Ezekiel 47:11 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 47:11 mean?

Ezekiel 47:11 says that some swampy and marshy areas near the river in Ezekiel’s vision will not be made fresh but will remain salty. These places are set apart and will not share in the healing and life that the river brings to the rest of the land.

The prophet Ezekiel is describing a vision where water flows from the temple and brings life wherever it goes. In this verse, God tells Ezekiel that not every area will be renewed—some spots, specifically the muddy and marshy places, will be left salty. This detail shows that even in a scene of great restoration, some areas remain unchanged, serving a different purpose.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 47:11

• places (בִּצָּה, bitsah): This word refers to muddy or swampy ground. It highlights that these are not just dry or barren spots, but wet, unproductive areas.
• marishes (גֵּבֵא, geva'): This word means marshes or pools. It adds to the picture of land that is waterlogged but not life-giving.
• healed (רָפָא, rapha'): This word means to be healed or made fresh. Its use here makes clear that these areas are intentionally excluded from the renewal happening elsewhere.
• given (נָתַן, natan): This word means to be given or appointed. It shows that the salty condition of these places is not accidental but part of the plan.
• salt (מֶלַח, melach): This word simply means salt. In the ancient world, salty land was useless for farming, so this emphasizes the ongoing barrenness of these spots.

Why Ezekiel 47:11 matters

• Ezekiel 47:11 clarifies that even in a vision of widespread healing and restoration, some areas are deliberately left unchanged, showing that not all will benefit in the same way.
• The verse helps explain the physical and symbolic landscape of Ezekiel’s vision, where the river brings life but also leaves certain boundaries or exceptions.
• Understanding this verse helps readers see the careful detail in Ezekiel’s vision and the idea that God’s restoration has both generous and selective aspects.