Ezekiel 37:2
Ezekiel 37:2 in Multiple Translations
He led me all around among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, and indeed, they were very dry.
And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
And he caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
And he made me go past them round about: and I saw that there was a very great number of them on the face of the wide valley, and they were very dry.
He led me around them, and in all directions I saw many, many bones on the valley floor. They were really dry.
And he led me round about by them, and beholde, they were very many in the open fielde, and lo, they were very drie.
and He causeth me to pass over by them, all round about, and lo, very many [are] on the face of the valley, and lo, very dry.
He caused me to pass by them all around; and behold, there were very many in the open valley, and behold, they were very dry.
And caused me to pass by them around: and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and lo, they were very dry.
And he led me about through them on every side: now they were very many upon the face of the plain, and they were exceeding dry.
He led me to walk back and forth among those bones. I saw that there were very many bones there, bones that were very dry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 37:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 37:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֶעֱבִירַ֥/נִי
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
סָבִ֣יב
סָבִ֑יב
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
רַבּ֤וֹת
מְאֹד֙
עַל
פְּנֵ֣י
הַ/בִּקְעָ֔ה
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
יְבֵשׁ֥וֹת
מְאֹֽד
וְ/הֶעֱבִירַ֥/נִי
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
סָבִ֣יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
סָבִ֑יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
רַבּ֤וֹת
rab
H7227
many
Adj
מְאֹד֙
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הַ/בִּקְעָ֔ה
biqʻâh
H1237
valley
Art | N-fs
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
יְבֵשׁ֥וֹת
yâbêsh
H3002
dry
Adj
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 37:2
וְ/הֶעֱבִירַ֥/נִי
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
סָבִ֣יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
סָבִ֑יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
רַבּ֤וֹת
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מְאֹד֙
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/בִּקְעָ֔ה
biqʻâh
H1237
"valley"
Art | N-fs
A valley is a low area of land between hills or mountains, and in the Bible, it can also mean a plain or level area, as seen in Ezekiel 3:22-23.
Definition: 1) valley 2) plain, level valley Aramaic equivalent: biq.a (בִּקְעָא "plain" H1236)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: plain, valley. See also: Genesis 11:2; Isaiah 40:4; Psalms 104:8.
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
יְבֵשׁ֥וֹת
yâbêsh
H3002
"dry"
Adj
Means dry, describing something that is no longer wet or moist, like dry ground. It is used in the Bible to describe a place or thing that is free from water. This word appears in various books, including Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) dry 2) dried
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: dried (away), dry. See also: Numbers 6:3; Ezekiel 17:24; Isaiah 56:3.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 37:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 37:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:2
- Sermons on Ezekiel 37:2
Context — The Valley of Dry Bones
1The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones.
2He led me all around among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, and indeed, they were very dry.
3Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.” 4And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 141:7 | As when one plows and breaks up the soil, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 37:11 | Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look, they are saying, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’ |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 11:30 | Are not these mountains across the Jordan, west of the road toward the sunset, in the land of the Canaanites who live in the Arabah opposite Gilgal near the Oak of Moreh? |
Ezekiel 37:2 Summary
[This verse, Ezekiel 37:2, shows us a picture of what happens when people are disconnected from God - they become like dry, lifeless bones. But God wants to bring life and restoration, as He promises in Ezekiel 37:5-6 and in Jeremiah 29:11, where He says He has plans to prosper us, not to harm us. By looking at the dry bones, Ezekiel is reminded of the need for God's intervention, just like the psalmist in Psalm 51:10-12, who asks God to create a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within him. This is a powerful reminder that, no matter how dry or lifeless we may feel, God can bring new life and vitality.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37:2?
The valley of dry bones represents a state of spiritual death and hopelessness, as seen in Ezekiel 37:2, but God can bring life and restoration, as promised in Ezekiel 37:5-6 and supported by Isaiah 40:31.
Why did God lead Ezekiel to the valley of dry bones?
God led Ezekiel to the valley to show him the extent of Israel's spiritual condition and to commission him to prophesy and bring hope, as seen in Ezekiel 37:4 and similar to Jeremiah 1:7-10 where God commissions Jeremiah to speak to the nations.
What does it mean for the bones to be 'very dry'?
The dryness of the bones signifies the complete lack of spiritual life and vitality, emphasizing the need for God's intervention and restoration, as seen in Ezekiel 37:2 and echoed in Psalm 119:25 where the psalmist asks God to revive him according to His word.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Ezekiel 37?
Ezekiel 37:2 sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes God's plan to restore and revive His people, Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 37:21-28 and connected to the larger theme of God's covenant with His people in Exodus 19:5-6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life feel like a valley of dry bones, and how can I trust God to bring restoration?
- How can I, like Ezekiel, be a messenger of hope to those around me who may be experiencing spiritual dryness?
- What does it mean for me to 'prophesy' to my own dry bones, and how can I apply the truth of God's Word to my life?
- In what ways can I cooperate with God's plan to bring revival and restoration to my community and the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:2
And caused me to pass by them round about,.... Round, round (s); several times round, that he might take exact notice of them, of their number, situation, and condition: and, behold, there were very
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:2
And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. Lo, they were very dry - bleached by long exposure to the atmosphere.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:2
Caused me; I was made to go round about them, in the same manner in which I was carried to see them. Round about; round, round, perhaps twice or oftener, to view them well. Behold: he reports what he observed remarkable. Very many; first for number, they were not only many, but very many, as , they made an exceeding great army. In the open valley; next the place, the face or surface of the plain, exposed to wind, weather, and to violence. Very dry; the quality of them, dry, very dry, in which could be nothing that might promise life.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:2
Ezekiel 37:2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, [there were] very many in the open valley; and, lo, [they were] very dry.Ver. 2. And, lo, they were very dry.] Ex vetustare et carie. This added to the miracle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:2
(2) Very dry—as showing that it was a long time since life had left them, and that the possibility of their living again was far removed.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:2
2. the often valley] lit. on the face of the valley. The bones were strewed over the valley in vast numbers, and they appeared bleached and dry. Their great number no doubt was suggested by the actual fact that vast multitudes of the people had been slain with the sword or had otherwise perished; and their “dryness” expresses at least the utter deadness of the nation and the apparent hopelessness of its revival, if not that it had been long dead (Ezekiel 37:11).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:2
1-14. This is one of the most marvelous visions of the Old Testament. The companions of Ezekiel were in hopeless despair.
Sermons on Ezekiel 37:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ezekiel 37 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching as the noblest art granted to humanity. He refers to a passage from the book of Ezekiel where God shows the prop |
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Raising the Dead by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving one's heart to Jesus and seeking forgiveness for sins. He shares a story about a man from Nigeria who, after hearin |
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Born of Water and the Spirit 02 John 3: by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker uses a story about a sailing ship heading towards the Niagara Falls to illustrate the concept of being born again and understanding the kingdom of God. |
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The This of Rev. by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prayer and the need for believers to have honest dealings with God. He emphasizes that while we may appreciate and respect o |
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Summary of Israel's Present Plight and Her Future Glory by Art Katz | Art Katz discusses Israel's current struggles and the prophetic understanding of her future glory, emphasizing that the nation must undergo redemptive suffering before achieving la |
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Looking at God by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of 'lofty things' as described in the Bible, referring to proud obstacles or arrogant thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of G |