King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:10 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

Ezekiel 47:10 · KJV


Context

8

Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. desert: or, plain

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. rivers: Heb. two rivers

10

And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

11

But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt. shall not: or, and that which shall not be healed

12

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine. shall grow: Heb. shall come up new: or, principal for medicine: or, for bruises and sores


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The fishers from En-gedi to En-eglaim spreading nets indicates economic revival and abundant provision. Fish represent souls (Matthew 4:19, Luke 5:10), and fishing pictures gospel ministry bringing people into God's kingdom. The fish 'according to their kinds... exceeding many' suggests ethnic diversity—'every kindred, tongue, people, and nation' (Revelation 5:9, 7:9). The phrase 'as the fish of the great sea' (Mediterranean) contrasts Dead Sea's former sterility with new abundance matching the ocean's teeming life. Reformed theology sees this as picturing gospel harvest—seemingly dead religious systems revitalized by Spirit's power. The fishers' activity indicates human cooperation with divine provision: God provides fish (converts), but fishers must spread nets (evangelism, discipleship). This balances divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

En-gedi (meaning 'spring of the young goat') was an oasis on Dead Sea's western shore where David hid from Saul (1 Samuel 23:29, 24:1). Song of Solomon mentions its vineyards (Song of Solomon 1:14). En-eglaim's location is debated (possibly near Qumran or eastern Dead Sea shore). The two locations may represent Dead Sea's north-south extent, indicating comprehensive transformation. Ancient fishing involved casting nets (Matthew 4:18), drawing nets (John 21:6), and spreading nets for drying/repair (Matthew 4:21). Jesus called fishermen as disciples, promising to make them 'fishers of men' (Matthew 4:19). The early church's explosive growth fulfilled this vision—3,000 converts at Pentecost (Acts 2:41), multitudes added daily (Acts 2:47, 5:14), gospel spreading from Jerusalem to Rome (Acts 1:8, 28:30-31).

Reflection Questions

  1. How actively do you 'spread nets'—engaging in evangelism and discipleship—versus passively hoping others do it?
  2. What does the fish's diversity ('according to their kinds') teach about ethnic diversity in God's kingdom?
  3. How does transforming the Dead Sea (impossible task) encourage faith for seemingly impossible revival in your context?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהָיָה֩1 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יעָמְד֨וּ2 of 20

shall stand

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עָלָ֜יו3 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דַּוָּגִ֗ים4 of 20

And it shall come to pass that the fishers

H1728

a fisherman

מֵעֵ֥ין5 of 20
H0
גֶּ֙דִי֙6 of 20

upon it from Engedi

H5872

en-gedi, a place in palestine

וְעַד7 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֵ֣ין8 of 20
H0
עֶגְלַ֔יִם9 of 20

even unto Eneglaim

H5882

en-eglajim, a place in palestine

מִשְׁט֥וֹחַ10 of 20

they shall be a place to spread forth

H4894

a spreading-place

לַֽחֲרָמִ֖ים11 of 20

nets

H2764

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

יִהְי֑וּ12 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְמִינָה֙13 of 20

shall be according to their kinds

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

תִּהְיֶ֣ה14 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּדְגַ֛ת15 of 20

as the fish

H1710

fish

כִּדְגַ֛ת16 of 20

as the fish

H1710

fish

הַיָּ֥ם17 of 20

sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

הַגָּד֖וֹל18 of 20

of the great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

רַבָּ֥ה19 of 20

many

H7227

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

מְאֹֽד׃20 of 20

exceeding

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or


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 47:10 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 47:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study