BONE, BONES (עֶ֫צֶמ֒, H6795, עֹ֫צֶמ֮, H6798, ὀστεον, bone). Bones constitute the central framework of the body and the significance of most scriptural uses of the word can readily be understood if this is remembered. Thus it was important that the bones of the dead be revered (Exod 13:19; Josh 24:32; 2 Sam 21:12, 14).

In contrast Jeremiah 8:1 shows how the dead may be discredited by exhumation and exposure of the skeleton. Along with flesh, bones were the part of the body referred to in declaring kinship (Gen 2:23; 29:14; Judg 9:2; 2 Sam 19:13).

In several instances the word appears as the figure of speech called the synecdoche in which a part stands for the whole. Job and David describe physical anguish in this way (Job 20:11; 30:17; Ps 6:2; 22:14; 32:3 [KJV]; 38:3). When viewed in this sense the Messianic reference in Psalm 22:14 need not mean that crucifixion led to dislocations.

Ezekiel’s vision (Ezek 37) centers around the valley of dry bones. The bones stand for a lifeless spiritual Israel who came to life only under the influence of God’s Spirit.