Allusions to Ezekiel and Bodily Resurrection in Hebrews

Abstract:Hebrews 13:20 contains one of the few clear references to Jesus's resurrection in the Epistle to the Hebrews. The reference is often viewed as indeterminate with respect to Jesus's postmortem ontological state, or even as referring to a nonphysical, spiritual resurrection, particularly in view of the author's curious use of the verb ἀνάγω. In this study, I challenge this widespread reading by exploring allusions to Greek Ezekiel in Hebrews. In Greek Ezekiel 37, the key verb ἀνάγω appears several times in the context of God's radical, physical reconstitution of human bodies, the establishment of an "eternal covenant," and the installation of a Davidic "shepherd" over Israel. Greek Ezekiel 37 appears to form one of the primary scriptural backgrounds of 13:20 and suggests that physical resurrection is the intended referent in the author's benediction.