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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 47:5 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/47-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/26_Ezk_47_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 47:5 - Waters from Under the Temple" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezekiel/47-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezekiel/47-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/">Ezekiel</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/47.htm">Chapter 47</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezekiel/47-4.htm" title="Ezekiel 47:4">◄</a> Ezekiel 47:5 <a href="/ezekiel/47-6.htm" title="Ezekiel 47:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ezekiel/47.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/47.htm">New International Version</a> He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/47.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then he measured another 1,750 feet, and the river was too deep to walk across. It was deep enough to swim in, but too deep to walk through. <a href="/esv/ezekiel/47.htm">English Standard Version</a> Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/47.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/47.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/47.htm">New King James Version</a> Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed. <a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/47.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not wade across, because the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be crossed by wading. <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/47.htm">NASB 1995</a> Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be forded. <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/47.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be forded. <a href="/lsb/ezekiel/47.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Again he measured one thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had become high—enough water to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. <a href="/amp/ezekiel/47.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Again he measured a thousand [cubits]; and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be crossed [by wading]. <a href="/csb/ezekiel/47.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Again he measured off a third of a mile, and it was a river that I could not cross on foot. For the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed on foot. <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/47.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Again he measured off a third of a mile, and it was a river that I could not cross on foot. For the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed on foot. <a href="/asv/ezekiel/47.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/ezekiel/47.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Another 500 meters downstream, the stream had become a river that could be crossed only by swimming. <a href="/erv/ezekiel/47.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/ezekiel/47.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then he measured another 1,500 feet. But the water had risen so much that it became a river which I couldn't cross. The river was too deep to cross except by swimming. <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/47.htm">Good News Translation</a> He measured 560 yards more, and there the stream was so deep I could not wade through it. It was too deep to cross except by swimming. <a href="/isv/ezekiel/47.htm">International Standard Version</a> When he had measured out another 1,000 cubits, the water had become deep enough that I wasn't able to ford it. Instead, I would have had to swim through it. <a href="/msb/ezekiel/47.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/ezekiel/47.htm">NET Bible</a> Again he measured 1,750 feet and it was a river I could not cross, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed. <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/47.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Afterward he measured one 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. <a href="/wbt/ezekiel/47.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters had risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. <a href="/web/ezekiel/47.htm">World English Bible</a> Afterward he measured one thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the waters had risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be walked through. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/47.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he measures one thousand—a stream that I am not able to pass over; for the waters have risen—waters to swim in—a stream that is not passed over. <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/47.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he measureth a thousand -- a stream that I am not able to pass over; for risen have the waters -- waters to swim in -- a stream that is not passed over. <a href="/slt/ezekiel/47.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will measure a thousand, a torrent which I shall not be able to pass through: for the waters rose, waters of swimming, a torrent which shall not be passed through.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/47.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he measured a thousand. and he brought me through the water up to the loins. And he measured a thousand, and it was a torrent, which I could not pass over: for the waters were risen so as to make a deep torrent, which could not be passed over. <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/47.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he measured one thousand, and he led me forward, through the water, up to the waist. And he measured one thousand, into a torrent, through which I was not able to pass. For the waters had risen to become a profound torrent, which was not able to be crossed. <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/47.htm">New American Bible</a> Once more he measured off a thousand cubits. Now it was a river I could not wade across. The water had risen so high, I would have to swim—a river that was impassable. <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/47.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/47.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Afterward he measured a thousand cubits; and it was a torrent that no man could cross; for the waters were risen so high and the stream had become so turbulent that no one could cross it. <a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/47.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he measured one thousand cubits, a stream that no man can cross, because the waters had increased, and the stream had become powerful, and no man was able to cross it<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezekiel/47.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/ezekiel/47.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> and again he measured a thousand; and he could not pass through: for the water rose as of a torrent which men cannot pass over. <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=14409" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/47.htm">Waters from Under the Temple</a> …4Then 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. 5<a href="/hebrew/4058.htm" title="4058: way·yā·māḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To measure. A primitive root: properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure; figuratively, to be extended.">Once again he measured off</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’e·lep̄ (Number-ms) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">a thousand cubits,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5158.htm" title="5158: na·ḥal (N-ms) -- Or nachlah; or nachalah; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; a valley; also a shaft.">but now it was a river</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ’ū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">I could</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: la·‘ă·ḇōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">cross,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ham·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">the water</a> <a href="/hebrew/1342.htm" title="1342: ḡā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To rise up. A primitive root; to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, be majestic.">had risen</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: mê (N-mpc) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/7813.htm" title="7813: śā·ḥū (N-ms) -- Swimming. From sachah; a pond.">was deep enough for swimming—</a> <a href="/hebrew/5158.htm" title="5158: na·ḥal (N-ms) -- Or nachlah; or nachalah; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; a valley; also a shaft.">a river</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">could not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: yê·‘ā·ḇêr (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">be crossed on foot.</a> 6“Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/revelation/22-1.htm">Revelation 22:1-2</a> Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb / down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. <a href="/zechariah/14-8.htm">Zechariah 14:8</a> And on that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the Eastern Sea and the other half toward the Western Sea, in summer and winter alike. <a href="/john/7-38.htm">John 7:38</a> Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” <a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Isaiah 55:1</a> “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! <a href="/joel/3-18.htm">Joel 3:18</a> And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of the LORD to water the Valley of Acacias. <a href="/psalms/46-4.htm">Psalm 46:4</a> There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. <a href="/revelation/21-6.htm">Revelation 21:6</a> And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. <a href="/isaiah/35-6.htm">Isaiah 35:6-7</a> Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. / The parched ground will become a pool, the thirsty land springs of water. In the haunt where jackals once lay, there will be grass and reeds and papyrus. <a href="/john/4-14.htm">John 4:14</a> But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.” <a href="/isaiah/44-3.htm">Isaiah 44:3</a> For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. <a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Revelation 7:17</a> For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” <a href="/jeremiah/17-8.htm">Jeremiah 17:8</a> He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a> He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. <a href="/isaiah/41-18.htm">Isaiah 41:18</a> I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs. <a href="/revelation/22-17.htm">Revelation 22:17</a> The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.<a href="/isaiah/11-9.htm">Isaiah 11:9</a> 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.<a href="/daniel/2-34.htm">Daniel 2:34,35</a> Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces… <a href="/habakkuk/2-14.htm">Habakkuk 2:14</a> For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/46-11.htm">Able</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-1.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-10.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-13.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-9.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">Ford</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-17.htm">Forded</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-4.htm">Measured</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-4.htm">Measureth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-4.htm">Measuring</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-15.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/37-3.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-11.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-3.htm">River</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-44.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-6.htm">Swim</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-4.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-4.htm">Water</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-4.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/2-11.htm">Able</a> <a href="/daniel/8-27.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/amos/5-5.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/daniel/2-22.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/hosea/4-10.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Ford</a> <a href="/joshua/2-23.htm">Forded</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-15.htm">Measured</a> <a href="/ruth/3-15.htm">Measureth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-10.htm">Measuring</a> <a href="/daniel/2-28.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/amos/3-3.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/amos/7-9.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-6.htm">River</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-6.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/acts/27-42.htm">Swim</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-8.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-8.htm">Water</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-8.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 47</div>1. <a href="/ezekiel/47-1.htm">The vision of the holy waters</a> 6. <a href="/ezekiel/47-6.htm">The virtue of them</a> 13. <a href="/ezekiel/47-13.htm">The borders of the land</a> 22. <a href="/ezekiel/47-22.htm">The division of it by lot</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/47.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/47.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Once again he measured off a thousand cubits The act of measuring in Ezekiel often signifies divine order and purpose. A cubit, approximately 18 inches, was a standard unit of measurement in ancient Israel. The repeated measurement of a thousand cubits suggests a progression in the vision, symbolizing the increasing depth and influence of God's presence and blessings. This measurement reflects the meticulous nature of God's plans, as seen in other parts of Ezekiel and the detailed instructions for the temple.but now it was a river that I could not cross The river represents the life-giving and transformative power of God. In biblical symbolism, water often signifies the Holy Spirit, cleansing, and renewal. The inability to cross the river indicates the overwhelming and boundless nature of God's grace and the spiritual life that flows from His presence. This imagery parallels the vision in <a href="/revelation/22.htm">Revelation 22:1-2</a>, where the river of life flows from the throne of God, emphasizing the eternal and abundant life found in Him.because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming The increasing depth of the water signifies the growing and expansive nature of God's kingdom. It suggests a transition from a limited understanding of God's work to a fuller, more immersive experience of His power and presence. This depth can be seen as a call to deeper faith and trust in God, moving beyond superficial engagement to a profound relationship with Him. The imagery of swimming implies total reliance on God's strength and guidance.a river that could not be crossed on foot This phrase underscores the supernatural aspect of God's work, which cannot be navigated or comprehended through human effort alone. It highlights the necessity of faith and dependence on God to experience the fullness of His promises. The river's uncrossable nature points to the inexhaustible and infinite nature of God's love and provision, echoing the themes of divine abundance and eternal life found throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a> A prophet of God who received visions and messages to deliver to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the primary figure receiving the vision in this passage. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_man_with_the_measuring_line.htm">The Man with the Measuring Line</a> A heavenly being or angelic figure guiding Ezekiel through the vision, measuring the depth of the river. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_river.htm">The River</a> Symbolic of God's life-giving presence and blessings, flowing from the temple, representing spiritual abundance and restoration. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The source of the river, symbolizing God's dwelling place and the origin of spiritual life and renewal. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_vision.htm">The Vision</a> A prophetic vision given to Ezekiel, illustrating the transformative power of God's presence and the future restoration of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_abundance_of_god's_blessing.htm">The Abundance of God's Blessing</a> The increasing depth of the river signifies the overflowing abundance of God's blessings and spiritual life available to His people. <a href="/topical/t/the_inexhaustible_nature_of_god's_presence.htm">The Inexhaustible Nature of God's Presence</a> The river that cannot be crossed on foot illustrates the boundless and immeasurable nature of God's presence and power. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_growth_and_depth.htm">Spiritual Growth and Depth</a> Just as the river deepens, believers are called to grow deeper in their relationship with God, moving from ankle-deep faith to a fully immersed life in Christ. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_renewal.htm">Restoration and Renewal</a> The vision points to God's promise of restoration and renewal, not only for Israel but for all who are in Christ, offering hope and healing. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> The inability to cross the river on foot reminds us of our need to rely on God's strength and guidance rather than our own efforts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_47.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 47</a> <a href="/q/why_do_ezekiel's_and_1_kings'_temples_differ.htm">What explains inconsistencies between the Temple vision in Ezekiel 40 and other biblical Temple descriptions, such as in 1 Kings 6-7?</a> <a href="/q/why_hasn't_ezekiel's_temple_been_built.htm">If Ezekiel's vision in Ezekiel 40 was meant as a literal blueprint, why hasn't this Temple been constructed in the centuries that followed?</a> <a href="/q/can_ezekiel's_river_freshen_the_dead_sea.htm">Ezekiel 47:8-9: Can the Dead Sea really be made fresh by this river, considering its high salinity and the lack of any historical or scientific precedent?</a> <a href="/q/why_aren't_ezekiel_47's_miracles_recorded.htm">Ezekiel 47:1-12: Why do no external historical records mention these miraculous changes to the land, casting doubt on a literal fulfillment of this prophecy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/47.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) A river that could not be passed over.--The whole distance measured is 4,000 cubits, or less than a mile and a half, during which the waters, without external addition, have swollen from a mere streamlet to an impassable river, in direct opposition to the ordinary fact in nature. A large part (1,500 cubits, or half of 3,000 cubits) of this distance must have been within the precincts described in <a href="/context/ezekiel/42-16.htm" title="He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.">Ezekiel 42:16-20</a>, but the prophet takes no notice of this, as the whole is ideal, and the precincts were to set forth one truth, the river another. The point thus far brought out is plainly the increase of the kingdom of God--the same truth illustrated by our Lord in the parable of the mustard seed (<a href="/context/matthew/13-31.htm" title="Another parable put he forth to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:">Matthew 13:31-32</a>), and often declared by the prophets (see <a href="/isaiah/11-9.htm" title="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.">Isaiah 11:9</a>; <a href="/habakkuk/2-14.htm" title="For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.">Habakkuk 2:14</a>; <a href="/daniel/2-44.htm" title="And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.">Daniel 2:44</a>; <a href="/daniel/7-27.htm" title="And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.">Daniel 7:27</a>; &c.). All history, since the Christian era, has been occupied with the fulfilment of the prophecy. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/47.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - After a fourth distance of a thousand cubits, the waters had risen, or, lifted themselves up (comp. <a href="/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11</a>, in which the verb is used of a plant growing up), and become waters to swim in - literally, waters of swimming (שָׂחוּ occurs only here; the noun צְפָה only in <a href="/ezekiel/32-6.htm">Ezekiel 32:6</a>) - a river that could not be passed over, on account of its depth. The word נָחַל was applied either to a river that constantly flowed from a fountain, as the Amen, or to a winter torrent that springs up from rain or snow upon the mountains, and disappears in summer like the Kedron, which had seldom any water in it (see Robinson's 'Bibl. Res.,' 1:402). That Ezekiel's river broadened and deepened so suddenly, and apparently without receiving into it any tributaries, clearly pointed to miraculous action. <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Once again he measured off וַיָּ֣מָד (way·yā·māḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4058.htm">Strong's 4058: </a> To stretch, to measure, to be extended a thousand [cubits], אֶ֔לֶף (’e·lep̄) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand but now it was a river נַ֕חַל (na·ḥal) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5158.htm">Strong's 5158: </a> A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft that אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I could אוּכַ֖ל (’ū·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> To be able, have power not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no cross, לַעֲבֹ֑ר (la·‘ă·ḇōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the water הַמַּ֙יִם֙ (ham·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen had risen גָא֤וּ (ḡā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1342.htm">Strong's 1342: </a> To mount up, to rise, be majestic [and] מֵ֣י (mê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen was deep enough for swimming— שָׂ֔חוּ (śā·ḥū) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7813.htm">Strong's 7813: </a> Swimming a river נַ֖חַל (na·ḥal) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5158.htm">Strong's 5158: </a> A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft that אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that could not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no be crossed on foot. יֵעָבֵֽר׃ (yê·‘ā·ḇêr) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-5.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 47:5 Afterward he measured one thousand (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/47-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 47:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 47:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/47-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 47:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 47:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>