Ezekiel 47:5 Explained in Context

Read It With

• Ezekiel 47:1–5

Read Ezekiel 47:5 with 47:1–5. By itself, “Afterward he measured a thousand” can be detached from the speaker, addressee, date, exilic horizon, visionary movement, or outcome that gives it force. The complete unit establishes: Water emerges from beneath the temple threshold eastward, passes south of the altar, and deepens at successive thousand-cubit measurements from ankles to an uncrossable river.

Why This Verse Appears Here

This received unit develops “Water Flows from the Temple and Deepens beyond Crossing” through its own speaker, addressee, date, vision, oracle, sign, lament, or measured space. Its non-interchangeable contribution is: Water emerges from beneath the temple threshold eastward, passes south of the altar, and deepens at successive thousand-cubit measurements from ankles to an uncrossable river. This verse's placement is specific: Ezekiel's measured final vision states or reports “Afterward he measured a thousand” at Ezekiel 47:5 as a specific part of “Water Flows from the Temple and Deepens beyond Crossing.”