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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Context
Ezekiel 47:3 is part of a profound vision given to the prophet Ezekiel in the latter chapters of his book (chapters 40-48), which describe a glorious new temple and the restoration of Israel. This particular passage details a miraculous, ever-deepening river flowing from the temple, eastward towards the Dead Sea. The vision begins in Ezekiel 47:1 with water issuing from under the threshold of the temple. Verse 3 marks the first stage of the angel's measurement of this life-giving stream.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "cubits" (Hebrew: ’ammah) refers to an ancient unit of measurement, roughly the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approximately 18 inches or 45 cm). The measurement of "a thousand cubits" signifies a precise, yet significant, distance. The "line" (Hebrew: qaneh) is a measuring rod or reed, emphasizing the exactitude of the divine survey.
Related Scriptures
The concept of a life-giving river flowing from God's presence is a recurring biblical motif. It resonates with Jesus' promise of "rivers of living water" flowing from within believers, representing the Holy Spirit. This vision also finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's description of the river of the water of life in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1).
Practical Application
Ezekiel 47:3 reminds us that our spiritual journey often begins with small steps, a gentle wading into God's truth and presence. Just as the waters progressively deepen in this vision, so too does our understanding and experience of God. It encourages believers to not be content with ankle-deep faith but to seek deeper immersion, allowing the life-giving Spirit of God to carry them into profound spiritual transformation and fruitfulness.