Ezekiel 47:5 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 47:5 mean?

Ezekiel 47:5 describes a vision where the prophet Ezekiel sees a river that has become so deep he cannot cross it, with water high enough to swim in. This shows a dramatic increase in the river’s depth, marking it as a powerful and overwhelming flow that cannot be passed over on foot.

In this vision, Ezekiel is being led by a heavenly guide who measures out distances along a river flowing from the temple. With each measurement, the water gets deeper. By the time a fourth measurement is taken, the river has grown from a trickle to a deep, impassable stream. This moment highlights the abundance and unstoppable nature of the water coming from the temple, which is a key part of Ezekiel’s vision about restoration and life.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 47:5

• "river" (נָחַל, naḥal): This word often means a stream or wadi, but here it refers to a significant, flowing river. The use of נָחַל (naḥal) emphasizes the transformation from a small flow to a mighty, life-giving river.
• "waters" (מַיִם, mayim): Repeated in the verse, this word stresses the abundance and depth of the water. The repetition draws attention to how the water has grown beyond what can be crossed.
• "risen" (גָּבַר, gavar): This word means to rise or become strong. Its use here underlines the idea that the water has not just increased in depth, but has become powerful and overwhelming.

Why Ezekiel 47:5 matters

• Ezekiel 47:5 clears up that the river in the vision is not just a small stream but becomes a vast, uncrossable river, highlighting the extraordinary nature of what Ezekiel is witnessing.
• This verse emphasizes the theme of abundance and transformation in Ezekiel’s vision, showing how what starts small can become overwhelmingly great.
• Understanding the depth and power of the river helps connect this verse to the larger message in Ezekiel 47, where the river brings life and healing wherever it flows, symbolizing restoration and hope.