Ezekiel 47:1
Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.
Ezekiel 47:1 · King James Version
Meaning
When the prophet Ezekiel was brought back to the door of the temple, he witnessed a miraculous sight: water flowing out from under the threshold of the house towards the east. The direction of the water flowing emphasizes its significance, as the east is often associated with new beginnings and the dawn of a new day. The water symbolizes life, purification, and spiritual renewal. The fact that it flowed from under the threshold of the house suggests that it originated from within the temple itself, signifying that true spiritual nourishment comes from God. Additionally, the south side of the altar where the water flowed from represents a place of sacrifice and worship, further highlighting the spiritual significance of the flowing water. This vision serves as a reminder that God is the source of all life and that through Him, we can find true satisfaction and renewal.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Ezekiel 47:1 focuses on the significance of the flowing waters that emerge from under the threshold of the temple. The imagery of water flowing from the temple represents the life-giving and purifying nature of God's presence. In the Old Testament, water was often used as a symbol of God's blessing, cleansing, and renewal. The fact that the water flows towards the east, where the sun rises, emphasizes the idea of new beginnings and restoration. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate renewal and restoration that will come with the presence of God in the world. The south side of the altar is also significant as it symbolizes the place of sacrifice and atonement. The flowing waters from this side of the temple could symbolize the cleansing power of God's forgiveness and the redemption offered through Jesus Christ. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to bring forth life, renewal, and restoration through His presence.
Ezekiel 47:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he brought me back unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward; (for the forefront of the house was toward the east;) and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, on the south of the altar.
World English Bible
He brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward; (for the forefront of the house was toward the east;) and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, on the south of the altar.
Douay-Rheims
And he brought me again to the gate of the house, and behold waters issued out from under the threshold of the house toward the east: for the forefront of the house looked toward the east: but the waters came down to the right side of the temple to the south part of the altar.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Afterward he brought me vnto the doore of the house: and behold, waters yssued out from vnder the threshold of the house Eastward: for the forefront of the house stoode towarde the East, and the waters ran downe from vnder the right side of the house, at the southside of ye altar.