Ezekiel 47:6
Ezekiel 47:6 in Multiple Translations
“Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river.
¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.
And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the bank of the river.
And he said to me, Son of man, have you seen this? Then he took me to the river's edge.
“Son of man, have you observed all this?” he asked. Then he took me back to the riverbank.
And he said vnto me, Sonne of man, hast thou seene this? Then he brought me, and caused me to returne to the brinke of the riuer.
And he saith unto me, 'Hast thou seen, son of man?' and he leadeth me, and bringeth me back unto the edge of the stream.
He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me and caused me to return to the bank of the river.
And he said to me, Son of man, hast thou seen this ? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.
And he said to me: Surely thou hast seen, O son of man. And he brought me out, and he caused me to turn to the bank of the torrent.
Then he said to me, “You human, think carefully about what you have seen.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 47:6
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 47:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
אֵלַ֖/י
הֲ/רָאִ֣יתָ
בֶן
אָדָ֑ם
וַ/יּוֹלִכֵ֥/נִי
וַ/יְשִׁבֵ֖/נִי
שְׂפַ֥ת
הַ/נָּֽחַל
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הֲ/רָאִ֣יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בֶן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
וַ/יּוֹלִכֵ֥/נִי
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יְשִׁבֵ֖/נִי
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
שְׂפַ֥ת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fs
הַ/נָּֽחַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 47:6
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֲ/רָאִ֣יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
וַ/יּוֹלִכֵ֥/נִי
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וַ/יְשִׁבֵ֖/נִי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
שְׂפַ֥ת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fs
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
הַ/נָּֽחַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
Art | 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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 47:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 47:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 47:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 47:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:6
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 47:6
- Sermons on Ezekiel 47:6
Context — Waters from under the Temple
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. 8And he said to me, “This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Dead Sea, the water there becomes fresh.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 44:5 | The LORD said to me: “Son of man, pay attention; look carefully with your eyes and listen closely with your ears to everything I tell you concerning all the statutes and laws of the house of the LORD. Take careful note of the entrance to the temple, along with all the exits of the sanctuary. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 40:4 | “Son of man,” he said to me, “look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Report to the house of Israel everything you see.” |
| 3 | Zechariah 4:2 | “What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 8:6 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what they are doing—the great abominations that the house of Israel is committing—to drive Me far from My sanctuary? Yet you will see even greater abominations.” |
| 5 | Ezekiel 8:17 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see this? Is it not enough for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they are practicing here, that they must also fill the land with violence and continually provoke Me to anger? Look, they are even putting the branch to their nose! |
| 6 | Jeremiah 1:11–13 | And the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” “I see a branch of an almond tree,” I replied. “You have observed correctly,” said the LORD, “for I am watching over My word to accomplish it.” Again the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “What do you see?” “I see a boiling pot,” I replied, “and it is tilting toward us from the north.” |
| 7 | Zechariah 5:2 | “What do you see?” asked the angel. “I see a flying scroll,” I replied, “twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide. ” |
| 8 | Matthew 13:51 | Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered. |
Ezekiel 47:6 Summary
In Ezekiel 47:6, the angel asks Ezekiel to observe the river and its life-giving power, symbolizing God's presence and nourishment in our lives, much like the river in Revelation 22:1-2. This verse reminds us to pay attention to God's guidance and vision, just as Ezekiel did. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves where we need to see God's power at work in our lives, and how we can trust Him to lead us through life's challenges, just as He led the Israelites through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). By doing so, we can experience the abundance and flourishing that comes from being in God's presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the river in Ezekiel 47:6?
The river in Ezekiel 47:6 represents the life-giving presence of God, as seen in other scriptures like Revelation 22:1-2, where a river flows from the throne of God, symbolizing eternal life and nourishment.
Why does the angel ask Ezekiel if he sees this?
The angel's question to Ezekiel, 'Son of man, do you see this?' is an invitation for Ezekiel to pay attention and understand the vision, much like Jesus' words to the disciples in Matthew 13:51, where He asks if they have understood His teachings.
What is the purpose of Ezekiel being led back to the bank of the river?
Ezekiel is led back to the bank of the river so he can observe and take note of the trees and the river's impact, similar to how God led the Israelites through the wilderness to teach them and prepare them for their future, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-3.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Ezekiel 47?
This verse serves as a transition point in the vision, as Ezekiel is about to see the abundance of trees and life along the river, which is a picture of the restoration and flourishing of God's people, as described in Ezekiel 47:7-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'rivers' in my life where I need to see God's presence and power at work?
- How can I, like Ezekiel, be attentive to God's guidance and vision for my life?
- What are the 'trees' along the riverbanks of my life that are bearing fruit and nourished by God's presence?
- In what ways can I trust God to lead me through the 'deep waters' of life, just as He led Ezekiel through the river?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 47:6
And he said unto me, son of man, hast thou seen this? c]. That is, the man that measured the waters said to the prophet, hast thou carefully observed all this from whence the waters flowed?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 47:6
And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:6
He said, i.e. the man with measuring line in hand. Seen this; observed and considered this; hast thou well seen this? Caused me to return: it is not said whether he was gone from the bank, though it be said he returned to the brink, or perhaps it is, he caused me to return along by the brink of the river.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:6
Ezekiel 47:6 And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen [this]? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.Ver. 6. Son of man, hast thou seen this?] And art thou soundly sensible thereof? It is very fit thou shouldst, that God may have the glory of his great goodness and power in propagating the gospel, and bringing forward the work of his grace in the hearts of his people, maugre the malice of earth and of hell. The Reformation wrought in Germany, from how small beginnings grew it! The establishing of that among us, how imperfect soever, to be done by so weak and simple means, yea, by casual and cross means, against the force of so potent and political an adversary, this is to be looked upon as a just miracle. To the brink of the river.] Where my work was to stand and cry, Oh the depth! Oh how great things hath God prepared for those that fear him! Oh the joy, the joy! Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:6
(6) To return to the brink.—The angel, having called the prophet’s attention to this marvellous increase, now causes him to return along the bank to observe other things. The word brink in this verse and bank in the next are the same in the original. The prophet does not return to the brink, for he had not left it, but is told to pass along it.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 47:6
6. to the brink] Perhaps: along the brink. River is brook or wady as Ezekiel 47:5.
Sermons on Ezekiel 47:6
| Sermon | Description | |
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Power for Ministry Pt 2 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a spirit-filled life and the evidence that should be present in the life of a person filled with the spirit of God. |
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Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor begins by urging the congregation to confess their personal needs and hunger for God. He emphasizes the importance of being in God's will and warns again |
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Two Ministries Two Priesthoods by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses four stages of the preaching of the word of God. The first stage involves God breaking the strength of the preacher and his family, resulting |
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The Kingdom of God Within Us by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ, who is depicted as majestic and awe-inspiring. The preacher shares a personal experience of being dee |
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Ministry to the Lord (Kwasizabantu) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between what is holy and what is profane. He criticizes churches that use movies, which he considers to be |
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The Melchizedek Priesthood (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being willing to be cruel in order to be kind when it comes to preaching the word of God. He argues that sometimes being h |
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A Priesthood Made Ready for the Future by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the future role of the priesthood as outlined in Ezekiel, discussing the significance of a restored temple and sacrificial system that serves as a memorial to C |