Ezekiel 37:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} he unto me, Prophesy {H5012} unto the wind {H7307}, prophesy {H5012}, son {H1121} of man {H120}, and say {H559} to the wind {H7307}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Come {H935} from the four {H702} winds {H7307}, O breath {H7307}, and breathe {H5301} upon these slain {H2026}, that they may live {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath! Prophesy, human being! Say to the breath that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Come from the four winds, breath; and breathe on these slain, so that they can live.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:9 marks the dramatic climax of the vision of the valley of dry bones, where the prophet Ezekiel receives a second, pivotal divine command to prophesy not to the bones, but to the "wind" or "breath" (Hebrew: _ruach_). This utterance initiates the infusion of divine life into the reanimated yet still lifeless bodies, transforming them from a vast collection of restored corpses into a vibrant, standing army. The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, His unique ability to bring spiritual and national revival out of utter desolation, and the indispensable, life-giving role of His Spirit in quickening and empowering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of [Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - Vision of the Dry Bones"), serving as the crucial turning point. The vision unfolds in two distinct stages of divine intervention. Initially, God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones themselves in [Ezekiel 37:4](/ezekiel/37-4 "Ezekiel 37:4 - Prophesy to the Bones"), resulting in a miraculous reassembly of bones, sinews, flesh, and skin ([Ezekiel 37:7-8](/ezekiel/37-7-8 "Ezekiel 37:7-8 - The Bones Reassemble")). However, a vital element is explicitly noted as missing: "there was no breath in them" ([Ezekiel 37:8](/ezekiel/37-8 "Ezekiel 37:8 - No Breath in Them")). Ezekiel 37:9 introduces the pivotal second stage, where the divine life-giving force—the _ruach_—is commanded to enter, leading to the full animation of the bodies in [Ezekiel 37:10](/ezekiel/37-10 "Ezekiel 37:10 - The Army Stands Up"). The entire vision culminates in God's explicit interpretation, revealing it as a promise of the restoration of Israel from their national "death" in exile ([Ezekiel 37:11-14](/ezekiel/37-11-14 "Ezekiel 37:11-14 - Interpretation: Israel's Restoration")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the dry bones, including Ezekiel 37:9, was delivered to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period roughly spanning 597-538 BC. The Israelites, particularly those deported to Babylon, experienced profound despair and a sense of national annihilation. They felt utterly cut off from their land, their temple, and their covenant God, lamenting, "Our bones are dry, our hope is lost; we are completely cut off!" ([Ezekiel 37:11](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11 - Israel's Despair")). This profound hopelessness is powerfully symbolized by the "very many" and "very dry" bones in the valley ([Ezekiel 37:2](/ezekiel/37-2 "Ezekiel 37:2 - Many Dry Bones")). Culturally, ancient Near Eastern peoples, including the Hebrews, understood "breath" or "wind" as intrinsically linked to life, vitality, and often, divine power. The Hebrew word _ruach_ (רוּחַ) is a polysemous term carrying these multifaceted meanings: wind, breath, and spirit. For the exiles, the command for _ruach_ to enter the lifeless forms was an incredibly potent and profound message of hope, promising that even in their state of national death, God possessed the absolute power to resurrect and restore them to their land and their covenant relationship.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 37:9 powerfully contributes to several major themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Power Over Death**, demonstrating God's unique and exclusive ability to bring life from utter desolation, both physically and spiritually. This theme is central to God's character as the Creator and Sustainer of all life. Secondly, it highlights the **Life-Giving Role of the Spirit (_Ruach_)**, emphasizing that true animation, spiritual regeneration, and national revival come only through God's active, indwelling, and empowering presence. This is a foundational theme for understanding the work of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture. Thirdly, the verse is central to the overarching theme of **Hope for National Restoration and Revival** for Israel, assuring the exiled people that their "dead" nation would be brought back to life, regathered, and returned to their land, as explicitly promised in [Ezekiel 37:12-14](/ezekiel/37-12-14 "Ezekiel 37:12-14 - God's Promise to Restore Israel and Give His Spirit"). Finally, it reinforces the **Authority and Efficacy of God's Word spoken through His Prophets**, as Ezekiel's act of prophesying to the wind directly enacts God's life-giving will, demonstrating the power inherent in divine commands delivered through human vessels.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** From H5012, this verb means "to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)." In Ezekiel 37:9, the repetition of this command emphasizes Ezekiel's crucial role as God's inspired mouthpiece. His act of speaking, not merely observing, is the divinely appointed means through which God's life-giving power is unleashed. It highlights the active and instrumental nature of prophetic utterance in God's plan, demonstrating that God often works through His chosen agents.
* **Wind/Breath (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** From H7307, this is a central and profoundly polysemous term, meaning "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)." The deliberate repetition of _ruach_ in this verse (prophesy to the "wind," "four winds," "O breath") masterfully plays on its multiple meanings, signifying both the physical force of wind and, preeminently, the divine, life-giving Spirit of God. It is the very essence of life and vitality that is commanded to enter the slain.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, this primitive root means "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." This word encapsulates the ultimate purpose and miraculous outcome of God's command: to bring full, vibrant, and sustained life to what was utterly dead. It signifies not just mere existence, but a state of being quickened, restored, made whole, and experiencing true vitality, reflecting God's ultimate desire for His people to flourish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause reiterates God's direct and authoritative command to Ezekiel, underscoring the divine origin and absolute authority behind the subsequent action. The striking repetition of "prophesy unto the wind" emphasizes the unusual and specific nature of this command, directing Ezekiel's prophetic utterance not to the reassembled bones themselves, but to the unseen, life-giving force. The address "son of man" serves as a humble reminder of Ezekiel's human limitations and mortality, starkly contrasting with the omnipotence and sovereign authority of "the Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH), who is about to perform an extraordinary miracle of resurrection.
* **"Come from the four winds, O breath,":** This is the precise substance of Ezekiel's prophecy, the divine command he is to utter. The imperative for the "breath" (_ruach_) to "come from the four winds" signifies that this life-giving force is not localized or limited but universal, emanating from every direction (north, south, east, west), symbolizing its divine origin, boundless power, and comprehensive reach. The "four winds" evoke the four corners of the earth, suggesting a complete, overwhelming, and irresistible influx of divine life that will permeate the entire valley of the slain.
* **"and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.":** This final phrase states the direct action to be performed and its intended miraculous outcome. The "breath" (the divine _ruach_) is commanded to "breathe upon these slain," referring to the countless bodies that have reassembled and been covered with flesh and skin but still lack any sign of life. The purpose clause, "that they may live," reveals God's ultimate and glorious intention: not merely reanimation or a semblance of life, but true, sustained, and vibrant life, transforming the inert forms into fully living, breathing, and standing beings, echoing the initial act of creation where God breathed life into Adam.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:9 is exceptionally rich in literary devices that amplify its theological impact and underscore the miraculous nature of God's work. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "wind" or "breath" (_ruach_) serving as a powerful and central symbol for the Spirit of God, the divine life-giver. Its inherent polysemy (wind, breath, spirit) allows for a profound and deliberate connection between physical animation and spiritual vitality. The phrase "four winds" employs **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts (or in this case, four cardinal directions) represent a comprehensive whole, signifying the universal and all-encompassing reach of God's Spirit from every direction. The **Repetition** of "prophesy" and "wind" (or "breath") within the verse emphasizes both the crucial importance of Ezekiel's prophetic command and the identity of the unseen, yet powerful, life-giving agent. The entire vision, including this pivotal verse, functions as an **Extended Metaphor** or **Allegory** for Israel's spiritual and national death in exile and their subsequent miraculous resurrection and restoration. Finally, the command to "breathe upon these slain" also contains an element of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (breathing) to the divine breath, further emphasizing its personal, intimate, and life-giving quality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:9 stands as a profound testament to God's unparalleled power to create, sustain, and restore life, both physical and spiritual. It directly connects to the foundational biblical theme of creation, powerfully recalling how God breathed the breath of life into Adam, transforming dust into a living being and establishing the pattern of divine animation ([Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathed the Breath of Life")). This verse prefigures the New Testament understanding of spiritual regeneration, where the Holy Spirit is the indispensable agent of new life, quickening those who are spiritually dead and bringing them into a living relationship with God. It underscores the profound truth that true life, whether for an individual or a nation, originates solely from God's sovereign will and the active, indwelling work of His Spirit. The passage also highlights the extraordinary efficacy of God's spoken word, demonstrating with dramatic clarity that when God commands, even the most impossible and desolate situations are transformed by His power.

