Ezekiel 47:4
Ezekiel 47:4 in Multiple Translations
Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water.
Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.
Again he measured a thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the loins.
And again, measuring a thousand cubits, he made me go through the waters which came up to my knees. Again, measuring a thousand, he made me go through the waters up to the middle of my body.
He measured another thousand cubits and led me through water which came up to my knees. He measured another thousand cubits and led me through water that came up to my waist.
Againe he measured a thousande, and brought me through the waters: the waters were to the knees: againe he measured a thousand, and brought me through: ye waters were to ye loynes.
And he measureth a thousand, and causeth me to pass over into water — water to the knees. And he measureth a thousand, and causeth me to pass over — water to the loins.
Again he measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the knees. Again he measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through waters that were to the waist.
Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.
And again he measured a thousand, and he brought me through the water up to the knees.
Then he measured off another ◄1,750 feet/530 meters► and led me through water that was up to my knees. Then he measured off another ◄1,750 feet/530 meters► and led me through water that was up to my waist.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 47:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 47:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֣מָד
אֶ֔לֶף
וַ/יַּעֲבִרֵ֥/נִי
בַ/מַּ֖יִם
מַ֣יִם
בִּרְכָּ֑יִם
וַ/יָּ֣מָד
אֶ֔לֶף
וַ/יַּעֲבִרֵ֖/נִי
מֵ֥י
מָתְנָֽיִם
וַ/יָּ֣מָד
mâdad
H4058
to measure
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וַ/יַּעֲבִרֵ֥/נִי
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בַ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
מַ֣יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
בִּרְכָּ֑יִם
berek
H1290
knee
N-fd
וַ/יָּ֣מָד
mâdad
H4058
to measure
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וַ/יַּעֲבִרֵ֖/נִי
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
מֵ֥י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
מָתְנָֽיִם
môthen
H4975
loin
N-md
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 47:4
וַ/יָּ֣מָד
mâdad
H4058
"to measure"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.
Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וַ/יַּעֲבִרֵ֥/נִי
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בַ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מַ֣יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
בִּרְכָּ֑יִם
berek
H1290
"knee"
N-fd
The knee represents a part of the body used for movement and flexibility. In the Bible, kneeling is often a sign of respect, fear, or weakness. The word for knee is also related to feelings of fear or trembling.
Definition: 1) knee 2) weak from fear (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: be.rekh (בְּרַךְ "knee" H1291)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: knee. See also: Genesis 30:3; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 109:24.
וַ/יָּ֣מָד
mâdad
H4058
"to measure"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.
Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וַ/יַּעֲבִרֵ֖/נִי
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
מֵ֥י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מָתְנָֽיִם
môthen
H4975
"loin"
N-md
Refers to the waist or small of the back, often translated as loins or hips, as seen in Proverbs 30:31. It can also describe the sides of an animal. The word is only used in plural form.
Definition: 1) loins, hips 1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 20:2; Psalms 66:11.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 47:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 47:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 47:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 47:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 47:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 47:4
- Sermons on Ezekiel 47:4
Context — Waters from under the Temple
2Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side.
3As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water.
4Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water.
5Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming—a river that could not be crossed on foot. 6“Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 1:6 | that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God. |
| 2 | Romans 15:19 | by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. |
| 3 | Acts 19:10–20 | This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them. Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I bind you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. Eventually, one of the evil spirits answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. The attack was so violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded. This became known to all the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, and fear came over all of them. So the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many who had believed now came forward, confessing and disclosing their deeds. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail. |
Ezekiel 47:4 Summary
In Ezekiel 47:4, the water represents the presence and blessings of God, and the increasing water levels signify a deeper experience of Him. As we step into the 'waters' of God's presence, we can trust that He will guide and transform us, just as He did with Ezekiel. This verse invites us to surrender to the deeper currents of God's Spirit, allowing Him to renew and transform us, as seen in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. By trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, we can experience the abundance of His presence and blessings in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the water in Ezekiel 47:4 represent?
The water in Ezekiel 47:4 is often seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and the abundance of God's presence and blessings, as referenced in other scriptures like John 7:38 and Revelation 22:1-2.
Why did the man measure off a thousand cubits before leading Ezekiel through the water?
