Ezekiel 47:12

KJV

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

KJV (with Strong's)

And by the river {H5158} upon the bank {H8193} thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow {H5927} all trees {H6086} for meat {H3978}, whose leaf {H5929} shall not fade {H5034}, neither shall the fruit {H6529} thereof be consumed {H8552}: it shall bring forth new fruit {H1069} according to his months {H2320}, because their waters {H4325} they issued out {H3318} of the sanctuary {H4720}: and the fruit {H6529} thereof shall be for meat {H3978}, and the leaf {H5929} thereof for medicine {H8644}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On both riverbanks will grow all kinds of trees for food; their leaves will not dry up, nor will their fruit fail. There will be a different kind of fruit each month, because the water flows from the sanctuary, so that this fruit will be edible, and the leaves will have healing properties."

Berean Standard Bible

Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing.”

American Standard Version

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not wither, neither shall the fruit thereof fail: it shall bring forth new fruit every month, because the waters thereof issue out of the sanctuary; and the fruit thereof shall be for food, and the leaf thereof for healing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:12 concludes a profound prophetic vision, depicting a miraculous river flowing from the temple that transforms the barren landscape into a lush, life-sustaining paradise. Along its banks, trees flourish, providing perpetual sustenance and healing. This verse vividly portrays divine provision, unending vitality, and the restorative power emanating from God's holy presence, foreshadowing a future era of complete blessedness and renewed creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 47:12 is the culmination of a detailed vision spanning [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - Vision of the New Temple and Land"), describing a new temple, a restored land, and the blessings flowing from God's renewed presence among His people. Specifically, [Ezekiel 47](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The River from the Temple") focuses on a miraculous river that issues from the temple's threshold, growing in depth and breadth as it flows eastward, bringing life and healing wherever it goes. This river transforms the desolate Arabah, even making the Dead Sea fresh and teeming with fish ([Ezekiel 47:8-9](/ezekiel/47-8 "Ezekiel 47:8-9 - Healing of the Dead Sea")). Verse 12 highlights the extraordinary, perpetual vegetation that thrives along its banks, emphasizing the unique nature of this divinely sourced water and the promise of future restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense despair for the Jewish people who had lost their temple, their land, and their monarchy. In this context, the vision of a new, glorious temple and a revitalized land served as a powerful message of hope and restoration, assuring the exiles that God had not abandoned them. The imagery of a life-giving river flowing from a divine source was not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern mythology and religious thought, often associated with paradisiacal gardens and divine blessings. However, Ezekiel's vision distinguishes itself by explicitly linking this life-giving flow to the sanctuary of the one true God, emphasizing His unique power to bring about ultimate restoration and perpetual life, far surpassing any earthly or mythical ideal.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Abundance**, depicting a state where all needs are met perpetually and supernaturally, far beyond natural limitations. The trees' unfading leaves and continuous fruit-bearing symbolize God's ceaseless care and the complete satisfaction found in His presence, contrasting sharply with the scarcity and desolation experienced by the exiles. Secondly, it highlights the **Sanctuary as the Source of Life and Healing**. The explicit connection between the river's origin in the sanctuary and the trees' life-giving properties ([Ezekiel 47:12b](/ezekiel/47-12 "Ezekiel 47:12 - Source of the River")) signifies that all true life, sustenance, and healing flow directly from God's holy presence. This anticipates a future where God's dwelling place is the wellspring of all blessing. Lastly, the imagery evokes a profound theme of **Restoration and Paradise Regained**, echoing the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 2:9](/genesis/2-9 "Genesis 2:9 - Tree of Life in Eden")) and pointing towards a renewed creation where life flourishes without decay or want, a vision of ultimate peace, health, and abundance under God's direct blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat (Hebrew, _maʼăkâl'_):** From the root `אָכַל` (akal), meaning "to eat." This term (H3978) refers broadly to "an eatable," encompassing "provender, flesh, and fruit." In this context, it signifies "food" or "sustenance" in general, not exclusively animal flesh. The trees are designed to provide nourishment, emphasizing the abundant and readily available food source from the river's bounty.
