Ezekiel 47:9
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.
Ezekiel 47:9 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes a scene in which a river brings life and healing wherever it flows. It speaks of the abundant life that will flourish as the waters reach different places, suggesting that life will be plentiful and sustainable. The imagery of fish in the river symbolizes abundance and prosperity, as fish are often seen as a symbol of fertility and wealth. The verse conveys a message of hope and restoration, indicating that wherever the river goes, there will be healing and renewal. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the promise of a better future. The verse highlights the power of water as a life-giving force and emphasizes the importance of being connected to a source of life and healing.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Ezekiel describes a vision where water flows from the Temple in Jerusalem, becoming a river that brings life wherever it goes. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen in the symbolic imagery used to convey the idea of spiritual renewal and restoration. The flowing river represents the life-giving presence of God, bringing healing and abundance to all living creatures. The multitude of fish in the river can be seen as a representation of the vast number of people who will be drawn to God's life-giving power and experience spiritual revival. Overall, this verse conveys the message that God's presence brings life and healing to all who are in need, emphasizing the transformative and restorative power of divine intervention in the lives of believers.
Ezekiel 47:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it shall come to pass, that every living creature which swarmeth, in every place whither the rivers come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters are come thither, and [the waters of the sea] shall be healed, and everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh.
World English Bible
It shall happen, that every living creature which swarms, in every place where the rivers come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters have come there, and the waters of the sea shall be healed, and everything shall live wherever the river comes.
Douay-Rheims
And every living creature that creepeth whithersoever the torrent shall come, shall live: and there shall be fishes in abundance after these waters shall come thither, and they shall be healed, and all things shall live to which the torrent shall come.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And euery thing that liueth, which moueth, wheresoeuer the riuers shall come, shall liue, and there shalbe a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be wholesome, and euery thing shall liue whither the riuer commeth.