King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:3 in the King James Version says “And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me thr...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 47:3 · 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.

5

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. waters to: Heb. waters of swimming

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The progressive depth measurement—ankle deep at 1,000 cubits—introduces the principle: God's blessings start small but increase exponentially. The Hebrew אָפֵס (ephes, 'ankle') suggests initial engagement is shallow, manageable, accessible. This prevents overwhelming newcomers while inviting deeper immersion. The thousand-cubit measurement (approximately 1,750 feet) indicates substantial progression—God's grace doesn't remain static but continually deepens. Reformed theology applies this to spiritual growth: initial faith (ankle deep) must progress toward maturity (swimming depth). Hebrews 5:11-14 warns against remaining perpetually in shallow waters. The guide brings Ezekiel 'through the waters,' not merely beside them—spiritual growth requires experiential engagement, not theoretical observation. Ankle-deep water is controllable; swimming depth requires surrender—picturing progression from self-reliance to complete dependence on God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The measuring reed (approximately 10.5 feet) times 1,000 cubits equals substantial distance, demonstrating methodical divine measurement. Ancient irrigation systems used progressive depth to manage water distribution—shallow channels for planting, deeper channels for storage. The thousand-cubit intervals suggest deliberate stages in God's purposes. Psalm 1:3 describes the righteous as 'a tree planted by the rivers of water,' thriving through proximity to life-source. Isaiah prophesied dry lands becoming pools (Isaiah 35:6-7, 41:18). This vision illustrates Joel's promise: 'I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh' (Joel 2:28). Church history shows similar pattern: Pentecost began as trickle (120 believers, Acts 1:15), grew to thousands (Acts 2:41), spread globally—God's kingdom advancing from small beginnings to worldwide impact.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you still ankle-deep in spiritual experience, or have you ventured into deeper waters of faith and commitment?
  2. What prevents you from moving beyond shallow, comfortable spirituality into depths that require complete dependence on God?
  3. How do you help others progress from ankle-deep initial faith toward mature, swimming-depth discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
בְּצֵאת1 of 12

“went forth”

H3318

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

הָאִ֥ישׁ2 of 12

“And when the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

קָדִ֖ים3 of 12

“eastward”

H6921

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

וְקָ֣ו4 of 12

“that had the line”

H6957

a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord

בְּיָד֑וֹ5 of 12

“in his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיָּ֤מָד6 of 12

“he measured”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

אֶ֙לֶף֙7 of 12

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה8 of 12

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וַיַּעֲבִרֵ֥נִי9 of 12

“and he brought me through”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

מֵ֥י10 of 12

“the waters”

H4325

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

מֵ֥י11 of 12

“the waters”

H4325

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

אָפְסָֽיִם׃12 of 12

“were to the ankles”

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

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 47:3 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 47:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:3Revelation 11:1Acts 11:16-18Acts 2:33Luke 24:49Zechariah 2:1

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 47 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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