What does Ezekiel 47:2 mean?
"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

Ezekiel 47:2 (KJV) states, "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."
The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament and is attributed to the prophet Ezekiel who was a contemporary of Jeremiah. The book is a collection of his prophecies and visions that he received from God during the period of the Babylonian exile. The overall theme of the book centers around God's judgment and restoration of Israel. It includes messages of warning, punishment, and hope for redemption.
In this verse, Ezekiel is being led by an angelic figure. The angel leads him out of the north gate of the temple and takes him around to the outside of the temple through the eastern gate. As he is being led, Ezekiel observes water flowing out of the temple on the right side. This imagery is significant in understanding the broader context of the passage.
The flowing water is a symbol of life and renewal. In the arid and desert region where Ezekiel lived, water was precious and essential for survival. In the Bible, water often represents purification, life, and the Holy Spirit. The imagery of water flowing out from the temple symbolizes God's life-giving power and the restoration of His people. It can be seen as a promise of renewal and transformation.
The direction of the water flow is also significant. In the Bible, the east is often associated with the presence and glory of God. The fact that the water flows eastward from the temple signifies that it is flowing towards God's presence. This can be interpreted as a symbol of the restoration of the relationship between God and His people. It is a sign of God's grace and mercy towards His people, leading them back to Himself.
The mention of the right side is also symbolic. In the Bible, the right side is often associated with strength, authority, and blessing. The fact that the water flows on the right side further emphasizes the positive and life-giving nature of the water. It symbolizes God's favor and blessing upon His people.
The imagery of the flowing water in this verse is later developed in the subsequent verses of Ezekiel 47, where the water gradually deepens and spreads, bringing life and fertility to the land. This vision can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual renewal and restoration of God's people. It speaks to the hope of a future restoration and reconciliation with God.
In a broader sense, this verse also speaks to the universal themes of God's grace and His desire to bring life and renewal to His people. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His promise to restore and bless those who turn to Him.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 47:2 is a powerful and evocative verse that communicates the themes of renewal, restoration, and God's life-giving power. The imagery of the flowing water from the temple symbolizes God's grace and His desire to bring life and blessing to His people. It is a message of hope and encouragement, reminding us of God's faithfulness and His promise to renew and restore His people.
Have questions about Ezekiel 47:2?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ezekiel 47:2 Artwork
Ezekiel 47:2 - "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."
"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
ezekiel 47:8-10
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:8-10
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:8-10
ezekiel 47:1-12
Ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:8-10
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:1-12
ezekiel 47:8-10
ezekiel 47:1-12
Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
Ezekiel 47:21 - "So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel."
Ezekiel 47:11 - "But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt."
Ezekiel 47:17 - "And the border from the sea shall be Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side."
Ezekiel 47:7 - "Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other."
Ezekiel 47:16 - "Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazar-hatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran."
Ezekiel 40:47 - "So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house."
Ezekiel 47:15 - "And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;"
Ezekiel 47:19 - "And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward."