And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.

EZEKIEL 47:9KJV
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Ezekiel 47:9 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 47:9 mean?

Ezekiel 47:9 describes a vision where every living creature that moves will thrive wherever the river flows, and there will be an abundance of fish because the water brings healing and life. The verse shows that wherever this special river reaches, life flourishes and everything is renewed.

In this part of Ezekiel, the prophet is describing a vision given by God about a future temple and a miraculous river flowing from it. Ezekiel is speaking to Israelites in exile, offering hope of restoration. The river in the vision symbolizes a source of life and healing that transforms everything it touches, turning even dead places into places full of life.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 47:9

  • "thing" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): This word often means "soul" or "living being," emphasizing that every creature, not just fish, is included in the promise of life.
  • "rivers" and "river" (נַחַל, nachal): This word can mean a stream or wadi, but here it refers to the special, life-giving river in Ezekiel’s vision, not just any ordinary river.
  • "healed" (רָפָא, rapha): This word means to restore or make healthy, highlighting that the water doesn't just support life but actively fixes what was broken or dead.
  • "fish" (דָּגָה, dagah): The mention of a "very great multitude of fish" points to an overflowing abundance, showing just how complete the transformation is wherever the river flows.

Why Ezekiel 47:9 matters

  • Ezekiel 47:9 clears up that the vision is not just about physical water but about total renewal and restoration, even in places that were once lifeless.
  • The verse connects to the larger vision of the temple and the river, showing that God’s presence brings life and healing far beyond the temple itself.
  • This verse emphasizes the completeness of the transformation—everything the river touches is not only revived but thrives, highlighting the power and generosity of the source.

Where else these words appear

“fish” Hebrew H1710 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
  • Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
  • Ezekiel 29:4 But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales.

“moveth” Hebrew H8317 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 1:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
  • Genesis 9:7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.
  • Leviticus 11:41 And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.

“live” Hebrew H2425 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
  • Leviticus 18:5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.

“healed” Hebrew H7495 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
  • Jeremiah 3:22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.