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What does the Bible say about bones?

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The Bible speaks of bones both as part of bodily life and as a vivid image of inward strength, suffering, healing, and God’s power to restore. Proverbs links a joyful, trusting spirit with health to the bones, while envy, fear, and unrepented sin bring inward decay (Proverbs 17:22; 14:30; 3:7-8). David prays that God would make him hear joy again so that even his broken bones might rejoice, showing the deep renewal granted through forgiveness (Psalms 51:8). Ezekiel 37:1-5 climaxes in God giving life to dry bones, declaring His sovereign ability to revive His spiritually helpless people. God’s Word also penetrates to the deepest parts of our being, exposing and renewing the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 17:22

    A cheerful heart makes good medicine, But a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

  • Ezekiel 37:1-5

    [1] The hand of Yahweh was on me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of Yahweh, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. [2] He caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, behold, they were very dry. [3] He said to me, Son of man, can these bones live? I answered, Lord Yahweh, you know. [4] Again he said to me, Prophesy over these bones, and tell them, you dry bones, hear the word of Yahweh. [5] Thus says the Lord Yahweh to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.

  • Proverbs 15:30

    The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.

  • Proverbs 3:7-8

    [7] Don't be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil. [8] It will be health to your body, And nourishment to your bones.

  • Psalms 51:8

    Let me hear joy and gladness, That the bones which you have broken may rejoice.

  • Proverbs 14:30

    The life of the body is a heart at peace, But envy rots the bones.

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

  • Proverbs 16:24

    Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

  • Proverbs 3:8

    It will be health to your body, And nourishment to your bones.

  • Job 40:18

    His bones are like tubes of brass. His limbs are like bars of iron.

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