King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 47:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 47:7 in the King James Version says “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: H...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 47:7 · KJV

Context

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

8

Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. desert: or, plain

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

Read Ezekiel 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'very many trees on the one side and on the other' represent abundant fruitfulness resulting from the river's life-giving flow. Trees symbolize righteous individuals (Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:7-8) or nations (Daniel 4:10-12). The Hebrew עֵץ (ets, 'tree') recalls Eden (Genesis 2:9), promising paradise restoration. The bilateral placement—'one side and on the other'—suggests comprehensive blessing, not selective favor. Where God's Spirit flows, life multiplies exponentially. This anticipates verse 12's description of fruit-bearing trees with healing leaves. Reformed theology sees the church as these trees—planted by God's life-giving presence, bearing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), providing healing to nations (Revelation 22:2). The trees' sudden appearance after Ezekiel's return emphasizes that recognizing God's work requires proper perspective—stepping back to see the whole, not remaining immersed in details.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Desert landscapes transforming into lush forests appears throughout prophetic literature. Isaiah prophesied desert blooming (Isaiah 35:1-2, 41:18-19), fir trees replacing thorns (Isaiah 55:13). Joel described restored fertility after locust devastation (Joel 2:21-27). These images contrasted with exile's barrenness, promising restoration abundance. Ancient Near Eastern cosmology depicted sacred trees at cosmic centers, but Israel's vision uniquely emphasizes living God as life-source, not nature mysticism. Palm trees adorned the temple (Ezekiel 40:16), symbolizing righteousness and victory (Psalm 92:12). The banks covered with trees recall Psalm 1:3 and Jeremiah 17:8—those planted by water thrive. Revelation's tree of life (Revelation 22:2) with leaves for healing nations fulfills this vision—ultimate restoration of Genesis 2-3.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your life exhibit the fruitfulness expected from being 'planted' by God's life-giving Spirit?
  2. How do you function as a tree providing shade, fruit, and healing to others through proximity to God's presence?
  3. What perspective shift (returning to the brink) might reveal God's abundant work you've missed while immersed in daily details?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בְּשׁוּבֵ֕נִי1 of 10

“Now when I had returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְהִנֵּה֙2 of 10
H2009

lo!

אֶל3 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׂפַ֣ת4 of 10

“behold at the bank”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

הַנַּ֔חַל5 of 10

“of the river”

H5158

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

עֵ֖ץ6 of 10

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

רַ֣ב7 of 10

“many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מְאֹ֑ד8 of 10

“were very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

מִזֶּ֖ה9 of 10
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וּמִזֶּֽה׃10 of 10
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 47:7 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 47:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 47:12Revelation 22:21 Kings 9:26Genesis 2:9-102 Kings 2:13

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