King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:11 in the King James Version says “But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt. shall not: or, an...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 47:11 · KJV

Context

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

13

Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.

Read Ezekiel 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'miry places and marishes... shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt' presents sobering exception to universal healing. The Hebrew בִּצָּה (bitsah, 'miry places') and גְּבָאִים (geva'im, 'marshes') are swampy, stagnant areas resisting the river's flow. These represent those who reject God's grace—given healing opportunity yet remaining in corruption. Salt symbolizes judgment, sterility, and preservation of death (Genesis 19:26, Deuteronomy 29:23, Jeremiah 17:6). This verse teaches that God's grace, while freely offered, can be refused. Reformed theology emphasizes sovereign grace while acknowledging human responsibility—God's effectual call saves the elect, yet those who resist remain under judgment. The marshes' preservation provides salt (useful commodity), suggesting even judgment serves divine purposes. Not all are healed because not all submit to the healing waters.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Dead Sea region's salt deposits were commercially valuable (Ezra 4:14). Lot's wife becoming salt pillar symbolized judgment (Genesis 19:26). Sowing salt on conquered cities ensured perpetual desolation (Judges 9:45). Jeremiah contrasted the righteous (tree by water) with the wicked (shrub in salt land, Jeremiah 17:5-8). Jesus warned about salt losing savor (Matthew 5:13), representing compromised witness. The marshes refusing healing illustrate the hardened heart—Pharaoh repeatedly resisting God's signs (Exodus 7-11), Israel in wilderness refusing to enter promised land (Numbers 14), Jerusalem rejecting Messiah (Matthew 23:37). Not all exposed to gospel respond—the same sun hardens clay and melts wax. This verse prevents universalism while maintaining God's genuine offer of grace to all.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are there 'marshy' areas of your life—stagnant, resisting God's transforming flow—that remain unhealed due to your resistance?
  2. How do you balance preaching universal gospel offer while recognizing that not all will respond positively?
  3. What does salt's preservation of judgment teach about eternal consequences for those who refuse God's healing grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בִּצֹּאתָ֧ו1 of 6

“But the miry places”

H1207

a swamp

וּגְבָאָ֛יו2 of 6

“thereof and the marishes”

H1360

a reservoir; by analogy, a marsh

וְלֹ֥א3 of 6
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵרָפְא֖וּ4 of 6

“thereof shall not be healed”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

לְמֶ֥לַח5 of 6

“to salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

נִתָּֽנוּ׃6 of 6

“they shall be given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

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 47:11 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 47:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 29:23Revelation 22:11Hebrews 6:4-8Judges 9:45Jeremiah 17:62 Peter 2:19-22

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