Ezekiel 37:4

Authorized King James Version

Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣
Again he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הִנָּבֵ֖א
unto me Prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
הָעֲצָמוֹת֙
bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#6
הָאֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#7
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣
Again he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
הָעֲצָמוֹת֙
bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#10
הַיְבֵשׁ֔וֹת
unto them O ye dry
dry
#11
שִׁמְע֖וּ
hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#12
דְּבַר
the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#13
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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