Ezekiel 47:9

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that every thing {H5315} that liveth {H2416}, which moveth {H8317}, whithersoever the rivers {H5158} shall come {H935}, shall live {H2421}: and there shall be a very {H3966} great {H7227} multitude of fish {H1710}, because these waters {H4325} shall come {H935} thither: for they shall be healed {H7495}; and every thing shall live {H2425} whither the river {H5158} cometh {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When this happens, swarms of all kinds of living creatures will be able to live in it wherever the streams flow; so that there will be a vast number of fish; for this water is flowing there, so that, wherever the river goes, everything will be restored and able to live.

Berean Standard Bible

Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because it flows there and makes the waters fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that every living creature which swarmeth, in every place whither the rivers come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters are come thither, and the waters of the sea shall be healed, and everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:9 presents a powerful prophetic vision of a miraculous river originating from God's Temple, declaring its transformative, life-giving, and healing power. This verse vividly portrays that wherever these divine waters flow, all living things will thrive, barrenness will be replaced by abundant life, and decay will give way to complete restoration, culminating in an unprecedented superabundance of fish in formerly desolate waters. It profoundly underscores God's sovereign ability to bring vitality and flourishing to the deepest forms of spiritual and physical barrenness, signifying a comprehensive renewal initiated by His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Ezekiel's climactic vision of the new Temple and the restored land, detailed in [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40-48 "Ezekiel's Vision of the New Temple and Land"). Specifically, [Ezekiel 47](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The River of Life") introduces a miraculous river that flows eastward from the very threshold of the Temple. The prophet, guided by an angelic figure, observes the stream's astonishing growth from a shallow trickle to an uncrossable river within a short distance, as described in [the rapid deepening of the waters](/ezekiel/47-3-5 "Ezekiel 47:3-5 - The Deepening River"). Its ultimate destination is the Dead Sea, explicitly identified as the "sea of salt" in [Ezekiel 47:11](/ezekiel/47-11 "Ezekiel 47:11 - The Dead Sea Transformed"), which it transforms from a desolate, lifeless body of water into a vibrant, teeming ecosystem. This entire vision serves as a profound symbol of God's ultimate restoration of His people and land after the Babylonian exile, with His life-giving presence at the very center.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophecies during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of profound national despair and spiritual desolation for Israel. The glorious Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed, the land laid waste, and the majority of the population deported. In this context of utter hopelessness, Ezekiel's visions offered immense comfort and a promise of future restoration far grander than anything previously conceived. The imagery of a life-giving river in a parched land would have resonated deeply with an ancient Near Eastern audience, where water was universally understood as synonymous with life, fertility, and divine blessing, especially in arid regions like Judah. The Dead Sea, infamous for its extreme salinity and inability to support any life, served as a stark, tangible symbol of barrenness, death, and divine judgment. The transformation of this notoriously lifeless sea into a thriving fishery, as depicted in [this vision](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The River of Life"), would have been perceived as an utterly miraculous and unprecedented act of divine power, signifying a complete reversal of judgment and the dawn of a new, abundant era.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme permeating [Ezekiel 47](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The River of Life") and particularly highlighted in [Ezekiel 47:9](/ezekiel/47-9 "Ezekiel 47:9 - Life from the River") is **Divine Restoration and Life**. The river powerfully symbolizes God's restorative power, bringing life where there was death, healing where there was decay, and abundance where there was barrenness. This theme is intricately linked to **God's Presence as the Source of Blessing**, as the river's origin directly from the Temple signifies that all true vitality flows from His dwelling place. The "very great multitude of fish" mentioned in [the verse](/ezekiel/47-9 "Ezekiel 47:9 - Multitude of Fish") underscores the theme of **Supernatural Abundance and Fruitfulness**, indicating that God's blessings are not merely sufficient but overflowing beyond natural limits. Finally, the river's expansive reach, extending "whithersoever the rivers shall come," hints at the **Universal Scope of God's Redemptive Work**, suggesting that His life-giving influence will extend far beyond the immediate land of Israel, encompassing all creation. These themes collectively paint a vivid picture of comprehensive renewal initiated and sustained by God Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **liveth / shall live (Hebrew, _chay'_ / _châyâh'_ / _châyay'_):** The KJV text uses "liveth" (H2416, _chay_) and "shall live" (H2421, _châyâh_; H2425, _châyay_). H2416 (_chay_) describes something as "alive," possessing vitality, or being a "living thing." H2421 (_châyâh_) and H2425 (_châyay_), both primitive roots, mean "to live" in a broad sense, encompassing existence, but also "to revive," "quicken," "restore to life," or "make whole." The repetition of this root throughout the verse emphasizes not merely existence, but a vibrant, flourishing, and renewed state of being, signifying a profound reversal of death, decay, and barrenness.
