Ezekiel 47 8

Ezekiel 47:8 kjv

Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

Ezekiel 47:8 nkjv

Then he said to me: "This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed.

Ezekiel 47:8 niv

He said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh.

Ezekiel 47:8 esv

And he said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh.

Ezekiel 47:8 nlt

Then he said to me, "This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure.

Ezekiel 47 verses

Ezekiel 47 8 Meaning

The waters originating from beneath the threshold of the temple, flowing eastward, possess life-giving and healing properties. Where these waters flow, everything thrives and flourishes. The waters going toward the desert and the sea (the Dead Sea) will heal its waters, making them fresh. This signifies spiritual renewal and abundance that emanates from God's presence, extending even to barren and corrupted places.

Ezekiel 47 8 Context

Ezekiel's prophecy in chapter 47 describes a vision of a restored temple and its accompanying blessings. This vision is given during the Babylonian exile, offering hope and a picture of future redemption. The chapter details a new temple structure and, significantly, a miraculous river flowing from it. This river’s source and life-giving power are central to the vision of Jerusalem's and Israel's future restoration. The specific verse describes the destination and transformative effect of this water on the Salt Sea (Dead Sea), a body of water known for its salinity and barrenness.

Ezekiel 47 8 Word Analysis

• וְהָיָה (v'hayah): "And it shall be." Connects this prophecy to the preceding verses and introduces a future state or consequence.
• הַמַּיִם (hammayim): "the waters." Refers to the life-giving waters seen flowing from the sanctuary.
• הַיּוֹצְאִים (hayotzi'im): "that go forth." Emphasizes the continuous flow and outward movement of these waters.
• מִתַּחַת (mittachat): "from beneath" or "from under." Locates the origin of the waters specifically under the threshold of the temple, highlighting a sacred, divine source.
• מִקֶּדֶם (miqqedem): "from the east" or "from the front." Specifies the direction of origin relative to the sanctuary itself.
• מִכֶּתֶף (mikketef): "from the shoulder." In context, this refers to the south side of the temple complex, near its foundation or side.
• הַדֶּבֶר (haddeber): "the right side" or "the south side." Specifies the direction of origin of the waters in relation to the building's orientation.
• יּוֹצְאִים (yotzi'im): "going forth." Reinforces the outflow of the waters.
• מִתַּחַת (mittachat): "from beneath." Again points to the concealed, foundational source.
• לְקַדְשׁ הַגֶּבֶר (leqadesh haggever): "to the south of the altar." This phrase more precisely locates the source of the waters, near the sacrificial altar in the inner court, underscoring the connection to atonement and divine worship.
• יּוֹרְדִים (yordim): "going down" or "descending." Describes the waters flowing from a higher elevation within the temple precinct downwards.
• לַמִּדְבָּר (lammidbar): "to the desert" or "to the Arabah." This indicates the water's destination towards the dry, arid region.
• וְעַל־(v'al): "and towards" or "and unto." Indicates the waters' progression and reach.
• הָעֲרָבָה (ha'aravah): "the Arabah," a reference to the Jordan Valley, leading to the Salt Sea.
• יָבֹאוּ (yavo'u): "they shall enter" or "they shall come." Signifies their arrival and mingling with the Dead Sea.
• יְרֻפָּא (yeruppa'): "shall be healed." The crucial descriptor of the waters' effect – transformation and restoration.
• הַיָּם (hayyam): "the sea," specifically the Salt Sea, known for its lifelessness.
• מֵי־הַמֶּלַח (mey-hammelach): "the waters of the salt" or "the salt waters," a direct reference to the Dead Sea's character.

Ezekiel 47 8 Bonus Section

The vision presented here is often interpreted by Christian theologians as a prefigurement of the spiritual blessings and eternal life provided through Jesus Christ. The temple is seen as representing Christ's body, and the life-giving waters flowing from it symbolize the Holy Spirit and the redemption offered through His sacrifice. The transformation of the Salt Sea into a place teeming with life parallels the impact of the Gospel on individuals and communities, bringing spiritual vitality where there was once barrenness and death. The eastward flow can also be seen to represent the outward spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem throughout the world. This imagery resonates with Jesus' own words about living water flowing from those who believe in Him.

Ezekiel 47 8 Commentary

This verse details the profound restorative power flowing from God's presence, symbolized by the waters from the sanctuary. The water’s journey from the inner sanctum, moving eastward, signifies a spiritual blessing that transcends the physical confines of the temple. Its impact on the Dead Sea, turning its putrid, salty waters fresh, illustrates a complete overcoming of death and corruption. This is a powerful image of redemption reaching the most desolate and corrupted places. It speaks to the all-encompassing nature of God’s salvation, capable of transforming lifelessness into abundant life, reflecting a future spiritual renewal that is both universal and complete. The cleansing of the Salt Sea symbolizes the ultimate purification and revitalization that will come with the Messianic age.