King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:5 in the King James Version says “Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to sw...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 47:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. bank: Heb. lip

Read Ezekiel 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The climax—'waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over'—represents complete immersion where self-sufficiency fails and total dependence on God's sustaining power becomes necessary. The Hebrew נַחַל (nachal, 'river') suggests torrential, powerful flow—no longer gentle stream but mighty flood. The phrase 'could not be passed over' (לֹא־יֵעָבֵר, lo-ye'aver) indicates human ability exhausted; swimming requires surrendering control, trusting buoyancy. This pictures fullness of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), complete sanctification, utter dependence on God. Reformed theology emphasizes that ultimate Christian experience isn't shallow wading but drowning in God's grace—'dying to self' (Galatians 2:20) to 'live in the Spirit' (Galatians 5:25). The river's uncrossable depth paradoxically represents both overwhelming power and perfect security—God's grace is infinite yet sustaining.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rivers held dual significance in Scripture: blessing and judgment. The Jordan River marked boundary into promised land (Joshua 3:13-17). David crossed Kidron fleeing Absalom (2 Samuel 15:23). Naaman's healing required Jordan immersion (2 Kings 5:10-14). Jesus' baptism in Jordan inaugurated public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17). Revelation's river of life flows from God's throne through New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1-2), representing eternal life abundant. Ancient irrigation made desert bloom (Isaiah 35:1-7, 41:18-19), foreshadowing Spirit's transforming power. The uncrossable river also recalls flood judgment (Genesis 7:17-24) and Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 14:21-29)—same water brings judgment or salvation depending on relationship with God. Swimming-depth water represents complete immersion in God's purposes—total commitment without reservation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you experienced 'swimming depth' Christianity where self-reliance fails and total dependence on God becomes necessary?
  2. What fears prevent you from surrendering control and plunging into the deep waters of complete consecration?
  3. How does the river's uncrossable depth simultaneously represent God's overwhelming power and His perfect sustaining grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיָּ֣מָד1 of 16

“Afterward he measured”

H4058

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

אֶ֔לֶף2 of 16

“a thousand”

H505

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

נַ֖חַל3 of 16

“a river”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא5 of 16
H3808

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

אוּכַ֖ל6 of 16

“that I could”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

יֵעָבֵֽר׃7 of 16

“not pass over”

H5674

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

כִּֽי8 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גָא֤וּ9 of 16

“were risen”

H1342

to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, (figuratively) be majestic

מֵ֣י10 of 16

“for the waters”

H4325

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

מֵ֣י11 of 16

“for the waters”

H4325

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

שָׂ֔חוּ12 of 16

“to swim in”

H7813

a pond (for swimming)

נַ֖חַל13 of 16

“a river”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא15 of 16
H3808

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

יֵעָבֵֽר׃16 of 16

“not pass over”

H5674

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

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 47:5 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 47:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 11:9Habakkuk 2:14Matthew 13:31-32Revelation 11:15Daniel 2:34-35Revelation 20:2-4

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