Ezekiel 47:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 47:2 mean?

Ezekiel 47:2 describes how Ezekiel is led by his guide out from the north gate of the temple area, around to the outer gate facing east, where he sees water flowing out on the right side. This verse sets the scene for Ezekiel witnessing a stream of water emerging from the temple, which becomes significant in the vision that follows.

In this vision, Ezekiel is being shown around the new temple by a guide (often understood to be an angel). The guide takes Ezekiel from the north gate, around the outside, to the outer gate that faces east. There, Ezekiel notices water coming out from the right side of the gate—this detail introduces the miraculous river that will be described in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 47:2

• "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word appears several times and means "road" or "path." Its repetition highlights the specific route Ezekiel is taken, emphasizing the deliberate movement and direction in the vision.
• "utter" (חִיצוֹן, chitson): This means "outer" or "outside." It clarifies that Ezekiel is being led to the outermost gate, not just any gate, which matters because the water's source is meant to be clearly seen as coming from outside the temple area.
• "waters" (מַיִם, mayim): The word for "waters" here is plural, which can suggest abundance. The flowing water is not just a trickle but the beginning of something significant.
• "right" (יָמִין, yamin): This means "right side." Noticing the water is on the right side of the gate gives a specific detail that roots the vision in a concrete place, which will matter as the river grows in the following verses.

Why Ezekiel 47:2 matters

• Ezekiel 47:2 is the first time Ezekiel sees the water coming from the temple, which becomes a powerful symbol of life and blessing in the rest of the chapter.
• The verse emphasizes the careful, guided movement of Ezekiel, showing that what he is about to see is intentional and important, not accidental.
• Understanding the exact location and direction (from the east-facing outer gate, on the right side) helps readers follow the flow of the vision and see how the river's origin is tied to the temple itself.