* **Fade (Hebrew, _nâbêl'_):** A primitive root (H5034) meaning "to wilt," "to fall away," "fail," or "faint." Figuratively, it can mean "to be foolish" or "wicked." Here, in the context of leaves, it denotes their inability to wither or decay. This highlights the supernatural vitality of the trees, suggesting a perpetual state of freshness and life, immune to the natural processes of decline and death.
* **New fruit (Hebrew, _bâkar'_):** A primitive root (H1069) meaning "to burst the womb" or, causatively, "to bear or make early fruit." It implies yielding fruit that is fresh, timely, and continuously renewed, not merely seasonal. This emphasizes the uninterrupted cycle of provision, ensuring a constant supply of ripe produce throughout the year.
* **Medicine (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwphâh'_):** Derived from a root related to "healing" (H8644), this term signifies a "remedy" or "medicine." It points to the restorative and curative properties inherent in the leaves of these trees. This suggests a state of perfect well-being and a world free from sickness and infirmity, where even the foliage contributes to health and vitality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat":** This establishes the setting and the primary purpose of the trees. The "river" (Hebrew, _nachal'_ - H5158, a stream or winter torrent) is the source of life, and along its "bank" (Hebrew, _sâphâh'_ - H8193, lip or edge) on both sides, a diverse array of "trees" (Hebrew, _ʻêts'_ - H6086) will flourish. These trees are specifically "for meat" (Hebrew, _maʼăkâl'_ - H3978), indicating their function as a source of sustenance.
* **"whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed":** This describes the miraculous, supernatural properties of these trees. Unlike normal vegetation, their "leaf" (Hebrew, _ʻâleh'_ - H5929) will "not fade" (Hebrew, _nâbêl'_ - H5034), signifying perpetual freshness and vitality. Furthermore, their "fruit" (Hebrew, _pᵉrîy'_ - H6529) will "not be consumed" (Hebrew, _tâmam'_ - H8552, to complete or fail), implying an unending supply that is never depleted.
* **"it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months":** This elaborates on the continuous nature of the fruit production. The trees will "bring forth new fruit" (Hebrew, _bâkar'_ - H1069, to bear early or first fruit) "according to his months" (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_ - H2320, a new moon or month). This means a fresh yield of fruit will be available every single month, ensuring a constant and reliable food source year-round, transcending natural seasonal cycles.
* **"because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary":** This clause provides the divine explanation for the trees' extraordinary properties. The life-giving "waters" (Hebrew, _mayim'_ - H4325) that nourish these trees "issued out" (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_ - H3318, to go out or proceed) directly "out of the sanctuary" (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_ - H4720, a consecrated place or holy temple). This explicitly links the miraculous life and abundance to God's holy presence and His divine power.
* **"and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine":** This reiterates and expands upon the dual benefits of the trees. The "fruit" (Hebrew, _pᵉrîy'_ - H6529) serves as "meat" (Hebrew, _maʼăkâl'_ - H3978) or food, emphasizing its nourishing quality. Crucially, the "leaf" (Hebrew, _ʻâleh'_ - H5929) is "for medicine" (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwphâh'_ - H8644), indicating its restorative and healing properties, promising complete health and well-being to those who partake.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:12 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the river, the trees, their fruit, and their leaves all represent profound theological truths. The **river** symbolizes divine life, blessing, and God's restorative power, flowing from His very presence. The **trees** symbolize perpetual life, abundance, and healing, directly sustained by God's grace. The **fruit** symbolizes unending spiritual and physical nourishment, while the **leaves** symbolize comprehensive healing and well-being. The passage also employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the supernatural nature of this provision; trees that never fade and constantly bear fruit are beyond natural capacity, highlighting the extraordinary power of God. This imagery creates a powerful **Edenic** resonance, recalling the Garden of Eden with its tree of life and abundant provision, suggesting a return to a paradisiacal state of perfect harmony and blessing, unmarred by decay or disease.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:12 presents a powerful vision of God's ultimate plan for restoration and abundant life, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. It paints a picture of a renewed creation where the very presence of God, symbolized by the river flowing from the sanctuary, is the source of all vitality, sustenance, and healing. This eschatological vision speaks to God's faithfulness in bringing about a perfect future, where the curses of sin and decay are overcome by His life-giving power. The perpetual fruitfulness and unfading leaves symbolize an eternal state of blessedness, where want and sickness are no more, and life flourishes in its fullest, divinely sustained form.

