Ezekiel 47 2

Ezekiel 47:2 kjv

Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.

Ezekiel 47:2 nkjv

He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side.

Ezekiel 47:2 niv

He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side.

Ezekiel 47:2 esv

Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side.

Ezekiel 47:2 nlt

The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the water flowing out through the south side of the east gateway.

Ezekiel 47 verses

Ezekiel 47 2 meaning

Ezekiel 47:2 describes the specific, guided path the prophet takes through the visionary temple complex to witness the outflowing waters. The angel, his guide, leads Ezekiel from an interior vantage point through a northern route, circling to the outside, reaching the outer gate on the eastern side. It is at this precise location that Ezekiel observes life-giving waters continuously flowing from the south side of this eastward-facing gate, signifying a divine source of renewal and blessing emanating from the temple.

Ezekiel 47 2 Context

Ezekiel 47:2 is part of a grand vision Ezekiel receives in his 25th year of exile, offering immense hope to the Jewish captives in Babylon. This particular chapter details a miraculous river of life flowing from the visionary temple, signifying God's redemptive power and future blessings. Verse 2 describes the precise itinerary given by a divine guide (the angel from Ezek 40:3) who leads Ezekiel to witness this phenomenon. The detailed navigation through the temple complex, from an inner vantage point, northward around the external walls, to the outer eastern gate, establishes the authority and meticulousness of the divine revelation. It sets the scene for the astounding sight of water emanating from God's dwelling, progressively deepening and widening, bringing life and healing wherever it flows, transforming the barren landscape into a lush, fruitful land, and ultimately renewing the dead sea. This verse underscores the specific, divine origin point for this transformative blessing.

Ezekiel 47 2 Word analysis

• And he led me out (וַיּוֹצִאֵנִי, vayyotsi'eni): This word highlights the active, personal, and intentional guidance by the angelic figure who has been Ezekiel's constant guide throughout this extended temple vision. It signifies a divine initiation and a clear path orchestrated by God.
• by the way (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh): "Way" or "path" emphasizes a specific route, not a random wandering, indicating precision and purpose in God's plans.
• of the gate northward (שַׁעַר הַצָּפוֹן, sha'ar hattsafon): Refers to the North Gate of the temple complex. The North in biblical symbolism can sometimes be associated with God's dwelling (Ps 48:2), or challenges/invasions, but here it's simply a designated route for external movement.
• and led me about the way outside (וַיּוֹלִכֵנִי סָבִיב דֶּרֶךְ הַחוּץ, vayyolikheni saviv derekh hachuts): This describes a circuitous route around the exterior of the temple structure. This detail highlights the exhaustive nature of the vision's exploration and the need to observe from every angle, as if an architectural inspection before witnessing the miracle.
• unto the outer gate (הַשַּׁעַר הַחִיצוֹן, hashsha'ar hachitson): Distinguishes it from inner gates. The "outer gate" indicates a boundary and access point to the wider temple precincts or beyond, marking the point where the blessing begins to flow outwards.
• the way that looks eastward (דֶּרֶךְ הַפֹּנֶה קָדִים, derekh happoneh kadim): The East Gate is highly significant in Ezekiel's temple vision. It was through this gate that God's glory departed (Ezek 10:19) and later returned (Ezek 43:1-4), making it a focal point of divine presence and manifestation. This direction often symbolizes new beginnings and the presence of the Lord.
• and behold (וְהִנֵּה, vehinnēh): An exclamation that draws immediate attention, signaling something momentous and surprising is about to be revealed. It prepares the observer for a dramatic disclosure.
• there ran out waters (מַיִם יוֹצְאִים, mayim yots'im): "Waters" (mayim) in Scripture often symbolize life, cleansing, the Spirit, and blessing. The verb "ran out" (yots'im) indicates a continuous, active, and unceasing flow, not a static pool, emphasizing the dynamic and potent nature of this divine provision.
• on the right side (מִימִין, mimmin): In Hebrew, "right" (יָמִין, yamin) can denote strength, authority, and blessing. When facing eastward, "right" refers to the south side. So the water emanates from the southern aspect of the threshold of the outer east gate, a very specific and divinely chosen point.

Ezekiel 47 2 Bonus section

The specific "right side" detail, referring to the south, can hold additional significance. In the distribution of land in ancient Israel, the south was often associated with specific tribal inheritances and boundaries. From the threshold of the outer East Gate, the southward flow could metaphorically suggest a comprehensive blessing reaching the southern territories or aspects of the regenerated land. The exactness of "way of the gate northward" and then "outside unto the outer gate" shows a methodical, almost ceremonial, revelation process designed to allow Ezekiel (and by extension, the exiles) to comprehend every architectural and directional detail before witnessing the spiritual reality. This precision establishes the absolute reality and tangible hope of God's future restoration, directly countering the despair of a people who had seen their temple and city destroyed.

Ezekiel 47 2 Commentary

Ezekiel 47:2 functions as a critical scene-setting verse within a monumental prophetic vision, emphasizing divine order and revelation. The precise, divinely guided circuit from the north side, outside the inner court, to the eastern outer gate underscores the meticulousness of God's plans and the authoritative nature of Ezekiel's instruction. This detailed tour is not incidental but serves to authenticate the source and journey of the waters. The strategic positioning at the outer east gate, a gate heavy with the symbolism of God's glory returning to and departing from His dwelling, highlights that the blessings of the new temple will emanate outwardly from God's presence. The immediate focus is then drawn to the miraculous outflow of waters from this very specific "right side" (south side as one faces east) of the gate, signifying that life, healing, and fruitfulness are divine gifts originating directly from God's holy habitation. This water is no ordinary spring; its rapid egress ("ran out") hints at an immediate, vigorous, and unceasing outpouring of divine grace and life that would transform even the most barren and desolate regions, echoing the Genesis narrative of rivers flowing from Eden, and prefiguring Christ's invitation to drink of living water.