* **healed (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** From H7495 (_râphâʼ_), this word literally means "to mend (by stitching)" and figuratively "to cure" or "make whole." It implies a complete and effective recovery from damage, sickness, or corruption. In the context of the Dead Sea, it signifies a radical transformation from a toxic, lifeless environment to one capable of sustaining abundant life. This points to God's power to restore even the most broken, diseased, and barren aspects of creation, bringing them to a state of wholeness and health.
* **fish (Hebrew, _dâgâh'_):** From H1710 (_dâgâh_), this is a collective feminine noun meaning "fish." The mention of a "very great multitude of fish" (combining H1710 with H3966 _mᵉʼôd_ "very" and H7227 _rab_ "great, abundant") highlights the extraordinary and supernatural abundance that will characterize the transformed waters. It signifies a complete reversal of the Dead Sea's natural barrenness, demonstrating God's capacity to bring forth life and fruitfulness in overwhelming, unprecedented measure, far beyond any natural expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, [that] every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live:":** This opening clause establishes the universal and life-giving impact of the river. "Every thing that liveth, which moveth" refers to all animate creatures, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the life imparted, extending to all forms of biological existence. The phrase "whithersoever the rivers shall come" highlights the expansive and unhindered reach of this divine influence, indicating that its restorative power is not confined but extends to every place the life-giving waters touch. The repeated promise that these things "shall live" underscores the certainty, vitality, and comprehensive nature of this miraculous transformation.
* **"and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither:":** This part specifies a remarkable and tangible outcome of the river's flow: an unprecedented abundance of fish. This is particularly significant given the Dead Sea's natural inability to support aquatic life. The description "very great multitude" emphasizes the supernatural scale of this blessing, far exceeding any natural expectation or human capability. The reason for this miraculous abundance is explicitly stated: "because these waters shall come thither," directly attributing the life and fruitfulness solely to the divine river and its inherent power.
* **"for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.":** This concluding clause reiterates and explains the fundamental mechanism of transformation. The waters themselves, and by extension the environment they touch, "shall be healed," implying a reversal of their inherent corruption, toxicity, or barrenness. This divine healing is presented as the prerequisite for life. The final repetition of "every thing shall live whither the river cometh" powerfully reinforces the central theme of life and comprehensive restoration, making it unequivocally clear that the river is the ultimate, sole source of vitality and flourishing wherever its influence extends.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound prophetic message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the river serving as a potent symbol of God's life-giving Spirit, His healing power, and the overflowing blessings that emanate from His very presence. The Dead Sea, historically a stark symbol of death, barrenness, and divine judgment, undergoes a radical transformation, becoming a powerful symbol of new creation and divine reversal. The "very great multitude of fish" symbolizes supernatural abundance, fruitfulness, and the complete reversal of natural limitations. **Repetition** of the word "live" (using various forms of the Hebrew root _chay_) throughout the verse ("liveth," "shall live") powerfully emphasizes the central theme of vitality, renewal, and the comprehensive nature of the divine restoration. Furthermore, the description of an *unprecedented* "very great multitude of fish" in a previously lifeless sea employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the extraordinary, miraculous scale of God's restorative work, surpassing all natural expectations and human capabilities. The entire passage functions as an **Allegory**, where the physical transformation of the land and sea points to deeper spiritual realities of redemption, healing, and comprehensive renewal for God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:9 profoundly illustrates God's character as the ultimate source of life, healing, and superabundant provision. It reveals His unwavering commitment to restoring what is broken, not merely to its former state, but to a condition of even greater flourishing and vitality. The river flowing directly from the Temple signifies that true spiritual and physical vitality originates from God's dwelling place and His active, life-imparting presence among His people. This vision transcends a purely physical restoration of the land, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality where God's Spirit brings life to barren souls, heals the deepest wounds of sin and brokenness, and transforms the spiritual wilderness into a garden. It foreshadows a new creation where God's redemptive power transforms all things, replacing desolation with vibrant, overflowing life, culminating in a restored relationship between God and His creation.

