Ezekiel 47:10

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a [place] to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that the fishers {H1728} shall stand {H5975}{H5975} upon it from Engedi {H5872} even unto Eneglaim {H5882}; they shall be a place to spread forth {H4894} nets {H2764}; their fish {H1710} shall be according to their kinds {H4327}, as the fish {H1710} of the great {H1419} sea {H3220}, exceeding {H3966} many {H7227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then fishermen will stand on its shores spreading their nets all the way from 'Ein-Gedi to 'Ein-'Eglayim. There will be as many kinds of fish there as in the Great Sea, [the Mediterranean,] a great variety.

Berean Standard Bible

Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim they will spread their nets to catch fish of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that fishers shall stand by it: from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim shall be a place for the spreading of nets; their fish shall be after their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:10 presents a vivid prophetic image of unprecedented abundance and life flowing from God's future temple. It describes a miraculous transformation of the Dead Sea, a notoriously barren body of water, into a thriving fishery where fishermen will stand from Engedi to Eneglaim, spreading their nets to catch an "exceeding many" variety of fish, comparable to the great sea. This verse encapsulates the divine power to bring forth life and prosperity from desolation, symbolizing a comprehensive spiritual and physical restoration that originates from God's holy presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Ezekiel's grand vision of the restored temple and land, beginning in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"). Chapters [Ezekiel 40-46](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-46 - Detailed Temple Vision") provide meticulous architectural details of the new temple, while [Ezekiel 47](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The Life-Giving River") shifts focus to a miraculous river that flows from its threshold. The river starts as a trickle and progressively deepens, becoming an impassable torrent that brings life wherever it flows. Verses [Ezekiel 47:8-9](/ezekiel/47-8 "Ezekiel 47:8-9 - Healing of the Waters") specifically describe this river flowing into the Salt Sea (the Dead Sea), healing its waters and making them fresh and teeming with life. Verse [Ezekiel 47:10](/ezekiel/47-10 "Ezekiel 47:10 - Abundant Fishing") then provides a concrete illustration of this transformation, depicting widespread fishing activity, emphasizing the sheer quantity and variety of fish. The vision culminates with the land's redistribution and the new name of the city, "The Lord Is There" ([Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Lord Is There")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Dead Sea, known in ancient times as the Salt Sea or Eastern Sea, was (and remains) an extremely saline body of water incapable of sustaining marine life due to its high mineral content. Its barrenness was a stark symbol of desolation and judgment in the ancient Near East. Engedi and Eneglaim were specific geographical locations on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Engedi was known for its springs and limited vegetation, a rare oasis in an otherwise desolate region. Eneglaim is less certainly identified but is believed to be another point on the Dead Sea's western or southwestern shore, likely further south than Engedi. The mention of these specific, real-world locations underscores the tangible and extensive nature of the prophesied transformation. Fishing was a vital economic activity in ancient Israel, particularly in the Sea of Galilee, but utterly impossible in the Dead Sea. Therefore, the vision of abundant fishing there would have been profoundly counter-cultural and miraculous to Ezekiel's audience, symbolizing an overturning of natural limitations by divine power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **Divine Restoration and Renewal**, where God reverses the effects of sin and judgment, bringing life to what was dead and barren. This is powerfully illustrated by the healing of the Dead Sea, which represents the ultimate desolation. Another key theme is **Divine Abundance and Fertility**, expressed through the "exceeding many" fish and the widespread fishing activity, signifying God's capacity to provide immeasurably beyond human expectation. The **Life-Giving Presence of God** is central, as the river originates from the temple, God's dwelling place, emphasizing that all true life and blessing flow directly from His holy presence. Finally, the vision carries strong **Eschatological Hope**, pointing towards a future era of unparalleled flourishing under God's reign, whether understood as a literal future temple, the spiritual reality of God's kingdom, or the ultimate new creation in the age to come, echoing themes found in passages like [Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River of Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fishers (Hebrew, _davvâg'_):** This word (H1728) is an orthographical variation of `dâg` (fish) and literally means "a fisherman." Its presence here highlights the practical outcome of the miraculous transformation. It's not just that fish will exist, but that human activity, specifically fishing, will flourish, indicating a fully functional and productive ecosystem, supporting human livelihood and demonstrating the tangible benefits of divine restoration.
