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 47:3KJV
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Ezekiel 47:3 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 47:3 mean?

Ezekiel 47:3 describes a man with a measuring line leading Ezekiel eastward from the temple, measuring a distance of a thousand cubits, and bringing Ezekiel through water that reaches up to his ankles. This scene shows the beginning of a vision where water flows from the temple and gradually gets deeper.

In this vision, Ezekiel is being guided by a figure (often understood as an angelic messenger) who measures out a specific distance—about 1,500 feet—east from the temple. The water starts shallow, only ankle-deep, hinting that something small is beginning but will increase as the vision continues. This is part of a larger vision about restoration and life flowing from God’s presence.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 47:3

  • "man" (אִישׁ, ish): This word refers to the figure guiding Ezekiel, often understood as a messenger or angel in prophetic visions, showing that Ezekiel is not acting on his own.
  • "line" (קָנֶה, qaneh): This is a measuring reed or rod, a tool used for precise measurement, emphasizing the intentional and orderly nature of what is happening.
  • "ankles" (עַד-הַבַּרְכָּיִם, ad-ha’barkayim): The word for "ankles" marks the water as shallow at this stage, highlighting that the flow starts small before it grows deeper in the following verses.

Why Ezekiel 47:3 matters

  • Ezekiel 47:3 sets up the gradual increase of the water’s depth, which is key to understanding the vision’s message about growth and abundance.
  • The careful measurement and the presence of a guide show that what happens is not random but part of a deliberate plan.
  • This verse is the starting point for a famous prophetic picture of life and healing flowing from God’s temple, which becomes clearer as the chapter continues.

Where else these words appear

“line” Hebrew H6957 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:23 And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
  • Psalms 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
  • Isaiah 34:17 And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.

“ankles” Hebrew H657 · used in 43 verses

  • Numbers 13:28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
  • Psalms 59:13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.
  • Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

“measured” Hebrew H4058 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
  • Ezekiel 40:11 And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.
  • Ezekiel 41:5 After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.

“eastward” Hebrew H6921 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 41:6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
  • Ezekiel 40:32 And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.
  • Ezekiel 48:3 And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali.