Ezekiel 47:5

Afterward he measured a thousand; [and it was] a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.

Afterward he measured {H4058} a thousand {H505}; and it was a river {H5158} that I could {H3201} not pass over {H5674}: for the waters {H4325} were risen {H1342}, waters {H4325} to swim in {H7813}, a river {H5158} that could not be passed over {H5674}.

Finally he measured a thousand, and it was a river I couldn't cross on foot, because the water was so deep one would have to swim across; it was a river that could not be waded through.

Once 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.

Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through; for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed through.

Commentary

Ezekiel 47:5 presents the culmination of Ezekiel’s prophetic vision concerning the miraculous river flowing from the temple. After being led through waters that progressively deepened from ankle-high to knee-high and then to the loins, this verse describes a pivotal moment: the river has become so vast and profound that it is no longer traversable by foot. It is now "a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over." This signifies an overwhelming, immeasurable outpouring of divine blessing and presence.

Context of the Vision

This profound verse follows the sequence of measurements detailed in Ezekiel 47:1-4, where the angelic guide systematically leads Ezekiel deeper into the waters. Each thousand-cubit measurement reveals an increasing depth, symbolizing a progressive revelation and intensification of God's work. The entire vision of the temple and the river in Ezekiel 40-48 speaks to the restoration of Israel, the future glory of God's dwelling among His people, and the abundant life that flows from His presence, often interpreted as pointing towards a future Messianic kingdom or the spiritual reality of the New Covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Immeasurable Abundance: The river's depth, now uncrossable, powerfully illustrates the boundless and overflowing nature of God's grace, provision, and spiritual blessings. It signifies a supply that far exceeds human capacity or comprehension, an inexhaustible source of life.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Immersion: When the waters are "to swim in," it implies a state of complete surrender and full immersion in God's presence and will. Human effort to control, understand, or traverse this divine flow on one's own terms becomes impossible. One must yield entirely to its current, signifying a move from partial engagement to total dependence on God.
  • Progressive Spiritual Growth: The escalating depth of the river serves as a powerful metaphor for the journey of spiritual understanding and experience. What begins as a relatively shallow encounter with God's presence deepens into a profound, all-encompassing reality, drawing believers into a more intimate and overwhelming communion with Him.
  • Life-Giving Power: Although this verse focuses on the depth, the broader context of the vision (Ezekiel 47:8-12) reveals that this immense river brings life, healing, and fruitfulness wherever it flows. Its overwhelming size ensures its pervasive and transformative influence, making barren lands fertile and salty waters fresh.

Linguistic Insights

The repetition of the phrase "a river that I could not pass over" in the KJV translation emphasizes the sheer immensity and impossibility of traversing the waters by human effort. The Hebrew term for "waters to swim in" (מֵי שָׂחוֹת, mei sachot) vividly conveys the idea of waters deep enough for swimming, leaving no option but to be fully borne by them. This linguistic emphasis underscores the overwhelming and all-encompassing nature of the divine outpouring, a flood of blessing that demands complete surrender and trust.

Reflection and Application

Ezekiel 47:5 challenges believers to consider the depth of their own spiritual walk. Are we content with merely wading in the shallows of faith, or do we long for the "waters to swim in"—a deeper, more immersive experience of God's Spirit? This verse calls us to move beyond superficial engagement into a profound surrender to God's overwhelming grace and power. It encourages us to trust in His ability to sustain us in spiritual depths that we cannot fully comprehend or control on our own. Embracing this deeper immersion, much like the life-giving river, can lead to profound spiritual fruitfulness, healing, and a greater capacity to be channels of God's blessing to the world. This vision beautifully foreshadows the abundant life found in Christ, akin to the rivers of living water that flow from within those who believe.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Habakkuk 2:14

    For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

  • Isaiah 11:9

    They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

  • Matthew 13:31

    Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

  • Matthew 13:32

    Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

  • Revelation 11:15

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 20:2

    And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

  • Revelation 20:4

    And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.