Ezekiel 37:14

KJV

And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And shall put {H5414} my spirit {H7307} in you, and ye shall live {H2421}, and I shall place {H3240} you in your own land {H127}: then shall ye know {H3045} that I the LORD {H3068} have spoken {H1696} it, and performed {H6213} it, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will put my Spirit in you; and you will be alive. Then I will place you in your own land; and you will know that I, ADONAI, have spoken, and that I have done it,' says ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.’”

American Standard Version

And I will put my Spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I will place you in your own land: and ye shall know that I, Jehovah, have spoken it and performed it, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:14 serves as the climactic divine declaration following the powerful vision of the dry bones, articulating God's explicit promise of comprehensive restoration for the nation of Israel. This verse encapsulates a profound divine commitment to impart spiritual life through His Spirit, grant physical renewal and a return to their ancestral land, and ultimately confirm His unwavering faithfulness as the One who speaks and performs His word. It stands as a profound declaration of God's triumph over despair, death, and national dissolution, affirming His sovereign power to bring forth life and fulfillment from seemingly impossible circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 37:14 functions as the definitive conclusion and interpretive key to the preceding, dramatic vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-10). The vision unfolds in stages: initially, scattered, dry bones are commanded to come together, then covered with sinews, flesh, and skin. Crucially, life (breath or spirit) is still absent until God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the wind (_ruach_), at which point breath enters them, and they are reanimated, standing as a vast army. This elaborate symbolic narrative is explicitly interpreted by God Himself in [Ezekiel 37:11-13](/ezekiel/37-11-13 "Ezekiel 37:11-13 - God's Interpretation of the Dry Bones Vision") as representing "the whole house of Israel," who, in their exile, lamented, "Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off." Verse 14, therefore, transitions from the symbolic to the concrete, providing a direct, unwavering promise of divine action that confirms the spiritual and national restoration foreshadowed by the miraculous reanimation of the bones. It is the divine assurance that the vision's wonder will find its tangible fulfillment in Israel's experience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the 6th century BC (circa 597-571 BC), a period marked by profound national catastrophe. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, coupled with the forced deportation of its inhabitants, plunged the Jewish people into deep despair. This exile was widely perceived as God's judgment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience, leading many to believe that their covenant relationship with God was severed, and their national identity irreparably lost. The vision of the dry bones directly confronts this pervasive sense of hopelessness, echoing the exiles' lament of being "cut off" and without hope ([Ezekiel 37:11](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11 - Israel's Despair and God's Promise")). The promise of being placed "in your own land" directly counters their current reality of forced displacement, offering a future of repatriation and re-establishment in the land promised to their forefathers, a foundational aspect of God's covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")). The cultural significance of land as tied to identity, inheritance, and covenant blessing makes this promise particularly potent.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 37:14 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence** are paramount, as God alone possesses the power to bring life from death and to fulfill His promises against all human odds. The repeated declaration, "I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it]," underscores His absolute control over history and destiny. Secondly, **Spiritual Renewal and New Life** are central, with the promise "shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live" signifying more than mere physical resuscitation; it points to a profound spiritual transformation and the impartation of a new heart and spirit, as promised earlier in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit"). This spiritual life is foundational for true national restoration. Thirdly, **Covenant Faithfulness and National Restoration** are evident in the promise of return to "your own land," affirming God's enduring commitment to His covenant people despite their disobedience. This theme resonates with other prophetic assurances of return from exile and national re-establishment, such as those found in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Restoration and Hope"). Finally, the verse highlights **Divine Self-Revelation**, as the fulfillment of these extraordinary promises is intended to lead Israel to "know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it]," deepening their understanding of God's character, power, and absolute reliability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** (H7307) This rich Hebrew term can denote "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In Ezekiel 37:14, it signifies the divine, life-giving essence of God. Just as physical breath is indispensable for biological life, God's _rûwach_ is the animating principle that brings spiritual and national vitality. Its direct connection to the "breath" entering the bones in the preceding vision emphasizes the miraculous, supernatural, and divine origin of this new life for Israel. It points to a spiritual impartation that transcends mere physical existence, leading to true, God-centered life and a renewed relationship with Him.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** (H2421) This verb means to "live," "revive," or "be made alive." It encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions of life. In this context, it describes the transition from a state of death (symbolized by the dry bones) to one of vibrant, active existence. This "living" is not self-generated but is a direct consequence of God putting His Spirit within them, underscoring divine agency in their restoration. It implies not just mere existence but flourishing, a return to vitality, purpose, and a renewed covenant relationship.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** (H127) Referring to "soil," "earth," or "country," this word specifically denotes the ancestral land of Israel. Its inclusion underscores the tangible, physical aspect of God's promise of restoration alongside the spiritual. For the exiles, the return to their _ʼădâmâh_ was a concrete sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the re-establishment of their national identity and security. It signifies not merely a geographical location, but a restored inheritance, a renewed connection to their heritage, and a place where they could once again live in covenant relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And shall put my spirit in you":** This clause identifies the divine agent and the miraculous means of Israel's restoration: God Himself, through the impartation of His own Spirit. This is a profound act of spiritual resuscitation, moving beyond merely reassembling the physical form to infusing it with true, God-given life. It signifies a deep internal transformation and spiritual renewal that is foundational to all subsequent blessings and the re-establishment of their covenant relationship.
* **"and ye shall live":** This is the direct, life-altering consequence of God's Spirit being put within them. This "living" encompasses both physical vitality and profound spiritual awakening. It signifies a transition from a state of national and spiritual death (the dry bones) to one of vibrant, active, and purposeful existence, fulfilling the promise of renewed life, hope, and a restored national identity.
* **"and I shall place you in your own land":** This clause addresses the concrete, physical, and geographical aspect of the restoration. It is a specific promise of repatriation for the exiles, a literal return to the land of Israel. This act powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding their inheritance, security, and the re-establishment of their national presence and identity in their rightful, promised home.
* **"then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD":** This concluding declaration serves as the ultimate purpose and undeniable confirmation of God's actions. The extraordinary fulfillment of these promises—spiritual life and return to the land—will serve as irrefutable proof of God's sovereignty, veracity, and omnipotence. It is a declaration of divine self-attestation, ensuring that Israel (and all who witness) will recognize the absolute reliability of God's word. The emphatic repetition of "saith the LORD" underscores the divine authority, certainty, and immutability of the prophecy.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:14, as the culmination of the dry bones vision, is rich in **Symbolism**. The "spirit" (Hebrew _ruach_) is a powerful symbol, representing not only breath and wind but preeminently the divine Spirit, underscoring the life-giving power of God. The entire narrative of transition from "dry bones" to living beings, and their subsequent placement in their "own land," functions as a profound **Metaphor** for national resurrection and restoration from spiritual and physical death and despair. The passage itself operates as a **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events, specifically the comprehensive restoration of Israel. The concluding phrase, "then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD," employs **Divine Oracle** and **Affirmation**, emphasizing God's absolute authority and the certainty of His word. This repeated, declarative statement serves as a potent **Rhetorical Device** to build confidence and underscore the immutability of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:14 is a profound theological statement on God's unparalleled power to bring life out of death, both spiritually and physically. It underscores the concept of divine sovereignty in initiating and completing restoration, demonstrating that God's promises are not contingent on human merit but on His own faithful character and immutable will. The impartation of God's Spirit is revealed as the indispensable source of true life, powerfully foreshadowing the New Covenant emphasis on the Spirit's role in regeneration, sanctification, and empowerment for all believers. This verse links the spiritual vitality of a people directly to their physical dwelling and national identity, illustrating God's holistic concern for His creation and His covenant people. It stands as a testament to the efficacy of God's word—what He speaks, He performs, ensuring His ultimate triumph over all forms of despair, desolation, and apparent impossibility.

* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise of God's Law on the Heart") - Foreshadows the New Covenant where God's law is written on the heart, a spiritual transformation akin to the impartation of the Spirit, leading to true life.
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Who Gives Life to Mortal Bodies") - Connects the Spirit's work in raising Christ from the dead to His power to give life to mortal bodies, echoing Ezekiel's theme of life from death through the Spirit.
* [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Reminder") - Highlights the Holy Spirit's role as the divine presence, Comforter, and guide for believers, a profound fulfillment of God putting His Spirit "in you."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:14 offers a profound message of hope, reassurance, and divine power for all generations. For individuals experiencing personal despair, spiritual deadness, or facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate source of life and restoration. Just as He miraculously breathed life into dry bones, He possesses the sovereign power to breathe new life into our brokenness, our apathy, our lost dreams, or our deepest sorrows. It underscores the vital and transformative role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, reminding us that true spiritual vitality, genuine transformation, and the ability to live a life pleasing to God are not achieved through human effort but through the indwelling, empowering presence of God's Spirit. Furthermore, this verse serves as an unshakeable anchor for our faith in God's unwavering faithfulness. What God has spoken, He will perform, whether in the grand sweep of redemptive history or in the intimate details of our individual lives. This profound truth provides immense comfort and courage, enabling us to trust in His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration, knowing with certainty that His word is always true and His promises are always fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel like "dry bones," lacking hope, vitality, or direction?**
* **How does the promise of God putting His Spirit in you encourage you regarding personal spiritual renewal and transformation?**
* **What does Ezekiel 37:14 teach you about God's absolute faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances appear utterly impossible?**

