Ezekiel 37:6

KJV

And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will lay {H5414} sinews {H1517} upon you, and will bring up {H5927} flesh {H1320} upon you, and cover {H7159} you with skin {H5785}, and put {H5414} breath {H7307} in you, and ye shall live {H2421}; and ye shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will attach ligaments to you, make flesh grow on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you. You will live, and you will know that I am ADONAI."'"

Berean Standard Bible

I will attach tendons to you and make flesh grow upon you and cover you with skin. I will put breath within you so that you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”

American Standard Version

And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:6 is a pivotal verse within the extraordinary vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, vividly detailing God's sovereign and miraculous process of reanimating a seemingly hopeless, lifeless army. It meticulously describes the step-by-step restoration, beginning with the laying of sinews, followed by the growth of flesh, the covering of skin, and, most critically, the infusion of divine breath, culminating in the bones' complete revival to life. This profound act serves as an undeniable testament to God's omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness, explicitly declaring that through this awe-inspiring display of power, His people will attain a deeper, experiential knowledge of His identity as the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 37:6 is intricately woven into the dramatic and deeply symbolic narrative of the Valley of Dry Bones, spanning [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1-14 "Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Vision of the Dry Bones"). The vision commences with Ezekiel being led by the Spirit into a desolate valley teeming with exceedingly dry bones, a stark symbol of Israel's utter despair and national death during exile ([Ezekiel 37:1-2](/ezekiel/37-1-2 "Ezekiel 37:1-2 - Ezekiel in the Valley of Dry Bones")). God then commands Ezekiel to prophesy to these bones, promising to infuse them with life. Verses [Ezekiel 37:3-5](/ezekiel/37-3-5 "Ezekiel 37:3-5 - The Bones Come Together") detail the initial stages of this miraculous reassembly: the rattling, the coming together of bones, and the appearance of sinews and flesh. Verse 6 specifically articulates God's direct, active role in completing this re-creation, emphasizing the divine agency in each progressive step, particularly the impartation of breath, which is distinct from the initial physical reassembly. The vision culminates with the reanimated forms standing as a vast army, and God's explicit interpretation that this represents the spiritual and national restoration of the house of Israel ([Ezekiel 37:10-14](/ezekiel/37-10-14 "Ezekiel 37:10-14 - The Restoration of Israel")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was penned during the harrowing period of the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a time of profound national trauma and spiritual desolation for the Jewish people. Jerusalem had fallen, the sacred Temple lay in ruins, and the people were forcibly uprooted from their homeland. This exile was not merely a political displacement but was perceived as a national death, a complete severance from their covenant God and their distinct identity. The potent imagery of "dry bones" vividly captured their existential crisis, as articulated by the people themselves in [Ezekiel 37:11](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11 - The Despair of Israel in Exile"): "Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off." In ancient Near Eastern thought, life was intrinsically linked to breath (or spirit), and its absence signified absolute death. Thus, God's promise to "put breath in you" was not merely a biological act but a profound theological statement of divine re-creation, signifying the restoration of a vibrant, living relationship between God and His people, and the renewal of their national vitality.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. It serves as a profound demonstration of **Divine Power and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's absolute control over life and death, and His unparalleled ability to bring life from the most desolate and hopeless circumstances. This echoes the original act of creation where God breathed life into humanity, as profoundly depicted in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam"). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Restoration and Revival**, not just physically but spiritually, for a nation that felt utterly cut off from God and existence. The sequential nature of the reanimation (sinews, flesh, skin, breath) symbolizes a comprehensive, deliberate, and divinely orchestrated process of renewal. Finally, the concluding declaration, "and ye shall know that I am the LORD," highlights the central and recurring theme of **The Knowledge of God**. Throughout Ezekiel, God's mighty acts, whether in judgment or salvation, are ultimately purposed to reveal His unique, sovereign, and covenantal identity to both Israel and the surrounding nations, a theme also prominently featured in passages like [Exodus 14:4](/exodus/14-4 "Exodus 14:4 - God's Glory in the Red Sea at the Red Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sinews (Hebrew, _gîyd'_):** From H1517, meaning "a thong (as compressing); by analogy, a tendon." In this context, "sinews" refers to the foundational connective tissues that bind bones together and facilitate movement. Their appearance signifies the initial structural integrity and connection being re-established, moving the bones from scattered fragments towards a cohesive, organized form. It represents the foundational reassembly necessary for the subsequent stages of life.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, meaning "flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person." "Flesh" here refers to the muscle and soft tissues that cover the skeletal structure. Its appearance signifies the addition of substance, form, and vitality, moving the re-creation process beyond mere skeletal connection to the development of a recognizable, tangible body, indicating a return to a state of wholeness.
* **Breath (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** From H7307, this versatile word means "wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)." In Ezekiel 37:6, _ruach_ is the divine, life-imparting force. It is not merely biological respiration but the very essence of life, often associated with the Spirit of God, indicating that true life, especially spiritual and national vitality, originates solely from God's direct, sovereign intervention.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, a primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." This word encapsulates the miraculous transformation from utter death to vibrant, functional existence. It denotes not just physical animation but a state of being fully alive, restored to purpose, activity, and relationship. In the context of Israel, it signifies their national and spiritual revitalization, moving from despair to a renewed covenant life.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)." This "knowing" is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge. Through God's mighty act of restoration, Israel will intimately and undeniably experience His power, faithfulness, and unique identity as the sovereign LORD, leading to a profound recognition of His covenantal character.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, faithfulness to His promises, and unique sovereignty. The declaration "ye shall know that I am the LORD" signifies that this entire miraculous restoration is ultimately for the purpose of revealing God's true, incomparable identity to His people and the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will lay sinews upon you":** This initial clause powerfully emphasizes God's direct, active, and intentional role ("I will lay") in the very first stage of re-creation. The "sinews" represent the foundational connective tissue, signifying the re-establishment of structure, cohesion, and internal integrity where there was only disarray and fragmentation. It's the essential first step in knitting together what was broken and scattered.
* **"and will bring up flesh upon you":** Following the laying of sinews, God promises to "bring up" or cause "flesh" to grow upon the re-formed skeletal structure. This signifies the addition of substance, form, and vitality, covering the bones and moving the process beyond mere connection to the development of a recognizable, tangible, and complete body.
* **"and cover you with skin":** The final layer of physical restoration is the "skin." This act completes the outward appearance, providing a protective covering and signifying a return to wholeness, beauty, and integrity. It prepares the re-formed bodies for the ultimate and most crucial impartation of life.
* **"and put breath in you":** This is the pivotal and most profound moment of divine animation. God "puts breath" (Hebrew: _ruach_) into the re-formed bodies, signifying the infusion of life itself. This act is the exclusive prerogative of God, transforming inanimate matter into living beings and highlighting that true vitality, whether physical or spiritual, comes solely from His direct, life-giving intervention.
* **"and ye shall live":** This clause declares the immediate and direct consequence of God's life-giving breath. The once-dead, scattered bones are now fully animated, standing as living beings. This outcome confirms the efficacy of God's power and the complete fulfillment of His promise, demonstrating a total reversal of their former state of death and despair.
* **"and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD":** This concluding declaration reveals the ultimate, overarching purpose of the entire miraculous act. The restoration is not merely for the sake of physical existence or national return but for the profound, experiential, and undeniable knowledge of God's identity. "The LORD" (Yahweh) signifies God's covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence, faithfulness, and unique sovereignty. Through this undeniable display of power, Israel will intimately recognize Him as their true, incomparable God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:6 is exceptionally rich in **Symbolism**. The "sinews," "flesh," "skin," and "breath" are not merely literal biological components but symbolize the sequential, comprehensive, and divinely orchestrated nature of God's restoration. The "dry bones" themselves are a powerful and poignant symbol of Israel's utter despair, spiritual death, and national disintegration during exile, making their reanimation a profound symbol of national and spiritual **Revival**. The entire passage functions as an **Allegory**, where the physical re-creation of bodies represents the spiritual and national restoration of the house of Israel. The recurring phrase "and ye shall know that I am the LORD" serves as a powerful **Refrain** throughout the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the didactic and revelatory purpose of God's actions – to undeniably reveal His unique identity, sovereign power, and covenant faithfulness. The dramatic progression from scattered, desiccated bones to a fully living, standing army demonstrates a profound **Transformation**, highlighting God's unparalleled power to bring life out of death, order out of chaos, and hope out of despair. The vivid imagery also employs **Personification** by addressing the bones as if they can hear and respond to prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's unparalleled power to bring life out of death, a theme deeply woven into the fabric of biblical theology from creation to consummation. It underscores God's role as the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of life, demonstrating that no situation, however dire or seemingly irredeemable, is beyond His capacity for restoration. The sequential reassembly and, most critically, the infusion of divine breath, highlight the comprehensive nature of divine renewal, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. This verse assures us that God's acts of salvation are ultimately for the purpose of revealing His true nature and drawing His people into a deeper, experiential knowledge of His covenant faithfulness and sovereign authority. It speaks profoundly to the hope of resurrection, both for a nation and for individuals, rooted firmly in the life-giving power of God.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God Alone Gives and Takes Life")
* [Psalm 104:30](/psalm/104-30 "Psalm 104:30 - God Renews the Face of the Earth")
* [Isaiah 26:19](/isaiah/26-19 "Isaiah 26:19 - Resurrection of the Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:6 offers profound and enduring hope, serving as a powerful reminder of God's limitless power and His capacity to intervene in our lives today. Just as the dry bones represented a seemingly irredeemable situation for the nation of Israel, we often face personal circumstances, periods of spiritual dryness, or even overwhelming global challenges that appear utterly hopeless and beyond repair. This verse calls us to look beyond the visible evidence of death, despair, and decay, and to trust implicitly in the God who breathes life into the lifeless. It encourages us to surrender our own "dry bones"—our broken dreams, past failures, spiritual apathy, relational estrangement, or seemingly impossible obstacles—to His sovereign and life-giving hand. God is not limited by our limitations, nor is He constrained by the apparent finality of death; He specializes in bringing beauty from ashes, life from death, and hope from despair. Our part is to listen for His word, to prophesy (speak His truth) into our situations, and to trust, knowing that His ultimate purpose is for us to experientially "know that I am the LORD" in every facet of our existence, recognizing His power and faithfulness in our deepest needs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dry bones" in your personal life, relationships, or in the world around you seem beyond hope of restoration or renewal?**
* **How does this verse challenge your current understanding of God's power and sovereignty in seemingly impossible or dead situations?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively participate in God's work of bringing life to dead situations, whether through prayer, faithful proclamation of His word, or practical acts of service and compassion?**
* **What does it truly mean for you, experientially, to "know that I am the LORD" in the midst of your current challenges and circumstances?**

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

Answer: The "breath" (Hebrew: _ruach_) in [Ezekiel 37:6](/ezekiel/37-6 "Ezekiel 37:6 - God Puts Breath into the Bones") is profoundly significant and carries deep theological weight. It is not merely biological respiration but represents the divine, life-giving essence that only God can impart. In the Old Testament, _ruach_ is often associated with the Spirit of God, the very power that animates creation and brings spiritual life. Just as God breathed life into Adam, transforming dust into a living soul in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam"), here He breathes life into the re-formed bones, signifying His absolute sovereignty over life and death. For Israel, it meant not just physical reanimation but a spiritual revival and a renewal of their covenant relationship with God, as further elaborated in the promise of a new heart and spirit in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The New Heart and Spirit").

**How does this vision relate to the nation of Israel?**

Answer: The vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, including [Ezekiel 37:6](/ezekiel/37-6 "Ezekiel 37:6 - God Puts Breath into the Bones"), is a powerful and comprehensive allegory for the national restoration of Israel. At the time of this prophecy, Israel was enduring the trauma of Babylonian exile, feeling utterly cut off from their land, their sacred Temple, and their covenant God, likening themselves to "dry bones" without hope ([Ezekiel 37:11](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11 - The Despair of Israel in Exile")). God's act of reanimating the bones symbolizes His unwavering promise to bring Israel back from exile, to restore their national identity, and most importantly, to spiritually revive them. It signifies a new covenant relationship where God would put His Spirit within them, enabling them to live according to His ways and to be His people once more ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The New Heart and Spirit")). This vision is a profound message of hope that God's covenant promises to Israel would ultimately be fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 37:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The miraculous reanimation of the dry bones, culminating in the impartation of divine breath and the restoration to vibrant life, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual resurrection that Christ brings to humanity. Just as God breathed life into the lifeless forms in the valley, so too does Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, breathe spiritual life into those who are spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). The "breath" (_ruach_) that brings life in Ezekiel directly points to the Holy Spirit, whom Christ pours out upon His Church, enabling believers to live a new, transformed life in Him ([John 20:22](/john/20-22 "John 20:22 - Jesus Breathes the Holy Spirit on His Disciples") and [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost")). The promise that "ye shall live" is fully realized in the eternal life offered through faith in Christ, who declared Himself to be "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Moreover, the concluding declaration, "and ye shall know that I am the LORD," is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, for it is through Him that we truly come to know God the Father in an intimate, saving way ([John 14:7](/john/14-7 "John 14:7 - Knowing the Father Through Jesus")) and recognize His supreme Lordship over all creation, redemption, and the very breath of life ([Philippians 2:9-11](/phil/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus is Lord")).

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

Joel 2:27

And ye shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel, and [that] I [am] the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Joel 3:17

So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

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.

Ezekiel 34:27

And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.

Ezekiel 35:12

And thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD, [and that] I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume.

Ezekiel 39:6

And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.