The act of measuring off a thousand cubits may signify a deliberate and purposeful progression into the deeper things of God, much like the progression from milk to solid food mentioned in Hebrews 5:12-14.
What is the significance of the water levels in this verse?
The increasing water levels, from knee-deep to waist-deep, may represent the progression from a casual acquaintance with God to a deeper, more immersive experience of His presence, as seen in the progression from salvation to sanctification in Romans 8:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 7:1.
How does this verse relate to my personal walk with God?
This verse can be seen as an invitation to step into the deeper waters of God's presence and blessings, just as Ezekiel was led by the man, and to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, as expressed in Psalm 23:1-4 and Lamentations 3:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'waters' in my life that I need to wade into, trusting in God's presence and guidance?
- How can I surrender to the deeper currents of God's Spirit, allowing Him to transform and renew me?
- What are the 'measuring lines' in my life that mark my progression into the deeper things of God?
- How can I cooperate with the Holy Spirit to experience the abundance of God's presence and blessings in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 47:4
And again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees,.... The man with his line measured another thousand cubits straight on from the first; and then bid
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 47:4
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 ancles.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:4
Ezekiel 47:4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters [were] to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters [were] to the loins.Ver. 4. Again he measured a thousand.] This is a number of perfection. The gospel is a perfect doctrine, and is "able to make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished (or perfected) unto all good works." The waters were to the knees.] Grace grows by degrees; and the Scriptures have their shallows wherein the lamb may wade, like as they have their profundities wherein the elephant himself may swim. Augustine condemned the Holy Scriptures at first, as neither eloquent nor deep enough for the elevation of his wit. But afterwards, when he was both a better and a wiser man, he saw his own shallowness, and admired the never enough adored depth of God’ s holy oracles. Confess., lib. v. cap. 13. lbid., lib. vii. cap. 21.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:4
Verse 4. See Clarke on Ezekiel 47:3.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 47:4
1–12. The river issuing from the temple. The prophet saw a stream issuing from beneath the threshold of the house, which pursued its way eastward, passing the altar on the south side and emerging into the open on the right hand of the outer east gate. A thousand cubits from the gate the waters were ankle deep, but speedily they became a river so deep that it could be crossed only by swimming (Ezekiel 47:3-5). A luxuriant nature attended the course of the stream; trees grew on every side, ever green and with unfailing fruit, the leaves of which possessed a healing virtue (Ezekiel 47:7; Ezekiel 47:12). The desert place to the east became transformed, and the bitter waters of the Dead Sea into which the river flowed were made sweet, and swarmed with life like the great sea on the west. Fishermen peopled the shores from En-gedi to En-eglaim; only the marshes by the seaside remained salt (Ezekiel 47:6-12).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 47:4
The knees - The mission of Paul and Barnabas Acts 13:1-4 is another marked epoch in the Church’s history; and the time of Paul’s martyrdom denotes an increase in the Gentile Church, which corresponds
Sermons on Ezekiel 47:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Understanding Spiritual Growth by Charles Leiter | This sermon delves into the concept of growth in the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the partnership between human responsibility and God's supernatural work within believers. It explo |
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The Making of the Master's Men by Victor Maxwell | Victor Maxwell preaches on 'Men the Master Made', focusing on the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and their transformation from common, imperfect men to chosen, changed men who bec |
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1 Corinthians 14:34 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom addresses the issue of women speaking in churches, emphasizing the need for silence and subjection based on the law. He highlights the vulnerability of women to idl |
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Homily 30 on Romans by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of ministering to the saints, highlighting the duty of believers to support and care for one another, both spiritually and materially. He |
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Hope for Zion by Iain Murray | The preacher delves into the concept of bearing fruit, emphasizing that believers are called to bring forth good works as evidence of their faith. Using various Bible verses, the s |
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(The Ministry of the Spirit) in the New Covenant by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the promise of the Holy Spirit is for everyone, including those in Bangalore and beyond. He highlights the example of Peter being fille |
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It Brings Power by Aaron Hills | Aaron Hills preaches about the desire for power that many individuals have, seeking honor, prominence, and gain through ambition and dominance. However, Jesus promised power to His |