King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:2 in the King James Version says “Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.”

Ezekiel 47:2 · KJV

Context

1

Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.

2

Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.

3

And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. the waters were: Heb. waters of the ankles

4

Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.

Read Ezekiel 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The guide leads Ezekiel 'out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side'—revealing the water's source and flow. The circuitous route (north gate, around outside, back to east gate) created anticipation and comprehensive perspective. The waters 'running out' (Hebrew פָּכָה, pakhah) on the 'right side' (south) recall the altar's position. This suggests life flows from God's presence through sacrifice—theological symbolism layered into architectural description. The Hebrew יָמִין (yamin, 'right side') often symbolizes blessing and favor (Psalm 16:11, 110:1). Reformed theology sees Christ's sacrifice (altar) as source of life-giving Spirit flowing to believers and through them to the world (John 7:37-39).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The detailed geographical description roots this vision in physical reality while pointing beyond literal fulfillment. The eastern gate's significance (glory's entrance, Ezekiel 43:2) connects to water's source. Jerusalem's actual topography slopes eastward toward Kidron Valley and Judean wilderness. The route 'about the way without' suggests the guide took Ezekiel outside the complex to view the water externally before immersing him internally. Ancient temple architecture often featured water sources—Solomon's bronze sea and lavers (1 Kings 7:23-39), pools of Bethesda and Siloam in later Jerusalem. The 'running out' imagery fulfills Joel's prophecy: 'a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD' (Joel 3:18) and Zechariah's vision of living waters from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How patient are you with God's 'circuitous routes' that build anticipation before revealing blessings?
  2. Do you recognize Christ's sacrifice (altar) as the source from which all spiritual life flows?
  3. How does the water flowing on the 'right side' (favor, blessing) encourage confidence in God's goodness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיּוֹצִאֵנִי֮1 of 19

“Then brought he me out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

דֶּ֖רֶךְ2 of 19

“by the way”

H1870

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

שַׁ֣עַר3 of 19

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

צָפוֹנָה֒4 of 19

“northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וַיְסִבֵּ֙נִי֙5 of 19

“and led me about”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

דֶּ֖רֶךְ6 of 19

“by the way”

H1870

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

הַח֔וּץ7 of 19

“without unto the utter”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

אֶל8 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שַׁ֣עַר9 of 19

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַח֔וּץ10 of 19

“without unto the utter”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

דֶּ֖רֶךְ11 of 19

“by the way”

H1870

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

הַפּוֹנֶ֣ה12 of 19

“that looketh”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

קָדִ֑ים13 of 19

“eastward”

H6921

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

וְהִנֵּה14 of 19
H2009

lo!

מַ֣יִם15 of 19

“waters”

H4325

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

מְפַכִּ֔ים16 of 19

“and behold there ran out”

H6379

to pour

מִן17 of 19
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַכָּתֵ֖ף18 of 19

“side”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

הַיְמָנִֽית׃19 of 19

“on the right”

H3233

right (i.e., at the right hand)

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 47:2 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 47:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 44:2Ezekiel 44:4

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