Ezekiel 47:6

KJV

And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen [this]? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto me, Son {H1121} of man {H120}, hast thou seen {H7200} this? Then he brought {H3212} me, and caused me to return {H7725} to the brink {H8193} of the river {H5158}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked me, "Human being, have you seen this?" Then, guiding me, he got me back to the riverbank.

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river.

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the bank of the river.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:6 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's profound vision of the life-giving river flowing from the new temple. Here, the divine guide intentionally pauses the unfolding revelation to prompt Ezekiel into a deeper, spiritual contemplation of what he has witnessed—the miraculous, ever-deepening river that powerfully symbolizes God's boundless presence, inexhaustible blessing, and transformative healing power. This divine interrogation is not merely rhetorical but serves to ensure the prophet's profound comprehension and to prepare him for further insights, underscoring that true spiritual understanding transcends mere observation, demanding active discernment and internalisation of divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 47:6 is strategically placed within the climactic vision of the new temple and the restored land of Israel, detailed in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel's Temple Vision and Land Distribution"). Specifically, it acts as a crucial interlude in the description of the miraculous river's progressive deepening, which begins in [Ezekiel 47:1](/ezekiel/47-1 "The River Flowing from the Temple"). The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 47:1-5](/ezekiel/47-1-5 "The River's Increasing Depth")) meticulously chart the river's expansion from ankle-deep to a torrent that cannot be crossed, signifying an overwhelming and increasing divine presence. The question posed to Ezekiel in verse 6 serves as a divine pause, a moment for the prophet to reflect deeply on the magnitude and spiritual implications of what he has seen before the narrative continues with the river's life-giving effects on the Dead Sea and its surrounding lands in [Ezekiel 47:7-12](/ezekiel/47-7-12 "The Healing Power of the River"). This structural interruption emphasizes the importance of the preceding observations and the need for spiritual discernment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was composed during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma and spiritual despair for the Jewish people. They had lost their temple, their land, and their national identity, leading to questions about God's faithfulness and presence. Visions like the new temple and the life-giving river offered immense hope and reassurance of God's unwavering covenant and future restoration. In the ancient Near East, rivers were universally recognized as vital sources of life, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and divine blessing. The imagery of a river flowing from a temple or sacred mountain was a common motif, often associated with paradisiacal abundance and divine presence, as seen with the [river in Eden](/genesis/2-10 "The River in the Garden of Eden"). Ezekiel's vision draws upon these deeply ingrained cultural understandings but elevates them to an eschatological and supernatural level, promising an outpouring of life and healing that far surpasses any natural phenomenon, signifying God's ultimate and supernatural restoration.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent throughout Ezekiel's prophecy. First, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Understanding**. The direct question, "Hast thou seen [this]?", is not merely rhetorical but a profound challenge for Ezekiel to internalize and comprehend the spiritual realities being revealed, emphasizing that God desires not just passive observation but deep discernment of His unfolding plan and purposes. Second, the **Progressive Nature of God's Blessing** is vividly portrayed by the river, which begins as a trickle and becomes an uncrossable torrent ([Ezekiel 47:5](/ezekiel/47-5 "The River's Uncrossable Depth")), symbolizing the ever-increasing and overwhelming flow of God's presence, blessing, and spiritual life. This progressive expansion suggests a boundless and inexhaustible provision from God. Third, the consistent presence of the unnamed **Divine Guide** (first introduced in [Ezekiel 40:3](/ezekiel/40-3 "Ezekiel's Divine Guide")) throughout the temple vision emphasizes that understanding profound spiritual truths often requires divine leading, instruction, and interpretation, underscoring humanity's absolute dependence on God for true spiritual insight and revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This compound phrase, combining H1121 (_bên_) meaning "son" (as a builder of the family name, in the widest sense of relationship) and H120 (_ʼâdâm_) meaning "human being" or "mankind," is Ezekiel's most frequent designation, appearing over 90 times. It consistently highlights the prophet's human frailty, mortality, and dependence in stark contrast to the majesty, power, and divine authority of God and His revelation. This title serves to emphasize that this profound, supernatural vision is being given to a mere mortal, underscoring the condescension of God in communicating such weighty truths to humanity.
* **seen (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200 (_râʼâh_), this word means "to see" literally or figuratively, encompassing numerous applications such as to perceive, discern, observe, or understand. In the context of the divine question "hast thou seen this?", it implies a deeper level of observation than just physical sight. It is a profound call to perceive and comprehend the spiritual implications and profound significance of the vision, not merely its physical manifestations or surface details. It demands an active engagement of the mind and spirit, moving beyond superficial viewing to spiritual apprehension.
* **river (Hebrew, _nachal'_):** From H5158 (_nachal_), this term primarily refers to a "stream," especially a "winter torrent," but can also denote a "valley" where a brook runs. In Ezekiel 47, it specifically describes the miraculous, ever-deepening body of water flowing from the temple. Unlike a typical _nachal_ which might dry up during dry seasons, this river is constant and grows exponentially, symbolizing an unending, supernatural source of life, healing, and abundance, distinct from any ordinary earthly stream.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen [this]?"**: The divine guide, who has meticulously led Ezekiel through the intricacies of the temple vision, intentionally pauses the tour to directly address the prophet. The address "Son of man" serves to ground Ezekiel in his human perspective and limited capacity in the face of overwhelming divine revelation. The question "hast thou seen [this]?" is a profound rhetorical inquiry, designed to compel Ezekiel to move beyond mere visual observation to a deeper, spiritual comprehension of the miraculous river's significance and profound implications. It demands introspection, active discernment, and a recognition of the immense divine power at work.
* **"Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river."**: Following this moment of divine interrogation and compelled reflection, the guide physically reorients Ezekiel. The phrase "brought me, and caused me to return" indicates a deliberate action to bring Ezekiel back to the precise starting point or edge of the river, where he can gain a renewed perspective or prepare for further revelation concerning the river's properties and effects. This return to the "brink" (or bank/edge) suggests a renewed opportunity for deeper engagement with the life-giving flow, perhaps to witness its effects more closely or to receive further instruction.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:6 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most prominent is **Interrogation**, as the divine guide directly questions Ezekiel, "Hast thou seen [this]?" This serves not only as a rhetorical pause but as a powerful didactic tool, compelling the prophet (and, by extension, the reader) to actively engage with and comprehend the profound spiritual realities being revealed. It shifts the focus from passive observation to active discernment and internalisation. The entire river narrative is rich in **Symbolism**, with the river itself serving as a potent symbol of the boundless, ever-increasing, and life-giving presence and blessing of God. Its progressive deepening from a trickle to an uncrossable torrent symbolizes the overwhelming nature of divine provision and the Spirit's transformative work. Furthermore, the consistent presence of the unnamed divine guide embodies **Divine Guidance**, illustrating that profound spiritual understanding and the reception of revelation often require supernatural leading and interpretation, emphasizing humanity's complete dependence on God for true insight and spiritual discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:6 serves as a crucial theological pivot, highlighting the divine intention behind all revelation: it is not merely for the transmission of information but for the profound transformation that comes through spiritual understanding and discernment. The pointed question, "hast thou seen [this]?", challenges the human tendency to observe superficially, calling for a deeper, spiritual apprehension of God's wondrous work. The miraculous river, ever-increasing in depth and bringing life wherever it flows, powerfully symbolizes the inexhaustible nature of God's grace and the Holy Spirit's transformative work, which brings healing, fruitfulness, and abundant life wherever it is poured out. This vision anticipates the ultimate restoration and comprehensive renewal that God will bring, not just to the nation of Israel, but to all creation, through an overflowing abundance of His life-giving presence.