### FAQ
**What is the "spirit" (ruach) in Ezekiel 37:14, and how does it relate to the vision?**

Answer: The Hebrew word "ruach" (H7307) in Ezekiel 37:14 is rich in meaning, encompassing "wind," "breath," and "spirit." In the immediate context of the dry bones vision ([Ezekiel 37:1-10](/ezekiel/37-1-10 "Ezekiel 37:1-10 - The Vision of the Dry Bones")), it refers to the life-giving breath that enters the reassembled bodies, causing them to live. Theologically, and as the climax of the vision, it profoundly signifies the Holy Spirit of God, the divine animating force that brings spiritual life and renewal. So, it's not just physical breath but the very Spirit of God that revives the "dead" nation of Israel, transforming them from a state of despair and spiritual death to one of vibrant, God-empowered life. This divine impartation of the Spirit is the source of both their physical restoration and their spiritual awakening, making the vision a profound prophecy of God's holistic renewal for His people.

**Does the promise of being placed "in your own land" apply to modern-day Israel?**

Answer: The promise of being placed "in your own land" (H127, _ʼădâmâh_) in Ezekiel 37:14 had a clear historical fulfillment in the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity to the land of Israel, which occurred decades after Ezekiel's prophecy. This literal return was a concrete demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Theologically, many interpret this promise as having both a historical and a broader, ongoing spiritual dimension. While the initial return was literal, some Christian theological traditions see the ultimate fulfillment of such land promises in the spiritual inheritance of believers in Christ, or in the eschatological new heavens and new earth. Others believe there is a continued literal application to the modern nation of Israel, seeing their re-establishment in the land as a partial fulfillment of these prophecies and a sign of God's ongoing plan. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the verse fundamentally affirms God's commitment to His people and His power to restore them to their intended place and purpose, whether physical or spiritual, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 37:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The promise, "And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live," directly foreshadows the New Covenant reality inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice. While Ezekiel's prophecy spoke to the national restoration of Israel from a state of spiritual and physical death, Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection, and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Through His death and glorious resurrection, Christ conquered spiritual death, making it possible for all who believe to receive new life, not merely a physical resuscitation but a profound spiritual rebirth, being "born again of water and the Spirit" ([John 3:5-8](/john/3-5-8 "John 3:5-8 - Born of Water and the Spirit")). The "Spirit" that God promised to put "in you" is poured out in fullness through Christ, as dramatically evidenced on the Day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")), enabling believers to "live" a new life in Christ, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - Life in the Spirit")). Furthermore, the promise of being placed "in your own land" is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who gathers all believers—Jew and Gentile—into His spiritual kingdom, establishing them as fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints and Members of God's Household")) and heirs of an eternal inheritance in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Christ is the One through whom God's Spirit brings true life, and in whom God's people find their ultimate and eternal dwelling, knowing with absolute certainty that "I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it]."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 36:36

Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined [places, and] plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken [it], and I will do [it].

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Joel 2:29

And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

Ezekiel 36:27

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

Ezekiel 11:19

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Ezekiel 39:29

Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].