* [Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1-2 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River of the Water of Life")
* [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")
* [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - Planted by Streams of Water")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:9 offers a profoundly hopeful and transformative message for believers today. Just as the miraculous river brought life and healing to the desolate Dead Sea, so too does God's Spirit and the Gospel bring spiritual vitality to lives that are barren, broken, or spiritually dead. This verse encourages us to recognize that no situation, whether personal, relational, or societal, is beyond the reach of God's restorative power. It calls us to actively draw near to the divine source of life—God Himself, revealed in Christ—and to allow His healing waters to flow through our own hearts and minds, cleansing, nourishing, and renewing us. As we are transformed by this divine flow, we are then called to be channels of this life-giving stream to others, bringing hope, healing, and spiritual abundance to a world in desperate need of God's touch. This passage reminds us that God's plan is not just for mere survival, but for overflowing, vibrant life, enabling us to participate in His ongoing work of renewal and restoration in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life do you perceive barrenness, spiritual dryness, or areas in need of healing, and how might you intentionally invite the "river of life" to flow into those areas?**
* **How does the promise of "healing" in this verse deepen your understanding of God's comprehensive restorative power, both personally and for the broader world?**
* **In what practical ways can you be a conduit for God's life-giving waters, bringing transformation and spiritual abundance to your family, community, or sphere of influence?**
* **What does the "very great multitude of fish" symbolize for your understanding of God's boundless generosity and the overflowing abundance He desires for His people and His creation?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the river flowing from the Temple?**

Answer: The river flowing from the Temple in [Ezekiel's vision](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The River of Life") is profoundly significant because it symbolizes that all true life, healing, and blessing originate directly from God's presence and His dwelling place among His people. In ancient Israelite theology, the Temple was considered the sacred nexus between heaven and earth, where God's glory resided and from which His blessings flowed. Therefore, the river's origin underscores that divine vitality is not a natural phenomenon but a supernatural outpouring directly from the Lord, emphasizing that God Himself is the ultimate and exclusive source of all spiritual and physical flourishing. This imagery finds a powerful echo in the New Testament, where Christ is presented as the new and greater Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")) and the ultimate source of living water ([John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Jesus, the Living Water")).

**Is this river a literal river or symbolic?**

Answer: While the vision in [Ezekiel 47](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The River of Life") describes a physical river with measurable depth and flow, biblical scholars generally interpret it as having both literal and profound symbolic dimensions. Literally, it envisions a transformed, fertile land in the future, where the desolate Dead Sea becomes a vibrant fishery, pointing to a future physical restoration. Symbolically, and more importantly for theological understanding, the river represents the life-giving power of God's Spirit, His healing grace, and the overflowing blessings that flow from His presence. This symbolic interpretation is strongly supported by New Testament references, where Jesus speaks of "rivers of living water" referring to the Holy Spirit ([John 7:38-39](/john/7-38-39 "John 7:38-39 - Rivers of Living Water")), and the book of Revelation depicts a similar "river of the water of life" flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb in the new creation ([Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1-2 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River of Life in New Jerusalem")). Thus, it is a multi-layered vision that points to both a future physical reality and, more significantly, to a spiritual reality of divine life and restoration that transcends a mere physical phenomenon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 47:9 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The life-giving river flowing from the Temple, transforming barrenness into abundance and death into vibrant life, powerfully foreshadows Christ as the true source of "living water." 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 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus, the Source of Living Water")). This "living water" is explicitly identified as the Holy Spirit, whom believers would receive after Jesus' glorification ([John 7:39](/john/7-39 "John 7:39 - The Spirit Given")). Through Christ's atoning work on the cross, the spiritual desolation and death caused by sin are healed, and new, abundant life is imparted to all who believe. Just as the Dead Sea was made to teem with fish, so too does the Gospel, empowered by the Spirit, bring forth a "multitude" of spiritual life, transforming dead hearts into vibrant communities of faith, a spiritual harvest of souls. The comprehensive healing promised in Ezekiel is realized in Christ's power to make us "new creations" ([2_corinthians/5-17](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), restoring us to fellowship with God and enabling us to bear spiritual fruit. Ultimately, the vision points to the eschatological reality of the New Jerusalem, where the "river of the water of life" flows eternally from the throne of God and of the Lamb, symbolizing unending life in His presence ([Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1-2 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River of Life in New Jerusalem")), a reality made possible only through the redemptive work of Christ.

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

John 7:37

¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

John 7:38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John 6:63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Ephesians 2:1

¶ And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Ephesians 2:5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)