Old Testament
Ezekiel 37:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God speaks to Ezekiel, revealing a powerful message about the people of Israel.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Then he told me, 'Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, and we are cut off for our parts.'
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks to Ezekiel, revealing a powerful message about the people of Israel. The bones symbolize the Israelites who feel hopeless and abandoned. They express their despair, saying their lives are empty and they have lost all hope. This reflects a deep sense of disconnection and loss, as they believe they are cut off from their identity and purpose. God uses this imagery to show that even in their darkest moments, there is potential for renewal and restoration. The bones represent not just physical death but also spiritual desolation. God is about to demonstrate His power to bring life back to what seems lifeless. This message is a reminder that no situation is beyond hope, and transformation is possible, even when we feel completely lost. It encourages us to recognize that God can breathe new life into our circumstances, no matter how dire they may seem. The story invites us to trust in the possibility of revival and restoration in our own lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 37:11 to your life
When you feel hopeless or disconnected, remember that change is possible. Just as God promised to restore Israel, He can bring new life to your situation. Embrace the idea that even in your darkest moments, hope can emerge. Seek support and believe in the possibility of transformation in your life and relationships. Trust that you are not alone in your struggles and that renewal is always within reach.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 37:11 mean?
Ezekiel 37:11 conveys God's message to Ezekiel about the hopelessness of the Israelites, represented by dry bones. The bones symbolize the people feeling abandoned and disconnected from their identity and purpose, expressing despair over their situation.
What is the significance of the bones in Ezekiel 37:11?
The bones in Ezekiel 37:11 symbolize the whole house of Israel, representing their spiritual desolation and loss of hope. This imagery highlights their feelings of being cut off and emphasizes the need for renewal and restoration.
How does Ezekiel 37:11 relate to hope and restoration?
Ezekiel 37:11 illustrates the deep despair of the Israelites but also foreshadows God's power to restore them. It serves as a reminder that no matter how hopeless a situation seems, transformation and renewal are possible through faith.
What does 'cut off for our parts' mean in Ezekiel 37:11?
The phrase 'cut off for our parts' in Ezekiel 37:11 reflects the Israelites' feeling of being separated from their identity and purpose. It signifies their belief that they have lost their connection to God and their community.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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