* **Spread forth (Hebrew, _mishṭôwach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to spread out" (H4894), this term refers to a "spreading-place" or the act of spreading. In this context, it specifically refers to spreading fishing nets. This action underscores the active and successful engagement with the abundant fish. The need for vast areas to spread nets further emphasizes the sheer volume of fish available, requiring extensive space for the fishing industry to operate.
* **Fish (Hebrew, _dâgâh'_):** This term (H1710) refers collectively to "fish" and is used here to describe the abundant marine life. The text specifies that "their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many." This implies not only a vast quantity ("exceeding many," combining H3966 `mᵉʼôd` and H7227 `rab` for intense abundance) but also a rich **diversity** ("according to their kinds," H4327 `mîyn`), comparable to the Mediterranean Sea ("great sea," H1419 `gâdôwl` and H3220 `yâm`), which was known for its varied marine life. This detail amplifies the miraculous nature of the transformation, showing a complete reversal of the Dead Sea's barrenness into a vibrant, diverse, and productive ecosystem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim;":** This clause sets the scene for the miraculous activity. "It" refers to the transformed Dead Sea. The presence of "fishers" (professional fishermen) signifies a sustained, commercial-level industry. The geographical markers, "from Engedi even unto Eneglaim," delineate a significant stretch along the western shore of the Dead Sea, emphasizing the vast extent of the area that will become productive. This is a powerful image of desolation giving way to bustling life and economic activity, all stemming from the life-giving river.
* **"they shall be a place to spread forth nets;":** This phrase further elaborates on the activity of the fishers. The transformed coastline will serve as ideal grounds for spreading out fishing nets, a common practice for drying and repairing them, or perhaps for casting them. This detail reinforces the idea of a fully operational and successful fishing industry, implying not just the presence of fish but the infrastructure and activity necessary to harvest them on a large scale.
* **"their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.":** This final clause describes the quality and quantity of the fish. "According to their kinds" indicates a rich biodiversity, not just a single species. The comparison to "the fish of the great sea" (the Mediterranean Sea) elevates the miracle, suggesting that the Dead Sea will not merely sustain life but will become as prolific and diverse as the most fertile fishing grounds known to them. The phrase "exceeding many" serves as a powerful intensifier, emphasizing an unimaginable abundance, far beyond natural expectations for any body of water, let alone the Dead Sea.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:10 is rich in **Symbolism**. The Dead Sea itself symbolizes death, barrenness, and the consequences of sin, while its transformation into a thriving fishery symbolizes divine restoration, new life, and spiritual fruitfulness. The "fishers" can be seen as symbolic of those who will participate in the harvest of this new life, often interpreted in the New Testament as "fishers of men." The **Hyperbole** of "exceeding many" fish in a formerly lifeless sea underscores the miraculous and supernatural nature of God's work. There is a strong **Contrast** between the known reality of the Dead Sea's desolation and the prophetic vision of its overflowing abundance, highlighting God's power to reverse the impossible. The entire passage functions as a **Prophetic Vision**, painting a picture of future glory and blessing that transcends immediate historical circumstances, pointing towards God's ultimate redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:10 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign power to bring life out of death, abundance out of barrenness, and order out of chaos. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of divine restoration, encompassing not only spiritual renewal but also physical and ecological transformation. The river's origin from the temple underscores the theological truth that all true life, blessing, and fruitfulness flow from God's holy presence. This vision serves as a profound promise of future flourishing for God's people and creation, a reversal of the curse, and a foretaste of the new heavens and new earth where God's life-giving presence will permeate all things. It reminds us that God's redemptive work is not limited by natural constraints or past desolations, but is boundless in its capacity to restore and vivify.

* [Joel 3:18](/joel/3-18 "Joel 3:18 - Waters Flowing from the House of the Lord")
* [Zechariah 14:8](/zechariah/14-8 "Zechariah 14:8 - Living Waters from Jerusalem")
* [Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River of the Water of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:10 offers profound hope and a powerful paradigm for understanding God's work in the world and in individual lives. Just as the Dead Sea, a symbol of utter desolation, is transformed into a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, so too can God bring healing, renewal, and fruitfulness to the most barren areas of our existence. This could be a broken relationship, a season of spiritual dryness, a seemingly insurmountable challenge, or even a community plagued by despair. The source of this life is consistently portrayed as flowing from God's presence, reminding us that our vitality and fruitfulness are directly proportional to our connection with Him. As believers, we are called to be channels of this life-giving flow, participating in God's redemptive work. The image of abundant fish also speaks to the overflowing generosity of God's grace and the limitless resources available to those who dwell in His presence. It encourages us to expect the impossible from a God who specializes in bringing life where there was none.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Dead Sea" areas exist in your life, community, or the world that you believe God desires to transform with His life-giving presence?**
* **How does the idea of God's life flowing from His "temple" (His presence) impact your understanding of spiritual vitality and fruitfulness?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in spreading God's life and abundance, becoming a "fisher" in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does this vision of complete restoration encourage your hope for the future, both personally and for creation?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Engedi and Eneglaim in this prophecy?**

Answer: Engedi and Eneglaim are specific geographical locations on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Their inclusion in the prophecy is highly significant because they ground the miraculous vision in a tangible, real-world context. The Dead Sea was known for its extreme salinity, making it utterly devoid of fish. By naming these specific points, Ezekiel emphasizes the vast stretch of the Dead Sea that will be supernaturally transformed into a thriving fishery. This detail underscores the literal and extensive nature of the divine restoration, demonstrating that God's power is not confined to abstract spiritual concepts but impacts the physical world in profound and undeniable ways. It highlights the complete reversal of the natural order for the sake of God's abundant blessing, making the impossible a reality.

**Is this prophecy of Ezekiel 47:10 literal or symbolic?**

Answer: Biblical scholars hold various views on whether this prophecy is to be understood literally or symbolically, or both. A literal interpretation suggests that in a future millennial kingdom, the Dead Sea will physically be transformed into a freshwater body teeming with fish, supporting a literal fishing industry. This view often ties into a literal understanding of the new temple described earlier in Ezekiel. A symbolic interpretation emphasizes the spiritual truths conveyed: God's power to bring life and healing to spiritually barren areas, the overflowing abundance of His grace, and the universal spread of His redemptive influence. Many scholars adopt a "both/and" approach, recognizing the symbolic spiritual truths while not ruling out a future literal fulfillment. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the core message of divine restoration, life from God's presence, and overflowing abundance remains central and powerfully applicable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 47:10 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true Temple and the very source of living water. While Ezekiel's vision speaks of a river flowing from a physical temple, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself is the dwelling place of God, and from Him flows the Spirit, bringing life to a spiritually barren world. As Jesus declared in [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water"), "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" This spiritual river, the Holy Spirit, brings life to those who are spiritually dead, transforming hearts that were once barren and unproductive into fertile ground for God's kingdom. The "exceeding many" fish can be seen as a foreshadowing of the vast spiritual harvest of souls brought into God's kingdom through the gospel, as Jesus called His disciples to be "fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Fishers of Men")). Through Christ's atoning work, the curse of sin, which brought spiritual death and barrenness, is reversed, and the new creation in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) begins. Ultimately, the vision points to the eschatological reality of God's presence fully dwelling among His people in the New Heavens and New Earth, where the "river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb" ([Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - River of Life from God's Throne")) will bring eternal life and fruitfulness to all creation, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophetic hope in its most glorious and comprehensive sense.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 4:19

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Numbers 34:6

And [as for] the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.

Psalms 104:25

[So is] this great and wide sea, wherein [are] things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

Ezekiel 48:28

And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar [unto] the waters of strife [in] Kadesh, [and] to the river toward the great sea.

2 Chronicles 20:2

Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they [be] in Hazazontamar, which [is] Engedi.

Luke 5:4

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

Luke 5:10

And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.