* [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathed the Breath of Life into Adam")
* [John 3:8](/john/3-8 "John 3:8 - The Wind and the Spirit in Regeneration")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Gives Life to Mortal Bodies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:9 offers a profoundly powerful message of hope and divine capability for believers today. In moments of personal despair, spiritual dryness, or when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges and "dead" situations, this verse serves as a potent reminder that no circumstance is too lifeless or hopeless for God's transformative intervention. Just as the dry bones in the valley were utterly devoid of life, yet God's Spirit brought them to full vitality and purpose, so too can God revive dormant faith, heal deep brokenness, and bring profound renewal to individuals, families, and communities. It calls us to trust implicitly in God's sovereign ability to resurrect dead dreams, restore lost hope, and breathe new life into areas of our lives that appear beyond repair or human capacity. Furthermore, this passage profoundly emphasizes our absolute reliance on the Holy Spirit for spiritual vitality, empowerment, and the very essence of our Christian walk. We are called, like Ezekiel, to "prophesy"—to speak God's truth, promises, and the gospel—even into seemingly barren or resistant situations, trusting that His Spirit will accomplish His life-giving will through our faithful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dry bones" currently exist in your personal life, your family, your church, or the broader world around you that seem beyond hope of revival?**
* **How does this verse encourage and empower you to pray for spiritual awakening and fresh life in your own heart, your community, or for those who are spiritually dead?**
* **In what practical ways can you, like Ezekiel, be a faithful channel for God's life-giving word and the empowering presence of His Spirit in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does understanding the Hebrew word _ruach_ as encompassing both wind and Spirit deepen your appreciation for the multifaceted work and mysterious presence of the Holy Spirit in your life and in the world?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary significance of the "wind" or "breath" in Ezekiel 37:9?**

