Ezekiel 37:8
Ezekiel 37:8 in Multiple Translations
As I looked on, tendons appeared on them, flesh grew, and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them.
And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
And I beheld, and, lo, there were sinews upon them, and flesh came up, and skin covered them above; but there was no breath in them.
And looking I saw that there were muscles on them and flesh came up, and they were covered with skin: but there was no breath in them.
As I watched, I saw tendons and flesh grow on them, and skin covered them; but the bodies didn't breathe.
And when I beheld, loe, the sinewes, and the flesh grewe vpon them, and aboue, the skinne couered them, but there was no breath in them.
And I beheld, and lo, on them [are] sinews, and flesh hath come up, and cover them doth skin over above — and spirit there is none in them.
I saw, and, behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh came up, and skin covered them above; but there was no breath in them.
And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
And I saw, and behold the sinews, and the flesh came up upon them: and the skin was stretched out over them, but there was no spirit in them.
While I was looking, I saw tendons fastening to them and flesh covering them, and then skin covered the flesh, but they did not breathe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 37:8
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 37:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָאִ֜יתִי
וְ/הִנֵּֽה
עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם
גִּדִים֙
וּ/בָשָׂ֣ר
עָלָ֔ה
וַ/יִּקְרַ֧ם
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ע֖וֹר
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
וְ/ר֖וּחַ
אֵ֥ין
בָּ/הֶֽם
וְ/רָאִ֜יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/הִנֵּֽה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
גִּדִים֙
gîyd
H1517
sinew
N-mp
וּ/בָשָׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Conj | N-ms
עָלָ֔ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יִּקְרַ֧ם
qâram
H7159
to cover
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
ע֖וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
N-ms
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
וְ/ר֖וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Conj | N-cs
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
בָּ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 37:8
וְ/רָאִ֜יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/הִנֵּֽה
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.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם
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.
גִּדִים֙
gîyd
H1517
"sinew"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means a sinew or tendon, which connects muscles to bones. In the Bible, it is used to describe the physical body, such as in Job 40:17, where it refers to a strong tendon. The word symbolizes strength and connection.
Definition: sinew
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: sinew. See also: Genesis 32:33; Isaiah 48:4; Ezekiel 37:8.
וּ/בָשָׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
עָלָ֔ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
וַ/יִּקְרַ֧ם
qâram
H7159
"to cover"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To cover means to spread or lay something over, as seen in the Bible. This verb is used to describe various actions, such as covering something. It appears in different forms.
Definition: 1) to spread or lay something over, cover, spread over 1a) (Qal) to be spread over
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cover. See also: Ezekiel 37:6; Ezekiel 37:8.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
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.
ע֖וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
"skin"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means skin, like human skin or animal hide, and is used in the Bible to describe leather. It appears in Exodus 25:5 to describe the materials used to build the tabernacle. The word is also used in Genesis 3:21 to describe the clothing God made for Adam and Eve.
Definition: 1) skin, hide 1a) skin (of men) 1b) hide (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: hide, leather, skin. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 13:35; Jeremiah 13:23.
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
וְ/ר֖וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Conj | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
בָּ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ezekiel 37:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Ezekiel 37:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:8
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:8
Context — The Valley of Dry Bones
6I will attach tendons to you and make flesh grow upon you and cover you with skin. I will put breath within you so that you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
7So I prophesied as I had been commanded. And as I prophesied, there was suddenly a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to bone.
8As I looked on, tendons appeared on them, flesh grew, and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them.
9Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!” 10So I prophesied as He had commanded me, and the breath entered them, and they came to life and stood on their feet—a vast army.Ezekiel 37:8 Summary
[Ezekiel 37:8 describes a amazing scene where bones come together and form bodies, but they still lack life. This shows that having a physical body is not enough to be truly alive. As seen in Genesis 2:7, God breathed life into Adam, and in the same way, we need the breath of God to have spiritual life. This verse is a powerful reminder that we need God's Spirit to truly live, as Jesus said in John 6:63, 'The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the tendons, flesh, and skin appearing on the bones in Ezekiel 37:8?
