Ezekiel 47:3

KJV

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 ankles.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the man {H376} that had the line {H6957} in his hand {H3027} went forth {H3318} eastward {H6921}, he measured {H4058} a thousand {H505} cubits {H520}, and he brought me through {H5674} the waters {H4325}; the waters {H4325} were to the ankles {H657}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With a line in his hand the man went out toward the east and measured a thousand cubits [one-third of a mile] and had me wade across the stream; the water came up to my ankles.

Berean Standard Bible

As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water.

American Standard Version

When the man went forth eastward with the line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the ankles.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:3 describes the initial stage of a profound prophetic vision given to Ezekiel, where a divine messenger begins to measure a life-giving river flowing from the new temple. This verse marks the first thousand-cubit increment of the river's eastward progression, revealing its waters to be ankle-deep. It sets the stage for a dramatic unfolding of God's restorative power, symbolizing the gradual but certain expansion of divine presence, spiritual vitality, and healing that emanates from His dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 47:3 is situated within the climactic section of the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail an elaborate vision of a new temple, a restored land, and a renewed covenant community. Following the detailed architectural descriptions of the temple in [Ezekiel 40-43](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-43 - The New Temple Vision"), and the regulations for worship and priesthood in [Ezekiel 44-46](/ezekiel/44 "Ezekiel 44-46 - Temple Ordinances"), chapter 47 introduces a new, dynamic element: a miraculous river flowing from the temple's threshold. The preceding verses, [Ezekiel 47:1-2](/ezekiel/47-1 "Ezekiel 47:1-2 - The River's Source"), establish the origin of the water, flowing from under the temple's altar and emerging from the east gate. Verse 3 initiates the measurement of this river by a divine guide, indicating a deliberate and progressive revelation of its power and purpose. This particular verse marks the first of several measurements, each revealing a deeper and more encompassing flow, leading to the ultimate transformation of the Dead Sea into a vibrant, life-filled body of water, as described in [Ezekiel 47:8-10](/ezekiel/47-8 "Ezekiel 47:8-10 - The River's Healing Power").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple and the river was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound despair and displacement for the Jewish people. Jerusalem and its temple had been destroyed, and the people were far from their homeland. In this context, the vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and future glory. The temple, central to Israelite identity and worship, symbolized God's presence among His people. The concept of a life-giving river flowing from a sacred mountain or temple was a common motif in ancient Near Eastern mythology, often associated with divine blessing and fertility. However, Ezekiel's vision recontextualizes this motif within a monotheistic framework, emphasizing Yahweh as the sole source of life and restoration. The precision of the measurements (cubits, thousands) would have resonated with the Israelite understanding of divine order and meticulous planning, reinforcing the certainty of God's promises even in their dire circumstances. The eastward direction of the flow is significant, as the Dead Sea, to the east, was known for its barrenness and inability to sustain life, making its transformation a powerful symbol of complete renewal.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 47:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Restoration and Renewal**. The vision of the river is a vivid portrayal of God's power to bring life out of desolation, transforming even the barren Dead Sea. This speaks to the restoration of Israel, not just physically but spiritually, after the devastation of exile. Secondly, it highlights **Progressive Revelation and Immersion**. The increasing depth of the water—from ankles to knees, to loins, to an uncrossable river—symbolizes a gradual yet profound deepening of engagement with God's presence and truth. It suggests that spiritual experience and understanding are not static but dynamic and ever-expanding. Thirdly, the river embodies the **Life-Giving Power of God's Presence and Spirit**. The water, emanating directly from the temple, is a clear metaphor for the divine life and blessing that flows from God Himself. This life-giving current brings healing, abundance, and fruitfulness wherever it goes, foreshadowing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of individuals and communities, as seen in the New Testament promise of [rivers of living water](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Jesus' Promise of Living Water").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term refers to an individual or a male person. In this context, it designates the divine guide or angelic figure who is leading Ezekiel through the vision and performing the measurements. The guide's presence signifies the divine origin and authoritative nature of the entire vision, emphasizing that this is not a human construct but a revelation from God, meticulously presented by His appointed messenger.
* **went forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to go out" or "to bring out." Here, it describes the action of the man stepping out into the flowing water to begin his measurements. This verb conveys movement and initiation, marking the commencement of the systematic exploration of the river's depth and extent. It implies a deliberate and purposeful progression into the divine revelation.
* **waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** This dual noun refers to "water" in general, but its dual form can sometimes emphasize abundance or multiple streams. In this vision, "waters" are the central element, symbolizing life, purification, and divine blessing. The repeated mention of "waters" throughout the passage underscores their vital and transformative nature, which progressively deepens and expands, bringing life wherever they flow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward":** This clause introduces the divine guide, equipped with a "line" or measuring reed, indicating precision and divine authority. His movement "eastward" is significant, as the temple's east gate was often associated with the glory of God ([Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of God Returns")) and the direction towards the barren Dead Sea, which the river is destined to transform.
* **"he measured a thousand cubits":** This specifies the first increment of the river's measurement. A "thousand cubits" (approximately 1,500 feet or 450 meters) represents a significant, yet precise, distance. This initial measurement establishes a pattern of progressive revelation, where the river's depth is assessed at regular intervals, highlighting the orderly and intentional nature of God's plan.
* **"and he brought me through the waters; the waters [were] to the ankles":** This describes Ezekiel's personal experience of entering the river and its initial depth. The fact that the water is only "to the ankles" signifies a gentle, perhaps tentative, beginning to the profound spiritual journey. It suggests an accessible entry point into God's presence and blessing, a stage of initial immersion that is manageable and not yet overwhelming.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:3 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "river" itself is a powerful symbol of divine life, blessing, and the Holy Spirit, flowing from God's presence to bring healing and fruitfulness to a desolate world. The "man with the line" symbolizes a divine messenger or angel, representing God's precise and orderly plan for restoration. The "measurements" (a thousand cubits, to the ankles) symbolize the progressive nature of God's work and revelation, indicating a gradual deepening of spiritual experience and understanding. The "eastward" direction is symbolic of the glory of God's presence and the ultimate destination of the river's transformative power, turning barrenness into life. The entire scene is a **Metaphor** for spiritual growth and the expansive, life-giving influence of God's presence, which begins gently but grows to an irresistible, all-encompassing force. The passage also employs **Progressive Revelation**, where the depth of the river is revealed in stages, mirroring how God often unfolds His plans and truths over time, inviting deeper engagement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:3 introduces a theological motif that reverberates throughout Scripture: the concept of a life-giving stream originating from God's dwelling place. This vision speaks profoundly to God's inherent nature as the source of all life and blessing, emphasizing that true spiritual vitality and restoration flow directly from His presence. It underscores the theme of divine initiative in healing and renewal, portraying God as actively bringing life to barren places, both literally in the landscape and metaphorically in the human heart and community. The progressive deepening of the waters also illustrates the dynamic and ever-expanding nature of God's work in the world and in individual lives, moving from initial contact to overwhelming immersion.
* [Psalm 46:4](/psalm/46-4 "Psalm 46:4 - A River Whose Streams Make Glad")
* [Zechariah 14:8](/zechariah/14-8 "Zechariah 14:8 - Living Waters Flowing from Jerusalem")
* [Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River of the Water of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:3 offers a profound invitation to consider the nature of our own spiritual journey. Just as the river begins subtly, only ankle-deep, our initial steps of faith or engagement with God's truth may feel small and manageable. This verse reminds us that genuine spiritual growth is often a progressive process, not an instantaneous leap. We are encouraged not to be content with a shallow understanding or experience of God, but to actively seek deeper immersion. The vision challenges us to allow the life-giving Spirit of God to carry us beyond the familiar, into profound depths of relationship, revelation, and transformation. As we yield to this divine current, we become conduits of its life-giving power, bringing healing and fruitfulness to the barren places in our own lives and in the world around us. It's a call to trust the divine guide and embrace the journey into the fullness of God's refreshing presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where are the "ankle-deep" areas in my spiritual life where I need to seek deeper immersion?**
* **What might be hindering me from venturing further into the "waters" of God's presence and truth?**
* **How does the idea of a progressively deepening river encourage or challenge my understanding of spiritual growth?**
* **In what ways can I allow the life-giving flow of God's Spirit to transform barrenness into fruitfulness in my personal life and in my community?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "thousand cubits" measurement in Ezekiel 47:3?**

