Ezekiel 47:7 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 47:7 mean?

Ezekiel 47:7 describes the prophet Ezekiel returning to the bank of a river in his vision and noticing that there are many trees growing on both sides of the river. This detail highlights the abundance and life that the river brings to its surroundings.

In this vision, Ezekiel is being shown a river flowing from the temple, and as he follows it, he sees its effects on the land. The presence of many trees on both sides of the river emphasizes the fertility and renewal that the water provides, setting the stage for the life-giving theme that continues in the rest of the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 47:7

• "bank" (שָׂפָה, saphah): This word often refers to a lip or edge, and here it means the edge or bank of the river. It draws attention to the boundary where the water meets the land, the place where new growth appears.
• "river" (נָחַל, nachal): This term can mean a stream, wadi, or river, often one that is seasonal or flows with force. In Ezekiel’s vision, it represents a powerful, life-bringing stream, not just a small creek.
• "very" (מְאֹד, me'od) and "many" (רַב, rav): These words together stress the great number and abundance of the trees, highlighting that this is not just a few scattered plants but a scene of overflowing life.
• "trees" (עֵץ, etz): The word is a general term for trees, indicating all sorts of growth, not just one kind, which hints at a rich and varied environment.

Why Ezekiel 47:7 matters

• Ezekiel 47:7 helps the reader see that the river in Ezekiel’s vision is not just water, but a source of transformation and new life for the land.
• The detail about "very many trees" on both sides of the river sets up the following verses, where the river’s healing and nourishing power is explained more fully.
• By noticing the abundance on both banks, the verse underscores the completeness and reach of the blessing described in Ezekiel’s vision, showing that the renewal is not limited or one-sided.