The appearance of tendons, flesh, and skin on the bones represents the restoration of the physical body, but it is not enough for true life, as seen in Ezekiel 37:8, where it is stated that there was no breath in them, highlighting the need for the breath of God, as mentioned in Ezekiel 37:9 and Genesis 2:7.
Why did the bones come together and form bodies, but still lack life?
The bones coming together and forming bodies, but lacking life, illustrates the difference between physical existence and spiritual life, as emphasized in Ezekiel 37:8, where the bodies are formed but have no breath, and as seen in John 6:63, where Jesus says that the words He speaks are spirit and life.
Is this verse related to the resurrection of believers?
While Ezekiel 37:8 is not directly referring to the resurrection of believers, it does contain themes and imagery that are also present in passages like 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, which describe the resurrection of believers, highlighting the idea that God can bring life to what is lifeless, whether it be the nation of Israel or the bodies of believers.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual life?
Ezekiel 37:8 shows that physical restoration is not enough for true life, and that spiritual life requires the breath of God, as seen in Ezekiel 37:9, which is a picture of the spiritual rebirth that occurs when a person puts their faith in God, as described in John 3:3-6 and Titus 3:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am just going through the motions, lacking the breath of God?
- How can I apply the concept of God bringing life to what is lifeless to my own life and circumstances?
- What does this verse teach me about the difference between physical existence and spiritual life?
- In what ways can I surrender to God and allow Him to breathe new life into me, as described in Ezekiel 37:9?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:8
And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them,.... And they began to look like men, in the shape of men, and were a body of them, as the Jews did when gathered together: and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:8
And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:8
The noise he heard would certainly make any one look, and consider what it was. I beheld; looked carefully, and heedfully observed. Came up upon them; came gradually, spreading itself, as what grows wider and longer. Above; uppermost the skin covered them. So here were men in skin, with flesh, sinews, bones; but, like Adam before inspired with the breath of life, the spirit of life was yet wanting.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:8
Ezekiel 37:8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but [there was] no breath in them.Ver. 8. Lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them.] The body is the soul’ s sheath, the soul’ s suit. The upper garment is the skin, the inner the flesh; the inmost of all, bones and sinews.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:8
(8) No breath in them.—The restoration of the dry bones to life is described as taking place in two stages, with evident reference to the record of the creation of man in Genesis 2:7. In the first, they are restored to perfect form, but yet without life; in the second, they receive breath and become “living creatures,” as in Genesis 1:20-21; Genesis 1:24; Genesis 2:7, in all which the same expression is used.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:8
1–14. The vision of Israel’s resurrection from the dead The vision seems suggested by the saying current among the people, “our bones are dried, our hope is lost; we are wholly cut off.” This idea and feeling of the people takes form in the vision which the prophet saw in the valley. The language of the people is figurative: they speak of the nationality, which is no more,—it is dead and its bones scattered and dry. And this idea regarding the nationality, figuratively expressed by the people, is embodied to the prophet in a vision. Hence the passage is not a literal prophecy of the resurrection of individual persons of the nation, dead or slain; it is a prophecy of the resurrection of the nation, whose condition is figuratively expressed by the people when they represent its bones as long scattered and dry. Perfect consistency is not maintained by the prophet: in Ezekiel 37:1-2 the dry bones are represented as lying on the face of the valley, very many and very dry; in Ezekiel 37:12 they are represented as buried and brought up out of their graves. Hosea had already used the figure of resurrection for the resuscitation of the nation (Ezekiel 6:2, Ezekiel 13:4); but, though the language used both here and by Hosea shews familiarity with the idea of the raising again of individuals, this is not what is prophesied. In Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12 the actual resurrection of individual members of Israel is predicted, cf. Job 14:13 seq.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:8
1-14. This is one of the most marvelous visions of the Old Testament. The companions of Ezekiel were in hopeless despair.