Answer: The "wind" or "breath" in Ezekiel 37:9 is the Hebrew word _ruach_ (רוּחַ), which is highly significant because it is a polysemous term meaning wind, breath, or spirit. In this context, it primarily signifies the divine, life-giving Spirit of God. Its command to come "from the four winds" emphasizes its universal, comprehensive, and irresistible power, indicating that life, both physical and spiritual, originates solely from God's Spirit. This divine breath is what transforms the reanimated but lifeless bodies into fully living beings, symbolizing God's absolute power to bring spiritual and national revival out of utter desolation.

**Does the vision of the dry bones, particularly Ezekiel 37:9, have individual application or is it solely about Israel's national restoration?**

Answer: While the primary and immediate application of the vision, as explicitly stated by God in [Ezekiel 37:11-14](/ezekiel/37-11-14 "Ezekiel 37:11-14 - Interpretation of the Vision"), is indeed the national restoration of Israel from their state of spiritual and physical death in exile, its theological principles have profound and timeless individual application. The profound despair of the exiles ("Our bones are dry, our hope is lost; we are completely cut off!") resonates deeply with individual experiences of spiritual deadness, hopelessness, or feeling "cut off" from God and His purposes. Therefore, Ezekiel 37:9 powerfully illustrates God's ability to bring spiritual life and renewal to any individual who is spiritually "dead" or despairing, through the life-giving, regenerating power of His Holy Spirit. It serves as a universal message of God's sovereign power over death and His boundless capacity for spiritual regeneration and transformation in the lives of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 37:9 finds its ultimate and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who is the very source and embodiment of new life, and in the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Just as the _ruach_ was commanded to breathe life into the slain bodies in the valley, so Christ, through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, decisively conquered spiritual death and became the "life-giving Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam, a Life-Giving Spirit")). His miraculous resurrection from the dead is the ultimate historical demonstration of God's power to bring life out of utter desolation, perfectly fulfilling the prophetic imagery of the dry bones. Furthermore, the promise of the Spirit in Ezekiel 37:9 is fully and dramatically realized at the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit, the very breath of God, descended upon the disciples, empowering them with new life and enabling the birth of the Church ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost and the Spirit's Outpouring")). Through faith in Christ, believers receive this same life-giving Spirit, who indwells them, quickens their mortal bodies, and transforms them from spiritual death to vibrant, eternal spiritual life ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Gives Life to Mortal Bodies")). Thus, Ezekiel 37:9 powerfully points forward to the new creation inaugurated by Christ, where all who believe are made alive and given new purpose by the sovereign and transforming power of God's Spirit.

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 3:8

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Song Of Solomon 4:16

Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, [that] the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

Ezekiel 37:5

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

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 104:30

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