### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâram**, represented by `{{H7159}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to cover**. It is a highly specific term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the entire Bible. Its use is confined to the dramatic vision of the valley of dry bones.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{H7159}}` are found in Ezekiel's prophecy, where God demonstrates His power to restore life to the house of Israel. First, God declares His intention, "I will ... cover you with skin" [[Ezekiel 37:6]], as a key step in reconstituting the bodies. This promise is then visually fulfilled when Ezekiel observes that "the skin covered them above" [[Ezekiel 37:8]]. In this context, the word signifies the final stage of physical restoration before the impartation of breath, a tangible act of divine re-creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used alongside `{{H7159}}` to construct this powerful image of restoration:
* `{{H1320}}` **bâsâr** (flesh): This word refers to the flesh that God brings up upon the bones, which is then covered by skin ([[Ezekiel 37:6]], [[Ezekiel 37:8]]).
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give): This verb describes God's direct action of "laying" sinews and "putting" breath into the newly formed bodies [[Ezekiel 37:6]].
* `{{H5785}}` **ʻôwr** (skin): This is the material that is used to "cover" the flesh, acting as the outer layer of the restored bodies [[Ezekiel 37:6]].
* `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh** (to ascend): This word is used to describe how the flesh will "bring up" or mount upon the skeletal framework [[Ezekiel 37:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7159}}` is tied directly to its singular context in Ezekiel 37.
* **Divine Power over Creation:** The act of covering the bones with skin is a demonstration of God's sovereignty over life and death. It is a critical part of the process by which the people will "know that I am the LORD" [[Ezekiel 37:6]].
* **Completeness of Restoration:** The covering of skin signifies a complete physical restoration. The narrative makes a clear distinction between the covered, but lifeless, body and the subsequent act of receiving breath, highlighting that true life comes only from God's spirit [[Ezekiel 37:8]].
* **Tangible Promise:** The use of **qâram** illustrates the physical, hands-on nature of God's work. He does not just declare restoration but meticulously builds it, with "covering" being a final, protective step in the physical re-creation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7159}}` is a rare but potent verb meaning **to cover**. Its exclusive use in the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones locks its meaning to the theme of miraculous, divine restoration. It functions as a key descriptive action in one of scripture's most vivid prophecies, illustrating God's power to fully and physically reconstitute that which was dead, making it a powerful term for the completeness of God's restorative work.
TRV