King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:4 in the King James Version says “Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thous...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 47:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.

Read Ezekiel 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The progression—ankles to knees to waist (loins)—depicts increasing immersion in God's Spirit and purposes. Knee-deep water (Hebrew בִּרְכַּיִם, birkaim) requires greater commitment; one can't casually wade but must deliberately engage. Waist-deep water (מָתְנַיִם, motnaim—loins) represents the center of strength and reproductive capacity—God's work affecting core identity and fruitfulness. Each thousand-cubit interval maintains consistent progression, teaching that spiritual growth follows divinely ordered stages, not haphazard fluctuation. The guide repeatedly brings Ezekiel 'through the waters,' emphasizing experiential knowledge over academic theory. Reformed theology sees progressive sanctification: justification (initial salvation—ankle deep), sanctification (ongoing transformation—knee to waist deep), glorification (ultimate perfection—swimming depth). Growth requires patient endurance; instant maturity is impossible. The water's increasing depth comes from the source, not Ezekiel's effort—grace enables growth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical imagery frequently uses water depth metaphorically. Jonah's drowning experience represented death and resurrection (Jonah 2:3-6). Israel's Red Sea crossing combined judgment (Egyptians drowned) and salvation (Israel passed through) (Exodus 14:21-29). Psalm 69:1-2 depicts overwhelming troubles as deep waters. Psalm 42:7 describes affliction as 'deep calleth unto deep.' The waist-deep measurement is particularly significant—Levitical priests washed at this level (Exodus 30:19-21), and circumcision (sign of covenant) occurred at the loins (Genesis 17:10-14). As the water reaches the loins, it touches the seat of covenant identity and generational transmission. This suggests God's work affects not only individuals but produces fruit for future generations—faithful discipleship reproduces itself.

Reflection Questions

  1. At which depth are you currently—knees or loins—and what's preventing progression to the next stage?
  2. How does the waist-deep water affecting 'loins' (reproductive capacity) speak to spiritual fruitfulness and discipling others?
  3. What does patient, measured progression (1,000 cubits at a time) teach about unrealistic expectations for instant maturity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיָּ֣מָד1 of 11

“Again he measured”

H4058

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

אֶ֔לֶף2 of 11

“a thousand”

H505

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

וַיַּעֲבִרֵ֖נִי3 of 11

“and brought me through”

H5674

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

מֵ֥י4 of 11

“the waters”

H4325

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

מֵ֥י5 of 11

“the waters”

H4325

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

בִּרְכָּ֑יִם6 of 11

“were to the knees”

H1290

a knee

וַיָּ֣מָד7 of 11

“Again he measured”

H4058

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

אֶ֔לֶף8 of 11

“a thousand”

H505

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

וַיַּעֲבִרֵ֖נִי9 of 11

“and 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 11

“the waters”

H4325

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

מָתְנָֽיִם׃11 of 11

“were to the loins”

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

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 47:4 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 47:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:6

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