And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.

EZEKIEL 43:3KJV
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Ezekiel 43:3 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 43:3 mean?

Ezekiel 43:3 describes Ezekiel seeing a vision that looked just like the earlier visions he had seen—especially the one when he was sent to announce judgment on Jerusalem. Overwhelmed by the vision’s glory and power, Ezekiel fell face down in awe.

In this verse, Ezekiel is recalling a powerful moment when God’s presence appeared to him in a vision, similar to earlier experiences by the river Chebar. Ezekiel is the speaker, describing his own reaction as he witnesses God’s glory returning to the temple after the destruction of Jerusalem. The verse connects this new vision to his earlier prophetic experiences, showing continuity in his calling and God’s message.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 43:3

  • "appearance" (מַרְאֶה, mar’eh): This word means a visible form or sight, often used for supernatural visions. Ezekiel uses it to stress that what he saw was not ordinary, but a striking, divine display.
  • "vision" (מַרְאֶה, mar’eh and מַרְאוֹת, mar’ot): Both the singular and plural forms appear here, highlighting that Ezekiel’s experiences were not isolated; he had several encounters with God’s glory that looked alike.
  • "destroy" (שָׁחַת, shachath): This verb means to ruin or lay waste. Ezekiel refers to the time when he was sent to announce the city’s destruction, tying this vision to a moment of judgment in his prophetic career.
  • "fell" (נָפַל, naphal) and "face" (פָּנִים, panim): Ezekiel’s reaction of falling on his face is a sign of deep reverence and fear in the presence of God, a common response in the Hebrew Bible when someone encounters the divine.

Why Ezekiel 43:3 matters

  • Ezekiel 43:3 shows that Ezekiel’s visions are consistent and trustworthy, linking this new vision to his earlier, well-known experiences by the river Chebar.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of God’s presence and glory, which causes Ezekiel to fall on his face in awe, highlighting the overwhelming nature of encountering God.
  • By recalling the vision connected to the destruction of Jerusalem, Ezekiel 43:3 sets the stage for hope and restoration, as God’s glory is now returning to the temple after a period of judgment.

Where else these words appear

“Chebar” Hebrew H3529 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezekiel 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
  • Ezekiel 3:15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.
  • Ezekiel 10:15 And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.

“visions” Hebrew H4759 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 46:2 And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
  • 1 Samuel 3:15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
  • Ezekiel 40:2 In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.

“appearance” Hebrew H4758 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Deuteronomy 28:34 So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
  • Ezekiel 1:27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.

“river” Hebrew H5104 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Ezra 8:31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
  • Isaiah 42:15 I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.