Answer: The measurement of "a thousand cubits" (approximately 1,500 feet or 450 meters) is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it establishes a pattern of precise, orderly, and progressive revelation. The divine guide meticulously measures the river at regular intervals, indicating that God's plan for restoration is not haphazard but carefully orchestrated. Secondly, it highlights the vastness and expansion of the river, even at its initial stage. While the depth is only to the ankles, the distance covered is considerable, suggesting that the life-giving influence of God's presence will extend far and wide. This systematic measurement underscores the certainty and intentionality of God's work, reassuring Ezekiel and the exiles that the promised restoration is real and unfolding according to divine design.

**Why does the river flow eastward, and what does it mean that the waters are "to the ankles"?**

Answer: The eastward flow of the river is highly symbolic. The temple's east gate was the direction from which the glory of God had departed ([Ezekiel 10:19](/ezekiel/10-19 "Ezekiel 10:19 - The Glory Departs")) and through which it was prophesied to return ([Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory Returns")). Flowing eastward, the river is directed towards the Dead Sea, a body of water known for its extreme salinity and inability to sustain life. This signifies that the life-giving power of God's presence is intended to transform even the most barren and desolate places. The initial depth of the waters being "to the ankles" symbolizes the accessible and gentle beginning of spiritual engagement. It suggests that one can easily step into God's presence or truth without being immediately overwhelmed. This initial, manageable depth sets the stage for a progressive immersion, foreshadowing deeper encounters and greater surrender as the river's depth increases in subsequent verses.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The vision of the life-giving river in Ezekiel 47:3 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel's vision points to a literal and spiritual restoration for Israel, its deepest meaning is realized in the new covenant established through Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation to Living Water")). This promise, explicitly identified by John as referring to the Holy Spirit, reveals that the source of the life-giving river is no longer a physical temple, but the resurrected Christ, from whom the Spirit flows into the hearts of believers. The Spirit, the true "water" of life, brings spiritual healing, cleansing, and fruitfulness to all who believe, transforming barren lives into vibrant gardens ([Isaiah 58:11](/isaiah/58-11 "Isaiah 58:11 - God Will Guide You and Satisfy Your Desires")). Furthermore, the vision culminates in the New Testament's depiction of the New Jerusalem, 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 - The River of Life in New Jerusalem")) brings eternal life and healing to the nations. Thus, Ezekiel 47:3, with its ankle-deep waters, foreshadows the accessible and ever-deepening experience of God's presence and life, made possible through the finished work of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who is the true Temple and the ultimate source of all spiritual blessing.

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

Ezekiel 40:3

And he brought me thither, and, behold, [there was] a man, whose appearance [was] like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Revelation 11:1

¶ And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

Acts 2:33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Acts 11:16

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 11:18

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Zechariah 2:1

¶ I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.