Ezekiel 37:3

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֹמַ֕ר
And I answered
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בֶּן
unto me Son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
אָדָ֕ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
הֲתִחְיֶ֖ינָה
live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#6
הָעֲצָמ֣וֹת
can these bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#7
הָאֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#8
וָאֹמַ֕ר
And I answered
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
אֲדֹנָ֥י
O Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#10
יְהוִ֖ה
GOD
god
#11
אַתָּ֥ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
יָדָֽעְתָּ׃
thou knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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