Ezekiel 37:11
Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
Ezekiel 37:11 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, God speaks to Ezekiel, referring to him as "son of man," a phrase used to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and mortality. God uses a vivid metaphor, comparing the dried bones to the whole house of Israel. The dried bones represent the despair and hopelessness that the people of Israel are feeling at the time. They believe that they are cut off and have lost all hope. This imagery serves as a reflection of the spiritual and emotional state of the Israelites, who are feeling disconnected from God and experiencing a sense of desolation. Through this powerful metaphor, God communicates to Ezekiel the deep anguish and despair of his people, highlighting their need for spiritual restoration and renewal. This verse serves as a call to action for Ezekiel to bring hope and restoration to the people of Israel, reminding them of God's promise of redemption and healing.
Theological Overview
One common theological interpretation of this verse from Ezekiel 37:11 is that it refers to the spiritual condition of the Israelites during their exile. The metaphor of dry bones symbolizes the hopelessness and despair felt by the people of Israel, who believed their nation was lost and cut off from God's favor. The imagery of dried bones also signifies the people's spiritual deadness and the need for revival. The phrase "our hope is lost" highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, even in the darkest of times. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the restoration that can come from repentance and renewal of faith. Additionally, a word study of the phrase "cut off for our parts" can further deepen our understanding of the separation and division experienced by the Israelites due to their sins, emphasizing the need for unity and restoration as a nation.
Ezekiel 37:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off.
World English Bible
Then he said to me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off.
Douay-Rheims
And he said to me: Son of man: All these bones are the house of Israel: they say: Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost, and we are cut off.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then he sayd vnto me, Sonne of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is gone, and we are cleane cut off.