Ezekiel 47 3

Ezekiel 47:3 kjv

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 ankles.

Ezekiel 47:3 nkjv

And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles.

Ezekiel 47:3 niv

As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep.

Ezekiel 47:3 esv

Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep.

Ezekiel 47:3 nlt

Measuring as he went, he took me along the stream for 1,750 feet and then led me across. The water was up to my ankles.

Ezekiel 47 verses

Ezekiel 47 3 meaning

Ezekiel 47:3 describes the initial phase of a profound prophetic vision, where a divine guide leads the prophet through a growing stream of water emanating from the temple. At this first measurement of a thousand cubits (approximately 1,500 feet or 450 meters), the water reaches ankle-deep. This symbolizes the accessible, yet foundational and introductory stage of God's spiritual blessings, presence, and life-giving influence, marking the beginning of an increasing spiritual immersion and revelation.

Ezekiel 47 3 Context

Ezekiel 47:3 is part of Ezekiel's lengthy and intricate vision of a new temple and restored land, primarily found in chapters 40-48, given to him while in Babylonian exile. This specific verse appears in a visionary sequence (Ezekiel 47:1-12) where an angelic guide shows Ezekiel a remarkable river flowing from the eastern gate of the new temple. The vision starts with a small trickle and progressively depicts the water's depth increasing after successive measurements of one thousand cubits. Historically, this vision provided hope and reassurance to the exiled Israelites that God's presence would return to a purified temple and bring renewal, life, and abundance to their desolate land. Spiritually, it foreshadows the outpourings of the Holy Spirit, the life-giving nature of the Gospel, and the ever-increasing revelation of God's presence, culminating in the New Testament reality of Christ and the Church.

Ezekiel 47 3 Word analysis

• When the man went out to the east:
  • man (ʾîsh - אִישׁ): This refers to the same angelic or divine guide who has been accompanying Ezekiel throughout the temple vision (e.g., Eze 40:3). He functions as a divine messenger and instructor, interpreting God's plans.
  • went out (yāṣā - יָצָא): Signifies deliberate movement and divine agency initiating the measurement.
  • to the east (qāḏîm - קָדִים): The direction from which God's glory previously departed (Eze 10:19, 11:23) and would return (Eze 43:2-4). It also points to the main temple entrance. This signifies a directional flow, specifically towards the Dead Sea, which will be transformed (Eze 47:8).
• with a line in his hand:
  • line (ḥevel - חֶבֶל): A measuring cord or rope, common tool for surveyors. Symbolizes precise divine action, ordered progression, and accurate assessment. It highlights the structured, deliberate nature of God's work.
  • in his hand (bᵉyāḏô - בְּיָדוֹ): Indicates the guide's direct, purposeful, and authoritative involvement in the measurement.
• he measured a thousand cubits:
  • measured (māḏaḏ - מָדַד): Emphasizes deliberate action and precise quantification, underscoring that the increase is not random but divinely ordered and progressive.
  • a thousand cubits (ʾeleph ʾammāh - אֶלֶף אַמָּה): A significant distance, approximately 1,500 feet or 450 meters. This recurring unit marks distinct stages in the spiritual journey or outpouring, demonstrating a methodical and controlled expansion of God's work.
• and he led me through the water:
  • led me through (ʿiśśerānî - העִשִּׁרַנִּי, Hiphil stem of ʿāśar, "to pass over" or "to make to pass through"): The guide actively facilitated Ezekiel's experience, requiring his participation in the unfolding vision. This signifies the need for engagement with God's blessings and truth.
  • the water (hāmāyim - הַמַּיִם): Refers to the burgeoning river of life, whose source is the temple. This is pure, life-giving water, a divine blessing.
• water that was to the ankles:
  • water that was to (mayim ʾel - מַיִם אֶל): Indicates the depth or level of the water reached.
  • the ankles (qaṙsōlîm - קַרְסוֹלָֽיִם): A shallow depth, allowing easy passage. Symbolizes an initial, accessible, and manageable experience of God's presence, revelation, or spiritual gifts. It's enough to immerse one's feet but not yet all-encompassing, suggesting early stages of faith or understanding.

Ezekiel 47 3 Bonus section

The progressive deepening of the water in this vision (ankles, knees, loins, an uncrossable river) has been widely interpreted as an allegory for the increasing depth and power of God's Spirit, presence, or the gospel message throughout history. The initial ankle-deep stage in verse 3 signifies a beginning that is gentle, manageable, and requires conscious effort to wade into. It also can be seen as representing the Old Covenant experience where access to God was more restricted, or a foretaste before the full outpouring. The transformation of the barren landscape (v. 8-12) emphasizes that this water isn't just for personal refreshment but for wider, radical healing and fruitfulness, even where life seemed impossible. This challenges the notion that spiritual experiences are static, suggesting a dynamic and ever-increasing encounter with the divine.

Ezekiel 47 3 Commentary

Ezekiel 47:3 inaugurates the description of a profound river originating from God's dwelling, a symbolic wellspring of life and spiritual vitality. The verse marks the first of several measurements, establishing a theme of structured progression and increasing immersion. At this initial thousand-cubit mark, the water's depth reaches the ankles, signifying the nascent, yet discernable, manifestation of divine influence. This "ankle-deep" experience is a foundational taste of God's blessings, whether it represents the early stages of faith, an initial anointing of the Holy Spirit, or the commencement of a revival. It is accessible and inviting, providing spiritual refreshment without overwhelming. The systematic measurement by the divine guide emphasizes God's deliberate, ordered, and progressive unfolding of His plan and the expanding reach of His life-giving Spirit from a central, sacred source, promising growth from the merely sufficient to the gloriously overwhelming. This also signifies that the Holy Spirit's work is not chaotic but a purposeful, increasing movement.

• Example 1 (Individual): A new believer, after their conversion, starts to understand foundational Bible truths. This initial understanding is "ankle-deep" water, easy to navigate yet providing real spiritual sustenance.
• Example 2 (Community): A church begins a new outreach initiative, seeing a modest but real spiritual awakening and fresh commitment from a few members. This is the first ripple of the "ankle-deep" flow.