Ezekiel 37:9

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֣ר׀
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הִנָּבֵ֣א
he unto me Prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הָר֔וּחַ
O breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#6
הִנָּבֵ֣א
he unto me Prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#7
בֶן
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
#8
אָ֠דָם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#9
אָמַ֣ר׀
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
הָר֔וּחַ
O breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#12
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#13
אָמַ֣ר׀
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#15
יְהוִ֗ה
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
מֵאַרְבַּ֤ע
from the four
four
#17
הָר֔וּחַ
O breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#18
בֹּ֣אִי
Come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#19
הָר֔וּחַ
O breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#20
וּפְחִ֛י
and breathe
to puff, in various applications (literally, to inflate, blow hard, scatter, kindle, expire; figuratively, to disesteem)
#21
בַּהֲרוּגִ֥ים
upon these slain
to smite with deadly intent
#22
הָאֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#23
וְיִֽחְיֽוּ׃
that they may live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

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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