Ezekiel 37:1

Authorized King James Version

The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָיְתָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עָלַי֮

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יַד

H3027

The hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיּוֹצִאֵ֤נִי

H3318

was upon me and carried me out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בְר֙וּחַ֙

H7307

in the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיְנִיחֵ֖נִי

H5117

and set me down

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

בְּת֣וֹךְ

H8432

in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#10

הַבִּקְעָ֑ה

H1237

of the valley

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

#11

וְהִ֖יא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#12

מְלֵאָ֥ה

H4392

which was full

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

#13

עֲצָמֽוֹת׃

H6106

of bones

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Ezekiel.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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