* [John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "Jesus' Promise of Living Water and the Holy Spirit")
* [Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1-2 "The River of Life in the New Jerusalem")
* [Psalm 46:4](/psalms/46-4 "The River Making Glad the City of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:6 extends a profound invitation for us to pause in our own spiritual journeys and honestly consider if we have truly "seen" the profound realities of God's active work in our lives and in the world around us. In a contemporary culture saturated with information, it is remarkably easy to passively consume spiritual truths without allowing them to penetrate deeply into the core of our hearts and minds. This verse calls us to move beyond superficial observation to active engagement, spiritual discernment, and a deep, personal apprehension of God's truth. Just as the river's depth progressively increased, so too does God desire our understanding and experience of His presence to deepen, leading us into richer communion and greater spiritual maturity. We are encouraged to actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, allowing Him to lead us to the "brink" of new revelations and deeper encounters with His life-giving power, recognizing that His blessings are not static but ever-increasing, capable of bringing profound healing and abundant fruitfulness to every barren area of our lives, our relationships, and our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean to "see" spiritual truths beyond mere intellectual assent, and how can you cultivate this deeper perception?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or your community do you need to allow God's "river" to flow more deeply, bringing His healing and fruitfulness?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater attentiveness and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's guidance in understanding God's Word and discerning His ongoing work in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" who speaks to Ezekiel in this verse?**

Answer: The "he" refers to the divine guide, often identified by scholars as an angel or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, who meticulously leads Ezekiel throughout the extensive temple vision beginning in [Ezekiel 40:3](/ezekiel/40-3 "Ezekiel's Divine Guide"). This guide meticulously measures the temple, explains its various functions, and reveals the miraculous river, serving as God's direct messenger and authoritative interpreter of the profound spiritual realities being unveiled to the prophet.

**What is the profound significance of the question "hast thou seen [this]?"**

Answer: The question "hast thou seen [this]?" is far more than a simple inquiry; it is a powerful rhetorical device designed to prompt deep reflection and spiritual comprehension within Ezekiel. It is not a query about Ezekiel's physical sight, but rather about his understanding and perception of the profound spiritual implications of the ever-deepening river. It challenges Ezekiel to internalize the vision's true meaning—the boundless, progressive, and increasing nature of God's life-giving presence and blessing—before the tour continues. This question underscores that God desires a discerning heart and a spirit of active engagement, not just an observing eye.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 47:6, with its awe-inspiring vision of the life-giving river flowing from the temple, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The miraculous river, bringing healing and abundant life wherever it flows, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual reality inaugurated by 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/7-37-38 "Jesus' Promise of Living Water")). The Apostle John explicitly clarifies that this promise refers to the Holy Spirit, whom believers would receive after Jesus' glorification ([John 7:39](/john/7-39 "The Spirit of Living Water")). The Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, is the true, inexhaustible source of life, healing, and fruitfulness, transforming barren spiritual landscapes into lush, vibrant ecosystems within the hearts of believers and throughout the world. Furthermore, the imagery of Ezekiel's river culminates in the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem, where a "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb" brings healing to the nations and sustains eternal life ([Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1-2 "The River of Life in the New Jerusalem")). Thus, the prophetic vision of Ezekiel 47:6 is not merely a historical or future temple phenomenon, but a powerful and enduring symbol of the abundant, ever-increasing life and spiritual nourishment that flows eternally from Christ, the Lamb of God, through the Holy Spirit, to all who believe and receive Him.

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 44:5

And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.

Ezekiel 40:4

And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew [them] unto thee [art] thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.

Zechariah 5:2

And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof [is] twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.

Zechariah 4:2

And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all [of] gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which [are] upon the top thereof:

Jeremiah 1:11

¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

Jeremiah 1:13

And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a seething pot; and the face thereof [is] toward the north.

Ezekiel 8:6

He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? [even] the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations.