Ezekiel 47:4

Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters [were] to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters [were] to the loins.

Again he measured {H4058} a thousand {H505}, and brought me through {H5674} the waters {H4325}; the waters {H4325} were to the knees {H1290}. Again he measured {H4058} a thousand {H505}, and brought me through {H5674}; the waters {H4325} were to the loins {H4975}.

He measured another thousand and had me wade through the water, which reached my knees. He measured another thousand and had me wade through water up to my waist.

Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water.

Again he measured a thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the loins.

Commentary

Ezekiel 47:4 continues the prophet Ezekiel's profound vision of a life-giving river flowing from the new temple, illustrating its miraculous and ever-increasing depth. After having measured the water to the ankles in the previous verse, the measuring angel leads Ezekiel further into the stream, revealing its progressive growth.

Context of Ezekiel 47:4

This verse is part of a larger prophetic vision found in Ezekiel chapters 40-48, which describes a restored temple, land, and people for Israel. The vision of the river in Ezekiel 47:1-12 is particularly significant, symbolizing God's life-giving presence and blessing flowing out to transform the barren land. Ezekiel 47:4 specifically highlights the river's increasing depth, moving from water up to the knees to water reaching the loins, indicating a deeper immersion and greater power.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Progressive Immersion: The most striking aspect of this verse is the progressive deepening of the water. It illustrates a gradual, yet profound, immersion in God's presence and Spirit. This progression from ankles to knees to loins (and later, a river to swim in) signifies a call to go deeper in one's spiritual walk, moving from merely wading to being fully enveloped.
  • Divine Guidance: Ezekiel is not left to navigate this deepening river alone. The measuring angel consistently "brought me through," emphasizing that this spiritual journey into deeper waters is guided by God's divine hand. This echoes the concept of being led by the Spirit.
  • Abundance and Life: The increasing volume of water points to the overflowing abundance of God's life, healing, and blessing. This river brings life wherever it flows, making the desert fertile and healing the Dead Sea (Ezekiel 47:9).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV accurately translates the Hebrew words for "knees" (birkayim) and "loins" (motnayim). While there isn't a complex linguistic nuance here, the emphasis is on the tangible physical progression. This tangible measurement underscores the reality and increasing impact of the spiritual blessing represented by the water. The action of "measured a thousand" (cubits, approximately 1,500 feet or 450 meters) at each stage highlights a systematic, divine expansion, not a random occurrence.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 47:4 serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian walk. Just as the river deepened, so too are believers called to experience a deeper immersion in God's Spirit and His truth. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding or experience of faith into a place where we are more fully dependent on and controlled by the Holy Spirit. This progressive deepening leads to greater spiritual vitality, fruitfulness, and an increased capacity to receive and impart God's life to others. It encourages a surrender to God's leading, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives, much like the life-giving waters transform the land. This vision ultimately points to the ultimate source of living water, Jesus Christ (John 7:38-39), and the future reality of God's presence in the new creation (Revelation 22:1-2).

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Cross-References

  • Colossians 1:6 (2 votes)

    Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:

  • Acts 19:10 (1 votes)

    And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

  • Acts 19:20 (1 votes)

    So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

  • Romans 15:19 (1 votes)

    Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.