King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 37:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 37:6 in the King James Version says “And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.”

Ezekiel 37:6 · KJV

Context

4

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

5

Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

6

And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

7

So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.

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.

Read Ezekiel 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD." The detailed description of resurrection—sinews, flesh, skin, breath—emphasizes systematic, comprehensive restoration. This isn't partial healing but complete re-creation. The purpose clause "ye shall know that I am the LORD" reveals that resurrection serves to display God's character and power. Salvation's ultimate goal is knowing God, not merely experiencing benefits. The Reformed emphasis on God's glory as creation's chief end appears—we exist to know and glorify Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The stages of resurrection (587 BC) depict progressive restoration: physical regathering (sinews, flesh, skin) followed by spiritual regeneration (breath/spirit). The post-exilic return began this process, but complete fulfillment awaits Christ's return. The purpose—"know that I am the LORD"—appears over 70 times in Ezekiel, emphasizing that all divine action aims at revealing God's character. Salvation isn't primarily about human benefit but God's glory. This theocentric focus corrects anthropocentric theology reducing God to servant of human needs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the detailed resurrection process reveal God's comprehensive restoration plan?
  2. What does "know that I am the LORD" teach about salvation's ultimate purpose?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְנָתַתִּ֥י1 of 17

“And I will lay”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עֲלֵיכֶ֨ם2 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גִּידִ֜ים3 of 17

“sinews”

H1517

a thong (as compressing); by analogy, a tendon

וְֽהַעֲלֵתִ֧י4 of 17

“upon you and will bring up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עֲלֵיכֶ֣ם5 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּשָׂ֗ר6 of 17

“flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְקָרַמְתִּ֤י7 of 17

“upon you and cover”

H7159

to cover

עֲלֵיכֶם֙8 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

ע֔וֹר9 of 17

“you with skin”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

וְנָתַתִּ֥י10 of 17

“And I will lay”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בָכֶ֛ם11 of 17
H0
ר֖וּחַ12 of 17

“breath”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וִחְיִיתֶ֑ם13 of 17

“in you and ye shall live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וִידַעְתֶּ֖ם14 of 17

“and ye shall know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי15 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֥י16 of 17
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃17 of 17

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 37:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 37:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joel 2:27Isaiah 49:23Joel 3:17Ezekiel 37:14Ezekiel 38:23Ezekiel 39:6

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