וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלַ֔י הִנָּבֵ֖א אֶל־הָר֑וּחַ הִנָּבֵ֣א בֶן־֠אָדָם וְאָמַרְתָּ֨ אֶל־הָר֜וּחַ כֹּֽה־אָמַ֣ר אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֗ה מֵאַרְבַּ֤ע רוּחֹות֙ בֹּ֣אִי הָר֔וּחַ וּפְחִ֛י בַּהֲרוּגִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה וְיִֽחְיֽוּ׃ (Ezekiel 37:9)
Layered Commands and Prophetic Dialogue
Ezekiel 37:9 is a masterclass in syntactic layering—commands within commands, speech within speech. It showcases the dynamic interaction between divine voice, prophetic agency, and the personified “spirit” or “breath” (רוּחַ). The syntax reflects both divine initiative and human participation, emphasizing prophetic obedience and the movement of life-giving breath.
Verbal Sequence and Imperative Chains
This verse opens with a chain of imperatives directed at Ezekiel:
– הִנָּבֵ֖א אֶל־הָר֑וּחַ — “Prophesy to the breath”
– הִנָּבֵ֣א בֶן־אָדָם — “Prophesy, son of man”
– וְאָמַרְתָּ֨ אֶל־הָרוּחַ — “And say to the breath…”
Each clause issues a distinct command, forming a cascade of instructions that build rhetorical weight and urgency. This syntactic parallelism—particularly the repetition of הִנָּבֵא—creates momentum.
Clause Coordination and Embedded Speech
– The phrase כֹּה־אָמַר אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה introduces a quotative clause, embedding direct speech.
– What follows is a divine imperative embedded within the prophet’s speech:
– מֵאַרְבַּע רוּחֹות בֹּאִי הָרוּחַ — “From the four winds, come, O breath”
– וּפְחִי בַּהֲרוּגִים — “And breathe into these slain”
– וְיִחְיוּ — “So that they may live”
This intricate layering of voices reflects Hebrew’s recursive embedding, where divine and prophetic speech coexist.
Nominal Phrases and Spatial Syntax
– מֵאַרְבַּע רוּחֹות is a spatial phrase indicating source: “from the four winds.” Its syntax evokes global range—north, south, east, and west—underscoring the universal reach of divine breath.
– בַּהֲרוּגִים הָאֵלֶּה is a determined noun phrase—“into these slain”—which restricts the object of divine action.
Word Order and Emphasis
– The call בֹּאִי הָרוּחַ places the imperative verb first, then the subject, giving the clause dramatic urgency.
– The subsequent imperative וּפְחִי is equally forceful and precedes its prepositional object, heightening action before specification.
– The final verb וְיִחְיוּ (wayyiqtol/jussive) represents the desired result rather than another imperative—its placement finalizes the logical flow.
Aspect and Mood: Imperative and Jussive
– הִנָּבֵא is a nifal imperative, with a passive-reflexive force—“be commanded to speak.”
– בֹּאִי and פְּחִי are feminine singular imperatives addressing רוּחַ, grammatically feminine.
– וְיִחְיוּ is a jussive form (3mp), expressing volition or desired consequence, not direct command.
Discourse Flow: From Heaven to Corpses
The verse flows from divine direction to prophetic obedience, and from spiritual breath to corporeal revival. Syntactically, it mimics this descent:
– God commands → Prophet speaks → Spirit acts → Slain live.
Each clause moves the action downward and inward, culminating in resurrection.
When Syntax Breathes Life
The beauty of Ezekiel 37:9 lies not just in its imagery, but in its grammar. Through imperative force, embedded clauses, and careful word order, the syntax becomes a vessel of divine animation. Language itself is the conduit of life—just as the prophet speaks, the breath comes, and the slain rise.
