Ezekiel 37:3

KJV

And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto me, Son {H1121} of man {H120}, can these bones {H6106} live {H2421}? And I answered {H559}, O Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, thou knowest {H3045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked me, "Human being, can these bones live?" I answered, "Adonai ELOHIM! Only you know that!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord Jehovah, thou knowest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:3 stands as the pivotal inquiry within the profound vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, capturing a moment of divine challenge and human humility. God confronts the prophet Ezekiel with the seemingly impossible question of whether a vast multitude of desiccated bones can be reanimated, prompting Ezekiel's wise and deferential response that acknowledges only the Lord God possesses such knowledge and power. This verse sets the stage for a miraculous demonstration of God's sovereign ability to bring life out of utter desolation, foreshadowing the spiritual and national restoration of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of the iconic vision of the Valley of Dry Bones in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Vision of the Dry Bones"). The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 37:1-2](/ezekiel/37-1 "Ezekiel 37:1-2 - The Valley of Dry Bones")) describe how the Spirit of the Lord transports Ezekiel to a valley filled with countless, very dry bones, a stark image of complete lifelessness and decay. God's direct question to Ezekiel in [Ezekiel 37:3](/ezekiel/37-3 "Ezekiel 37:3 - Can These Bones Live?") serves as the divine catalyst, initiating a dialogue that will culminate in the miraculous reanimation of the bones. The verses immediately following ([Ezekiel 37:4-10](/ezekiel/37-4 "Ezekiel 37:4-10 - Prophecy to the Bones")) detail Ezekiel's prophetic utterance and the subsequent physical restoration of the bones, followed by the breath of life. The entire chapter then explicitly interprets the vision as God's promise to open the graves of the exiled Israelites and bring them back to their land, signifying national and spiritual resurrection ([Ezekiel 37:11-14](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11-14 - Interpretation of the Vision")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the dry bones, including [Ezekiel 37:3](/ezekiel/37-3 "Ezekiel 37:3 - The Divine Question"), is deeply rooted in the historical reality of the Babylonian exile, which began with the first deportation in 597 BC and culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BC. The people of Judah were scattered, their land desolate, their monarchy dissolved, and their religious institutions shattered. This period was marked by profound despair, a sense of abandonment by God, and the belief that their national identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh were irrevocably lost. They felt like "dry bones" – utterly without hope or future, cut off from their heritage and God's promises ([Ezekiel 37:11](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11 - Israel's Despair")). The question posed in [Ezekiel 37:3](/ezekiel/37-3 "Ezekiel 37:3 - God's Challenge to Ezekiel") thus addresses the deepest existential crisis of the exiles, challenging their perception of divine capability in the face of apparent irreversible ruin.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 37:3](/ezekiel/37-3 "Ezekiel 37:3 - A Question of Life") encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Ezekiel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating His absolute power to bring life from death and hope from despair, even in the most dire circumstances. The question "can these bones live?" highlights the human impossibility of the task, setting the stage for a divine miracle that transcends all natural limitations, a theme echoed in the New Testament's declaration that [with God, all things are possible](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Human Limitation and Dependence on God**. Ezekiel's humble and wise response, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest," exemplifies a profound recognition of human inadequacy and a complete deferral to divine knowledge and will, a posture of faith that trusts God's ultimate authority and wisdom, much like Abraham's faith when facing seemingly impossible promises ([Romans 4:17](/romans/4-17 "Romans 4:17 - God Who Gives Life to the Dead")). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Hope and Restoration**, which is the ultimate message of the vision. Despite the bleak imagery, the divine inquiry and Ezekiel's faithful response initiate a prophecy of future national and spiritual renewal for Israel, assuring them that God's covenant promises would ultimately be fulfilled, and He would [breathe new life into His people](/ezekiel/37-14 "Ezekiel 37:14 - God's Spirit and Israel's Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** H1121, derived from a root meaning "to build," signifies a son as a builder or inheritor of the family name. In the phrase "son of man" (ben 'adam), it emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality, contrasting his limited human perspective with the infinite power and knowledge of God. This designation underscores his role as a mortal messenger receiving divine revelation, highlighting the vast chasm between the divine and the human.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** H2421, a primitive root meaning "to live," whether literally or figuratively. It encompasses concepts of being alive, sustaining life, reviving, quickening, and restoring to life. In the context of dry bones, this word carries immense weight, referring to an impossible biological restoration that only divine power could accomplish, thereby emphasizing the miraculous nature of the impending event and God's unique ability to impart life where none exists.
* **knowest (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know," implying a deep, experiential, and comprehensive understanding. Ezekiel's response, "thou knowest," is not merely an admission of ignorance but an affirmation of God's omniscience and sovereign control over all possibilities, including the power to bring life from death. It acknowledges God's perfect knowledge of His own will, power, and plans, placing the outcome entirely in His capable hands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct, personal nature of God's communication with Ezekiel. The "he" refers to the Lord GOD, who has just brought Ezekiel into the valley. This direct address underscores the divine initiative and the prophetic commission given to Ezekiel, setting the stage for a profound theological encounter.
* **"Son of man, can these bones live?"**: This is the central divine question, a rhetorical challenge posed to Ezekiel. The address "Son of man" reminds Ezekiel of his human limitations and mortality, emphasizing the vastness of the task from a human perspective. The question itself highlights the utter impossibility of the situation from a natural standpoint – dry, scattered bones are the epitome of lifelessness. It serves not as an inquiry for information (as God already knows the answer), but as a test of Ezekiel's faith and a dramatic setup for the display of God's miraculous power.
* **"And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest."**: Ezekiel's response is a model of humility, wisdom, and profound faith. He does not offer a human solution, express doubt, or presume to know God's ways. Instead, by addressing God as "O Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh, signifying God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness), he defers completely to God's omnipotence and omniscience. His answer acknowledges that only God possesses the power and knowledge to accomplish such a miracle, placing all hope and possibility squarely upon divine will and capability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "can these bones live?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to challenge Ezekiel's perception and highlight the seemingly insurmountable nature of the problem from a human viewpoint, thereby magnifying the power of God. The **Symbolism** of the "dry bones" is central, representing the utterly hopeless and spiritually dead condition of the exiled nation of Israel. Ezekiel's designation as "Son of man" serves as a form of **Apostrophe**, a direct address that emphasizes his human frailty and contrasts it with the divine speaker's omnipotence. The entire interaction is a **Dialogue**, showcasing the intimate yet awe-inspiring communication between God and His prophet, where human humility meets divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:3 is a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, and His capacity to bring about restoration where all hope seems lost. It underscores that true revival, whether personal or national, is not a product of human effort or ingenuity but a miraculous act of divine power. Ezekiel's response, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest," becomes a timeless declaration of faith, acknowledging that God's knowledge encompasses not only what is, but also what can be, through His will. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding God's restorative justice and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they are in a state of utter spiritual and national decay. It teaches that human despair is never the final word when God's omnipotence is at play.

* [Romans 4:17](/romans/4-17 "Romans 4:17 - God Who Gives Life to the Dead"): "as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."
* [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"): "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"
* [Psalm 139:4](/psalm/139-4 "Psalm 139:4 - God's Omniscience"): "For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:3 offers a powerful lens through which to view our own seemingly impossible situations. When faced with circumstances that appear utterly dead, beyond repair, or devoid of hope—be it a broken relationship, a stagnant spiritual life, a struggling ministry, or societal decay—this verse calls us to adopt Ezekiel's posture of humble faith. It challenges us to move beyond human limitations and despair, to acknowledge that while we may not see a way, God's knowledge and power are infinite. Our response should not be to doubt or to try to conjure a solution ourselves, but to defer to the Almighty, declaring, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest." This encourages a prayer life rooted in dependence, where we lay our "dry bones" before God, trusting that His capacity for resurrection and renewal far exceeds our understanding or expectation. It reminds us that God delights in demonstrating His power in the midst of human weakness and impossibility, bringing glory to Himself by breathing life into what was dead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dry bones" situations in your life or in the world around you seem utterly beyond hope?**
* **How does Ezekiel's response, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest," challenge your natural inclination to despair or to try to fix things in your own strength?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's omnipotence and omniscience when faced with the impossible?**
* **How might this verse encourage you to pray more boldly and with greater faith for seemingly hopeless circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did God ask Ezekiel a question He already knew the answer to?**

Answer: God's question, "can these bones live?", was not posed out of ignorance but for pedagogical and theological purposes. It served to highlight the utter human impossibility of the situation, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's impending act. By challenging Ezekiel's perception, God was preparing him to witness and participate in a profound demonstration of divine power. It was a test of Ezekiel's faith, an invitation to acknowledge God's sovereignty, and a dramatic setup for revealing God's plan to bring life and restoration to a nation that felt completely dead ([Ezekiel 37:11](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11 - Israel's Despair")). This rhetorical question forces the prophet, and by extension the reader, to confront the limits of human capability and the boundlessness of divine power, emphasizing that true life and renewal come only from God ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Spirit Gives Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, initiated by the profound question in [Ezekiel 37:3](/ezekiel/37-3 "Ezekiel 37:3 - The Question of Life"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks to the national restoration of Israel, the spiritual principle of God breathing life into the dead finds its most glorious expression in the New Covenant. Jesus Himself declares, "[I am the resurrection, and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")," demonstrating His power over physical death by raising Lazarus and ultimately by His own resurrection. More profoundly, Jesus brings spiritual resurrection to those who are "dead in trespasses and sins" ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")). Just as God breathed life into the dry bones through His Spirit, so too does the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, bring about the new birth in believers, transforming spiritually dead individuals into new creations in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The promise of a "new heart and a new spirit" given to Israel ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")) is realized in Christ, who enables believers to live by the Spirit, overcoming the power of sin and death ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Gives Life")). Thus, the seemingly impossible question of [Ezekiel 37:3](/ezekiel/37-3 "Ezekiel 37:3 - God's Power Over Death") is answered definitively in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, who is the source of all life, both physical and spiritual.

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

John 11:25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 11:26

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

John 5:21

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Romans 4:17

¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Hebrews 11:19

Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

1 Samuel 2:6

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.