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.

Other Translations of Ezekiel 47:3

New International Version

3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubitsThat is, about 1,700 feet or about 530 meters and then led me through water that was ankle-deep.

English Standard Version

3 Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits,A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep.

The Message

3 He walked to the east with a measuring tape and measured off fifteen hundred feet, leading me through water that was ankle-deep.

New King James Version

3 And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles.

New Living Translation

3 Measuring as he went, he took me along the stream for 1,750 feet and then led me across. The water was up to my ankles.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 47:3

Chapter Summary

These waters signify the gospel of Christ, which went forth from Jerusalem, and spread into the countries about; also the gifts and powers of the Holy Ghost which accompanied it, by virtue of which is spread far, and produced blessed effects. Christ is the Temple; and he is the Door; from him the living waters flow, out of his pierced side. They are increasing waters. Observe the progress of the gospel in the world, and the process of the work of grace in the heart; attend the motions of the blessed Spirit under Divine guidance. If we search into the things of God, we find some things plain and easy to be understood, as the waters that were but to the ankles; others more difficult, which require a deeper search, as the waters to the knees, or the loins; and some quite beyond our reach, which we cannot penetrate; but must, as St. Paul did, adore the depth, Romans 11. It is wisdom to begin with that which is most easy, before we proceed to that which is dark and hard to be understood. The promises of the sacred word, and the privileges of believers, as shed abroad in their souls by the quickening Spirit, abound where the gospel is preached; they nourish and delight the souls of men; they never fade nor wither, nor are exhausted. Even the leaves serve as medicines to the soul: the warnings and reproofs of the word, though less pleasant than Divine consolations, tend to heal the diseases of the soul. All who believe in Christ, and are united to him by his sanctifying Spirit, will share the privileges of Israelites. There is room in the church, and in heaven, for all who seek the blessings of that new covenant of which Christ is Mediator.