* [Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River and Tree of Life in New Jerusalem") – This passage describes the New Jerusalem with a "pure river of water of life" flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, and on either side, "the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." This is a direct New Testament fulfillment and expansion of Ezekiel's vision.
* [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man like a Tree") – "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." This psalm illustrates the blessedness of the righteous, whose spiritual vitality and enduring fruitfulness are likened to a tree nourished by water, echoing the themes of perpetual life and divine sustenance.
* [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water") – "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." Jesus's promise of "living water" to those who believe in Him directly connects to the life-giving flow from God's presence, signifying the spiritual vitality and blessings that flow from faith in Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:12 offers profound spiritual nourishment and hope for believers today. While the specific imagery points to a future, ultimate fulfillment, the underlying spiritual truths are immediately applicable. This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate and inexhaustible source of all true life, sustenance, and healing. Just as the trees in the vision draw their life directly from the sanctuary, so too are believers called to draw their spiritual vitality, nourishment, and healing from God's presence, found in Christ and through the Holy Spirit. It encourages us to cultivate a deep, abiding connection with the Lord, trusting in His never-ending provision and the promise of a glorious future where all things are made new. It challenges us to reflect on where we seek our sustenance and healing, urging us to turn to the divine wellspring rather than fleeting earthly sources.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the imagery of the river flowing from the sanctuary reveal about God's character and His desire for humanity?**
* **In what ways do you currently seek "meat" (sustenance) and "medicine" (healing) in your life, and how can you more intentionally draw these from God's presence?**
* **How does the promise of unfading leaves and perpetual fruitfulness encourage you in times of spiritual dryness or physical struggle?**
* **Considering the connection to Revelation 22, how does this vision shape your understanding of eternal life and the ultimate restoration of creation?**

### FAQ
**Is the river in Ezekiel 47:12 a literal river, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: Biblical scholars hold varying views. Some interpret it as a literal river that will flow from a rebuilt temple in a future millennial kingdom, bringing physical transformation to the land. Others see it primarily as symbolic, representing the life-giving power and blessings that flow from God's presence, especially in the New Covenant era and ultimately in the new heavens and new earth. The miraculous properties of the river and the trees (unfading leaves, monthly fruit, healing properties) strongly suggest a supernatural, perhaps even idealized, reality that transcends normal physical laws, lending itself to a symbolic interpretation of divine abundance and spiritual vitality. The New Testament's use of this imagery in [Revelation 22](/revelation/22 "Revelation 22 - The New Jerusalem and Tree of Life") leans towards an ultimate, spiritual fulfillment.

**What is the significance of the "sanctuary" as the source of the water?**

Answer: The "sanctuary" (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_ - H4720) represents the holy dwelling place of God. Its significance as the source of the life-giving water underscores that all true life, blessing, and healing originate directly from God's presence and His holiness. It emphasizes that divine favor and restoration flow from communion with God. In the Old Testament, the temple was the focal point of God's presence among His people. In the New Testament, this concept expands to Christ Himself as the ultimate temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")), and believers as His spiritual temple ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")).

**How does Ezekiel 47:12 connect to the "tree of life" in Revelation 22?**

Answer: The connection between Ezekiel 47:12 and [Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River and Tree of Life") is remarkably strong and widely recognized. Both passages describe a river of life flowing from God's throne/sanctuary, with trees on its banks that bear fruit monthly and whose leaves are for healing. Revelation's "tree of life" is an explicit echo of Ezekiel's trees, portraying the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of eternal life, perpetual sustenance, and complete healing in the New Jerusalem. This suggests that Ezekiel's vision is not merely about a physical temple but a prophetic glimpse into God's ultimate eschatological plan for a renewed creation, where life flourishes eternally in His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 47:12 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who is the ultimate source of living water and the embodiment of God's life-giving presence. The river flowing from the sanctuary, bringing life and healing, points directly to Christ, from whom "rivers of living water" flow to those who believe ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). He declared Himself the "bread of life," offering eternal sustenance so that those who come to Him will never hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The trees' perpetual fruitfulness and unfading leaves symbolize the eternal life and unending provision found in Christ, contrasting with the fleeting nature of earthly existence. Furthermore, the "leaf thereof for medicine" foreshadows the complete healing—physical, spiritual, and emotional—that Christ provides through His atoning work on the cross. He is the Lamb of God whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), ultimately leading to the removal of all curses and the restoration of all things, as depicted in the New Jerusalem where the tree of life's leaves are for the healing of the nations ([Revelation 22:2](/revelation/22-2 "Revelation 22:2 - Tree of Life for Healing")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision is a glorious prophecy of the life, healing, and eternal abundance that flow from God's very presence, fully realized in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.

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

Revelation 22:2

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.

Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Genesis 2:9

And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Ezekiel 47:7

Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river [were] very many trees on the one side and on the other.

Psalms 92:12

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Job 8:16

He [is] green before the sun, and his branch shooteth forth in his garden.