Ezekiel 37:5

KJV

Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} unto these bones {H6106}; Behold, I will cause breath {H7307} to enter {H935} into you, and ye shall live {H2421}:

Complete Jewish Bible

To these bones Adonai ELOHIM says, "I will make breath enter you, and you will live.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life.

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:5 stands as a profound declaration of divine power and promise within the vision of the valley of dry bones. In this pivotal verse, the Lord GOD addresses the lifeless, scattered bones of Israel, proclaiming His sovereign intent to re-animate them by causing "breath" to enter them, thereby restoring them to life. It is a powerful statement of God's ability to bring about national and spiritual restoration from a state of utter despair and death, signifying hope and renewal for a people in exile who felt their national identity and covenant relationship with God were irrevocably lost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 37:5 is situated at the heart of the dramatic vision of the valley of dry bones, spanning [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1 "Ezekiel's Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones"). The vision begins with Ezekiel being led by the Spirit into a valley filled with countless, exceedingly dry bones, symbolizing the utterly hopeless state of the exiled nation of Israel. God first asks Ezekiel if these bones can live, to which the prophet wisely responds, "O Lord GOD, you know" ([Ezekiel 37:3](/ezekiel/37-3 "Ezekiel 37:3 - Can These Bones Live?")). Following this, God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and it is in this verse, [Ezekiel 37:5](/ezekiel/37-5 "Ezekiel 37:5 - God's Promise to Breathe Life into Dry Bones"), that the divine declaration of life is made. The subsequent verses describe the bones coming together, sinews and flesh appearing, and finally, the breath entering them, culminating in a vast army standing on their feet. This vision is immediately followed by God's interpretation, explicitly stating that the bones represent "the whole house of Israel" and their restoration from exile ([Ezekiel 37:11-14](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11-14 - Interpretation of the Dry Bones Vision")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the dry bones was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-538 BC). This was a period of profound national trauma for the Jewish people. Jerusalem had been destroyed, the Temple lay in ruins, and the Davidic monarchy had fallen. The people felt utterly cut off from their land, their covenant, and their God, expressing their despair with the lament, "Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off" ([Ezekiel 37:11](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11 - Israel's Despair in Exile")). In this context, God's declaration in [Ezekiel 37:5](/ezekiel/37-5 "Ezekiel 37:5 - God's Promise to Breathe Life into Dry Bones") would have resonated deeply, offering a radical message of hope and the promise of a miraculous national and spiritual revival, defying all human expectations and historical realities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over life and death, and His ability to bring forth existence from non-existence, as seen in the [creation account](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Restoration and Rebirth**, promising a complete revitalization for Israel, not merely a physical return to the land but a spiritual renewal and a renewed covenant relationship, a promise echoed in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - God's Promise of a New Heart and Spirit"). Finally, it is a profound message of **Hope in Despair**, assuring a people who felt utterly lost and without future that God's redemptive plan is unstoppable, even in the most desperate and seemingly irreversible situations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound divine title, used frequently by Ezekiel, emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. `ʼĂdônây` (H136) signifies "Lord" or "Master," denoting ownership and authority, while `Yᵉhôvih` (H3069) is a vocalization of the Tetragrammaton YHWH, the ineffable personal name of God, often rendered "the LORD." The combination, `ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih`, underscores that the one speaking is both the sovereign Master of all creation and the covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose word is absolute and whose promises are unfailing. It is His authoritative declaration that initiates the miraculous reanimation.
* **breath (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** The Hebrew word `rûwach` (H7307) is profoundly significant and multifaceted, meaning "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In this context, it carries both the literal sense of the vital breath necessary for physical life and, more profoundly, the spiritual sense of God's life-imparting Spirit. It directly parallels the divine act of creation where God [breathed the breath of life into Adam](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathed Life into Adam"), making him a living being. Here, `rûwach` signifies the divine, supernatural power that transforms lifelessness into vibrant existence, symbolizing both physical restoration and spiritual regeneration for the nation of Israel.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** The verb `châyâh` (H2421) means "to live," "to be alive," or "to revive." It encompasses both physical animation and spiritual vitality. In the context of the dry bones, it signifies a complete reversal of death – not just a mere existence, but a flourishing, restored life. For Israel, this meant not only a return from exile but a spiritual quickening, a renewed relationship with God, and the re-establishment of their national identity, moving from a state of spiritual death to spiritual vitality and covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the declaration. It emphasizes that the ensuing promise is not a human wish or prophecy, but a direct, powerful utterance from the sovereign God, who alone possesses the power to command life into existence. The direct address to "these bones" highlights the seemingly impossible nature of the task, underscoring God's omnipotence.
* **"Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you,":** The exclamation "Behold" draws immediate attention to the miraculous nature of God's impending action. The phrase "I will cause breath to enter into you" is the core promise, directly linking the divine agent ("I") with the life-giving force ("breath," `rûwach`). This is an active, intentional, and personal act of God, signifying His direct intervention to infuse life where there was none, echoing His creative power.
* **"and ye shall live:":** This concluding clause states the certain outcome of God's action. The simple yet powerful declaration "and ye shall live" is an absolute promise of restoration. It signifies not merely a temporary revival but a complete and enduring transformation from death to life, assuring the audience of the efficacy and faithfulness of God's word.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "dry bones" serving as a vivid and visceral symbol of Israel's national and spiritual death during the Babylonian exile. The very dryness and scattered nature of the bones amplify the sense of utter hopelessness. **Personification** is evident as God directly addresses these inanimate bones as if they can hear and respond, emphasizing His sovereign power over all creation, even the lifeless. The "breath" (`rûwach`) functions as a powerful **metaphor** for God's life-giving Spirit, drawing a direct parallel to the original act of creation and foreshadowing the spiritual regeneration of Israel. The entire vision, and this verse within it, creates a dramatic **contrast** between the stark reality of death and the miraculous, life-imparting power of God, building profound **dramatic irony** as the audience knows the bones are dead, yet God promises them life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:5 is a cornerstone passage for understanding God's restorative power, not only for ancient Israel but for all of humanity. It powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that life, in its fullest sense, originates solely from God. This divine act of breathing life into the dead bones foreshadows the ultimate spiritual regeneration and resurrection promised throughout Scripture. It connects the physical act of creation with the spiritual act of new birth, emphasizing that just as God animated the first human with His breath, He can re-animate a spiritually dead nation or individual. The passage underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His ability to bring hope and vitality even in the most desolate circumstances, making it a profound testament to His redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam")
* [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Spirit Gives Life")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Who Raised Christ from the Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:5 offers a timeless message of hope and transformation for individuals and communities today. In moments of profound despair, spiritual dryness, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse assures us that no situation is beyond God's restorative power. Just as He breathed life into the "very dry" bones of Israel, He can infuse new life into our personal faith, revitalize stagnant relationships, or bring revival to churches and communities that feel lifeless. It calls us to recognize that true vitality and genuine hope do not stem from human effort or favorable circumstances, but from the sovereign, life-giving breath of God's Spirit. This passage encourages us to surrender our "dry bones" – our deepest fears, failures, and perceived impossibilities – to the Lord GOD, trusting in His unfailing promise to quicken, restore, and make us live.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dry bones" (areas of despair, lifelessness, or hopelessness) do I perceive in my own life, my community, or the world around me?**
* **How does the promise of God's "breath" (Spirit) entering into these dry bones encourage me to trust in His power for renewal and transformation?**
* **In what ways am I called to participate in God's work of bringing life to seemingly dead situations, even if it's simply by prophesying His word of hope?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "breath" (ruach) in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word `ruach` (רוּחַ), translated as "breath" in Ezekiel 37:5, is one of the most significant and multifaceted words in the Old Testament. It carries three primary meanings: "wind," "breath," and "spirit." In this verse, its significance is multi-layered. Literally, it refers to the physical breath necessary for animation, just as God [breathed the breath of life into Adam](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathed Life into Adam") at creation. More profoundly, `ruach` here symbolizes the life-giving power of God's Spirit. It is the divine, supernatural force that transforms utter lifelessness into vibrant existence. For the exiled Israelites, it meant not only a physical return and re-establishment as a nation but also a spiritual regeneration, a new heart, and a new spirit, as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - God's Promise of a New Heart and Spirit"). Thus, `ruach` in Ezekiel 37:5 signifies God's absolute power to restore life, both physically and spiritually, through His sovereign Spirit.

