Ezekiel 47:12
And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.
Ezekiel 47:12 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the imagery of a river with trees growing on both sides symbolizes the abundance and fertility provided by the waters that flow from the sanctuary. The mention of trees bearing fruit that never withers and leaves that are always vibrant conveys the idea of eternal sustenance and healing. The continuous production of new fruit indicates a perpetual source of nourishment and vitality. The concept of the tree's fruit being for food and its leaves for medicine underscores the dual purpose of nature in providing both sustenance and healing properties. This verse serves as a reminder of the bountiful blessings and provision that come from a source of purity and sanctity, offering a vision of a paradise where all needs are met and health is maintained through the gifts of nature.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from Ezekiel emphasizes the significance of the river that flows out from the sanctuary of God. The river symbolizes the life-giving presence of God and His continuous provision for His people. The trees along the banks of the river represent abundant and everlasting sustenance, with their leaves never withering and their fruit continually renewing. This imagery is often seen as a metaphor for the spiritual refreshment and nourishment that believers receive from God's presence. The association of the leaves with medicine could also symbolize the healing and restoration that comes from being in close proximity to God and partaking of His goodness. Overall, this verse serves to remind readers of God's faithfulness and the blessings that come from being connected to Him.
Ezekiel 47:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not whither, neither shall the fruit thereof fail: it shall bring forth new fruit every month, because the waters thereof issue out of the sanctuary; and the fruit thereof shall be for food, and the leaf thereof for healing.
World English Bible
By the river on its bank, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not wither, neither shall its fruit fail: it shall produce new fruit every month, because its waters issue out of the sanctuary; and its fruit shall be for food, and its leaf for healing.
Douay-Rheims
And by the torrent on the banks thereof on both sides shall grow all trees that bear fruit: their leaf shall not fall off, and their fruit shall not fail: every month shall they bring forth firstfruits, because the waters thereof shall issue out of the sanctuary: and the fruits thereof shall be for food, and the leaves thereof for medicine.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And by this riuer vpon the brinke thereof, on this side, and on that side shall grow all fruitful trees, whose leafe shall not fade, neither shall ye fruit thereof faile: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his moneths, because their waters run out of ye Sanctuarie: and the fruite thereof shalbe meat, and the leafe thereof shalbe for medicine.