Ezekiel 47:9

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Ezekiel 47:9 (KJV)

Ezekiel 47:9 is a vivid and hopeful prophecy describing the transformative power of a miraculous river flowing from the new Temple. This verse emphasizes the profound life, healing, and abundance that emanate from God's divine presence, bringing vitality wherever its waters reach.

Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's extensive vision, detailed in chapters 40-48, concerning a restored Temple and a renewed land after the Babylonian exile. The prophet is led by an angelic guide to witness a small stream emerging from under the threshold of the Temple. As he follows its course eastward, the stream rapidly deepens into a mighty river, becoming impassable by foot (Ezekiel 47:5). This river flows into the desolate Arabah valley, transforming the barren Dead Sea (referred to as the "sea of salt" in Ezekiel 47:11) into a fresh, vibrant body of water teeming with life. The entire vision underscores God's commitment to restoration and His presence as the ultimate source of all blessing and life for His people.

Key Themes

  • Life and Healing: The central promise is that "every thing that liveth... shall live" and the waters "shall be healed." This signifies a complete reversal of death and decay, bringing forth spiritual and physical vitality. It speaks to God's unparalleled power to regenerate and restore what was lost or corrupted.
  • Abundance: The vision promises "a very great multitude of fish," symbolizing overflowing blessings and fruitfulness. Where there was barrenness, there will be superabundance, reflecting God's generous nature and the boundless resources available through His presence.
  • Divine Source: The river's origin from the Temple profoundly highlights that true life, healing, and prosperity flow directly from God's dwelling place and His active presence among His people. This reinforces the idea that all genuine restoration is divinely initiated.
  • Universal Reach: The phrase "whithersoever the rivers shall come" implies that the life-giving effects are not limited but extend broadly, transforming all areas they touch. This hints at the far-reaching impact of God's restorative work.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "live" repeated throughout this verse is chay (ื—ึทื™), which denotes not just mere existence but also vitality, flourishing, and spiritual well-being. The term "healed" comes from the Hebrew rapha (ืจึธืคึธื), meaning to mend, repair, or restore to health. This emphasizes a comprehensive and effective recovery from any form of damage or sickness, whether physical or spiritual.

Related Scriptures

The imagery of a life-giving river flowing from God's presence is a powerful motif found throughout scripture. This vision in Ezekiel strongly foreshadows the pure river of water of life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb in Revelation 22:1-2, symbolizing eternal life in the new creation. Jesus Himself spoke of "rivers of living water" flowing from within believers, referring to the Holy Spirit (John 7:39). The abundance promised in this verse echoes Christ's promise of abundant life in John 10:10, and the healing power aligns with God's character as the one who "sent his word, and healed them" in Psalm 107:20.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 47:9 offers profound hope and insight for believers today. Spiritually, this river represents the life-giving power of God's Spirit and the Gospel. Just as the Dead Sea was transformed, so too can spiritually dead or barren lives be brought to vibrant life through faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages us to seek the source of true life in God's presence and to allow His healing waters to flow through us, transforming our own lives and enabling us to be channels of His blessing to others. It reminds us that no situation is too desolate for God's restorative power to reach and revive.

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

Cross-References

  • John 7:37 (9 votes)

    ยถ 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 (9 votes)

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

  • John 6:63 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ยถ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 2:5 (4 votes)

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