Ezekiel 37:3

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

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}.

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

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 Jehovah, thou knowest.

Ezekiel 37:3 is a pivotal verse in the profound vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, a powerful prophecy concerning the restoration and spiritual revival of the nation of Israel. This verse captures the moment of divine inquiry and human humility in the face of the seemingly impossible.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel is transported by the Spirit of the Lord into a valley full of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-2). These bones represent the exiled and despairing nation of Israel, who felt their hope was lost and they were "cut off" (Ezekiel 37:11). God presents this grim scene to Ezekiel, setting the stage for a dramatic display of divine power and resurrection. The question "can these bones live?" is posed directly to the prophet, challenging his human perception of what is possible.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty: The central theme is God's absolute power to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and restoration from utter ruin. The question itself highlights the magnitude of the task, which is beyond human capability.
  • Human Limitation and Faith: Ezekiel's response, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest," demonstrates profound humility and wisdom. He doesn't assert his own knowledge or doubt God's power, but defers completely to the divine will and knowledge. This response embodies a trusting faith in God's ultimate authority.
  • Hope and Restoration: This vision, beginning with such a bleak question, ultimately points to God's promise of national restoration and spiritual renewal for Israel, assuring them that despite their "dry bones" state, God could breathe new life into them.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Son of man": This is a frequent address for Ezekiel, used over 90 times in the book. It emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a mortal messenger receiving divine revelation. It contrasts his limited human perspective with God's infinite power and knowledge.
  • "O Lord GOD": In the KJV, this phrase often translates the Hebrew Adonai Yahweh. Adonai signifies "Master" or "Sovereign Lord," emphasizing God's absolute authority, while Yahweh (often rendered as "GOD" in capitals) refers to God's covenant-keeping, personal name. Together, they convey the prophet's reverence for the all-powerful, covenant-faithful God.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 37:3 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. When faced with seemingly impossible situations—whether personal struggles, family challenges, or societal decay—this verse reminds us to look beyond human limitations. Our response, like Ezekiel's, should be one of humble submission and faith in God's ultimate knowledge and power. It encourages us to pray, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest," acknowledging that only God can bring life and hope to what appears dead. This vision speaks to the potential for spiritual resurrection and renewal in individuals, churches, and nations.

Reflection

The divine question to Ezekiel is not merely an inquiry but a challenge to faith and a prelude to a miracle. Ezekiel's wise answer avoids both presumption and despair, placing the burden of possibility entirely on God. It sets the stage for the powerful demonstration that follows, where the dry bones rattle, come together, and are breathed upon by the Spirit, becoming a vast army. This verse is a timeless reminder that with God, nothing is truly impossible, and His plans for restoration can exceed all human expectation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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