King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 43:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 43:2 in the King James Version says “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.”

Ezekiel 43:2 · KJV

Context

1

Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:

2

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

3

And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. when: or, when I came to prophesy that the city should be destroyed

4

And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east.

Read Ezekiel 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In Ezekiel's temple vision, he witnesses God's glory returning: 'And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.' The glory that departed the temple (10:18-19, 11:23) now returns from the east—the same direction it departed. The 'noise of many waters' describes the thunderous sound accompanying divine presence (compare Revelation 1:15, 14:2, 19:6). The earth shining with God's glory depicts overwhelming radiance transforming the environment. This vision parallels Christ's transfiguration (Matthew 17:2) and anticipates the New Jerusalem needing no sun because God's glory illuminates it (Revelation 21:23). The return of glory validates restoration—God's presence with His people is fully restored.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's glory departed the temple before Jerusalem's destruction (chapters 8-11), around 592 BC. The vision of glory's return came later in Ezekiel's ministry (circa 573 BC, Ezekiel 40:1). This assured exiles that despite the temple's physical destruction (586 BC), God would return to dwell with His people. The second temple, built by returned exiles (completed 516 BC), lacked the visible glory cloud that filled Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), disappointing many (Haggai 2:3). Yet prophets assured that future glory would exceed former glory (Haggai 2:9). Ultimate fulfillment came when Jesus (God's glory incarnate, John 1:14) entered the second temple, and supremely when the Spirit filled the church at Pentecost (Acts 2), making believers God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of God's glory returning after judgment encourage you during seasons when His presence seems absent?
  2. In what ways do you see God's glory dwelling with His people fulfilled in Christ and the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהִנֵּ֗ה1 of 14
H2009

lo!

מִכְּבֹדֽוֹ׃2 of 14

“And behold the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

אֱלֹהֵ֣י3 of 14

“of the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בָּ֖א5 of 14

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ6 of 14

“from the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַקָּדִ֑ים7 of 14

“of the east”

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

כְּקוֹל֙8 of 14

“and his voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

כְּקוֹל֙9 of 14

“and his voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

מַ֣יִם10 of 14

“waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רַבִּ֔ים11 of 14

“of many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְהָאָ֖רֶץ12 of 14

“and the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הֵאִ֥ירָה13 of 14

“shined”

H215

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

מִכְּבֹדֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“And behold the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 43:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 43:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 18:1Isaiah 6:3Ezekiel 11:23Ezekiel 10:18-19Ezekiel 1:28Revelation 1:15

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