose bones these are can return to life?
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:3
3. To the question, Can these bones live? the prophet, looking at them, could not answer Yea (even to the Apostle attainment unto the resurrection of the dead was something ineffably lofty, Philippians 3:11), and yet in the presence of him who put the question he could not answer No (Romans 4:17-21; Hebrews 11:19). With reverence he answers, Thou knowest (Revelation 7:14). Ezekiel 37:4-6. The prophet is bidden prophesy to the bones and promise them life from Jehovah.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:3
1-14. This is one of the most marvelous visions of the Old Testament. The companions of Ezekiel were in hopeless despair.
Sermons on Ezekiel 37:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
K-439 Valley of Dry Bones by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and proclaiming the word of God. He acknowledges the challenges and limitations faced by believers, but encou |
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The Cross-Centered Life, Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living for the glory of God in all aspects of life. They share their personal journey of walking with the Lord and express |
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God's Fire Still Burns by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that many in the Body of Christ resemble a Valley of Dry Bones, filled with shame and despair due to sin. He reminds us that God asks, 'Can these dead bo |
|
Baptism of the Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from history and not repeating the mistakes of the past. He highlights the 400 years of captivity that the Israel |
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The Hidden Things of God - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of focusing on the hidden things of God rather than the visible aspects of Christianity. He shares his astonishment at the emp |
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(John - Part 23): Man's Accountability to God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of judgment and the role of Jesus Christ as the judge. He emphasizes that Jesus is qualified to be the judge because he seeks the g |
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Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 8 by Bakht Singh | This sermon emphasizes the unity and familial bond among believers as children of God, highlighting the eternal hope of being reunited in heaven. It challenges listeners to recogni |