**How does this vision relate to the New Testament concept of spiritual rebirth?**

Answer: The vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37, particularly the promise in [Ezekiel 37:5](/ezekiel/37-5 "Ezekiel 37:5 - God's Promise to Breathe Life into Dry Bones") that God will cause "breath" to enter the bones so they "shall live," serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the New Testament concept of spiritual rebirth or regeneration. In the Old Testament, `ruach` (breath/spirit) brings physical and national restoration. In the New Testament, this concept is deepened and applied to individual spiritual transformation. Jesus tells Nicodemus that "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" ([John 3:5](/john/3-5 "John 3:5 - Born of Water and Spirit")). Paul speaks of believers being "made alive together with Christ" when they were "dead in trespasses" ([Ephesians 2:5](/ephesians/2-5 "Ephesians 2:5 - Made Alive in Christ")). Just as God's `ruach` brought life to the dead bones, the Holy Spirit brings spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead in sin. The physical resurrection and national restoration promised in Ezekiel find their ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the new life and spiritual vitality granted to believers through the work of the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 37:5 finds its ultimate and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of life and resurrection. The "breath" or `ruach` that God promises to infuse into the dry bones foreshadows the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, which is poured out upon humanity through Christ's atoning work. Jesus Himself declares, "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")), and "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His death and resurrection represent the ultimate divine act of bringing life out of death, transforming humanity's spiritually dead state into new life. Just as the Spirit animated the dry bones into a living army, the Holy Spirit, given by Christ, animates believers, making them a living body, the church, empowered for God's purposes. The "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "The Law of the Spirit of Life")) sets us free from the "law of sin and death," fulfilling Ezekiel's vision of a people made alive by God's own breath. Our spiritual resurrection from being "dead in trespasses" ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Dead in Trespasses")) to being "made alive together with Christ" ([Ephesians 2:5](/ephesians/2-5 "Made Alive in Christ")) is the personal and communal fulfillment of God's ancient promise to breathe life into the lifeless.

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

Genesis 2:7

And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Ezekiel 37:14

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.

Psalms 104:29

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

Psalms 104:30

Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

Ezekiel 37:9

Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

Ezekiel 37:10

So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

John 20:22

And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: