Ezekiel 47:5
Ezekiel 47:5 in Multiple Translations
Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming—a river that could not be crossed on foot.
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through; for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed through.
Again, after his measuring a thousand, it became a river which it was not possible to go through: for the waters had become deep enough for swimming, a river it was not possible to go through.
He measured another thousand cubits, but this was a river I couldn't cross. The water had risen so high you could swim in it. It was a river that couldn't be crossed on foot.
Afterward he measured a thousand, and it was a riuer, that I could not passe ouer: for the waters were risen, and the waters did flowe, as a riuer that could not be passed ouer.
And he measureth a thousand — a stream that I am not able to pass over; for risen have the waters — waters to swim in — a stream that is not passed over.
Afterward he measured one thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the waters had risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be walked through.
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters had risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
And he measured a thousand. and he brought me through the water up to the loins. And he measured a thousand, and it was a torrent, which I could not pass over: for the waters were risen so as to make a deep torrent, which could not be passed over.
Then he measured off another ◄1,750 feet/530 meters► and led me through water that had become a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen very high, with the result that it would be necessary to swim across it. It was a river that no one could cross by walking across it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 47:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 47:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֣מָד
אֶ֔לֶף
נַ֕חַל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹֽא
אוּכַ֖ל
לַ/עֲבֹ֑ר
כִּֽי
גָא֤וּ
הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙
מֵ֣י
שָׂ֔חוּ
נַ֖חַל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹֽא
יֵעָבֵֽר
וַ/יָּ֣מָד
mâdad
H4058
to measure
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
נַ֕חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לַ/עֲבֹ֑ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גָא֤וּ
gâʼâh
H1342
to rise up
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
שָׂ֔חוּ
sâchûw
H7813
swimming
N-ms
נַ֖חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵעָבֵֽר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 47:5
וַ/יָּ֣מָד
mâdad
H4058
"to measure"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.
Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
נַ֕חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לַ/עֲבֹ֑ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גָא֤וּ
gâʼâh
H1342
"to rise up"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To rise up or grow, used to describe something or someone becoming majestic or triumphant, like a plant growing upwards towards the sun. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Isaiah. It means to be lifted up or exalted.
Definition: 1) to rise up, grow up, be exalted in triumph 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rise up 1a2) to grow up 1a3) to be lifted up, be raised up, be exalted
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: gloriously, grow up, increase, be risen, triumph. See also: Exodus 15:1; Job 8:11; Ezekiel 47:5.
הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
שָׂ֔חוּ
sâchûw
H7813
"swimming"
N-ms
A place for swimming is what this Hebrew word describes, like a pond or pool. It is not used often in the Bible, but it refers to a body of water where people can swim.
Definition: swimming
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: to swim in. See also: Ezekiel 47:5.
נַ֖חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵעָבֵֽר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 47:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 47:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 47:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 47:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 47:5
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 47:5
- Sermons on Ezekiel 47:5
Context — Waters from under the Temple
3As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water.
4Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water.
5Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming—a river that could not be crossed on foot.
6“Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7When I arrived, I saw a great number of trees along both banks of the river.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 11:9 | They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 2:14 | For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. |
| 3 | Matthew 13:31–32 | He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” |
| 4 | Revelation 20:2–4 | He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time. Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. |
| 5 | Revelation 11:15 | Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” |
| 6 | Revelation 7:9 | After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. |
| 7 | Daniel 2:34–35 | As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them. Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. |
Ezekiel 47:5 Summary
Ezekiel 47:5 describes a river that gets deeper and wider as it flows, symbolizing the abundant life and blessings that come from God. As we draw closer to God, His presence and blessings in our lives can become overwhelming, requiring us to trust and surrender to Him, just like the river that couldn't be crossed on foot. This reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's power and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and surrendering to His will, as expressed in Romans 12:1-2. By trusting and surrendering to God, we can experience the fullness of His presence and blessings in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the river in Ezekiel 47:5 symbolize?
The river in Ezekiel 47:5 symbolizes the abundant life and blessings that come from God, as seen in other scriptures such as Psalm 36:8, which describes the river of God's delights, and Revelation 22:1-2, which describes the river of life flowing from the throne of God.
Why did the water level rise as the man measured it?
The rising water level in Ezekiel 47:5 represents the increasing presence and power of God's Spirit, as seen in the progression from ankle-deep to waist-deep to swimming-deep water, illustrating the depth and richness of God's blessings and presence in our lives, similar to the progression of the Holy Spirit's work in Acts 2:2-4.
What does it mean that the river could not be crossed on foot?
The fact that the river could not be crossed on foot in Ezekiel 47:5 signifies that the depth and power of God's presence and blessings are beyond human control or understanding, requiring us to trust and rely on Him, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
How does this verse relate to our personal walk with God?
Ezekiel 47:5 reminds us that as we draw closer to God, His presence and blessings in our lives can become overwhelming and require us to trust and surrender to Him, similar to the experience of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where he learned to boast in his weaknesses and rely on God's power and grace.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm wading in ankle-deep water, and how can I invite God to deepen His presence and work in those areas?
- How have I experienced the rising tide of God's blessings and presence in my life, and what are some ways I can cooperate with and respond to His work?
- What are some things that I'm trying to control or understand on my own, and how can I learn to trust and rely on God's power and wisdom instead, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper trust and surrender to God, even when His ways and workings seem mysterious or overwhelming, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 47:5
Afterward he measured a thousand,.... A fourth time a thousand cubits.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 47:5
And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ancles.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:5
This was all done in vision, and these waters thus increased were visional waters; there was no such natural course of waters in the place, nor is it imaginable, that in three miles or thereabouts, which was the most of the current, the waters should so rise; but it is emblematical, and hath a deep mysterious meaning, and includes spiritual things, and their wonderful growth from small beginnings, and these from the temple also. But I refer this still to private meditations.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:5
Ezekiel 47:5 Afterward he measured a thousand; [and it was] a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.Ver. 5. A river that could not be passed over.] Representing, as the fathomless depth of the Scriptures - which is such as that we may well do by it as the Romans did by a lake, the depth whereof they could not sound, they dedicated it to Victory - so the abundance of spiritual graces in the Church, the love of Christ which passeth all knowledge, the over abounding goodness of God, the super pleonasm of it, as the apostle hath it there. Oh, saith Chrysostom, speaking of this subject, I am like a man digging in a deep spring: I stand here, and the water riseth upon me; and I stand there, and still the water riseth upon me. It is indeed a sea that hath neither bank nor bottom.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:5
(5) A river that could not be passed over.—The whole distance measured Isaiah 4,000 cubits, or less than a mile and a half, during which the waters, without external addition, have swollen from a mere streamlet to an impassable river, in direct opposition to the ordinary fact in nature. A large part (1,500 cubits, or half of 3,000 cubits) of this distance must have been within the precincts described in Ezekiel 42:16-20, but the prophet takes no notice of this, as the whole is ideal, and the precincts were to set forth one truth, the river another. The point thus far brought out is plainly the increase of the kingdom of God—the same truth illustrated by our Lord in the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32), and often declared by the prophets (see Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14; Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:27; &c.). All history, since the Christian era, has been occupied with the fulfilment of the prophecy.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:5
Verse 5. See Clarke on Ezekiel 47:3.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 47:5
1–12. The river issuing from the temple. The prophet saw a stream issuing from beneath the threshold of the house, which pursued its way eastward, passing the altar on the south side and emerging into the open on the right hand of the outer east gate. A thousand cubits from the gate the waters were ankle deep, but speedily they became a river so deep that it could be crossed only by swimming (Ezekiel 47:3-5). A luxuriant nature attended the course of the stream; trees grew on every side, ever green and with unfailing fruit, the leaves of which possessed a healing virtue (Ezekiel 47:7; Ezekiel 47:12). The desert place to the east became transformed, and the bitter waters of the Dead Sea into which the river flowed were made sweet, and swarmed with life like the great sea on the west. Fishermen peopled the shores from En-gedi to En-eglaim; only the marshes by the seaside remained salt (Ezekiel 47:6-12).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 47:5
The rivers in Palestine were for the most part mere watercourses, dry in summer, in winter carrying the water along the wadys to the sea. The river of the vision is to have a continuous flow.
Sermons on Ezekiel 47:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How to Forgive by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the pastor encourages the audience to find joy and strength in the knowledge that Jesus will come again and make everything new. He emphasizes that despite the diff |
|
(1 Peter - Part 6): rejoice...though now...ye Are in Heaviness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the four aspects of life that will be transformed when the earth is filled with the knowledge of the Lord. These aspects include the physical |
|
|
Youth for Christ Ladies by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker describes a situation where 700 prisoners were in great danger and facing punishment due to their fighting. Amidst this chaos, there was a weak and star |
|
|
Youth for Christ Rally by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not waiting until the last week of one's life to surrender to God. He encourages the audience to surrender their lives to |
|
(February 1987) 02 - Who Is Going to Control by Ray Lowe | In this sermon, the preacher describes encountering a man on Skid Road who was homeless and suffering from exposure to the elements. The preacher reaches out to help the man, who i |
|
God Confirming His Word by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our sinful nature and the need for Jesus Christ as our Savior. He highlights that God requires of us what we c |
|
|
Interviewen (Dutch) by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about the love and support he received from his father, which helped him endure a difficult time in prison. He emphasizes that e |