Lexical Summary sachu: To bow down, to prostrate Original Word: שָׂחוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to swim in From sachah; a pond (for swimming) -- to swim in. see HEBREW sachah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sachah Definition swimming NASB Translation swim (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שָׂ֔חוּ noun [masculine] Sta§ 192 a] swimming (on formation (and tone) Ges§ 84 a c Köii. I, 60, 497); — ׳מֵי שׂ Ezekiel 47:5. Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantics The term שָׂחוּ (sachu) is drawn from the verb “to swim” and denotes the act or capacity of swimming. In Ezekiel 47:5 it serves as a substantive idea—“waters to swim in”—signifying a depth that can no longer be forded on foot but must be negotiated by floating or stroking through the water. Biblical Occurrence Ezekiel 47:5 is the sole canonical use: “Again he measured a thousand cubits, and it was a river that I could not cross, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed.” (Berean Standard Bible). The prophet, escorted by an angelic guide, observes the trickle from the temple threshold enlarge until ordinary traversal becomes impossible; one must swim. Historical and Cultural Insights 1. Swimming in the Ancient Near East. Although Israel was bordered by the Mediterranean and pierced by the Jordan, textual references to swimming are rare, suggesting it was not commonplace in everyday life. The image therefore carries weight: crossing is no longer a pedestrian activity but an immersive experience, demanding total bodily engagement. Theological Significance 1. Overwhelming Grace. The deepening flow illustrates the inexhaustible grace of God. What begins as ankle-deep becomes a torrent. The believer’s experience of salvation parallels this progression—grace first apprehended, then waded, finally requiring full surrender. Related Biblical Themes • Rivers of Eden (Genesis 2:10–14) – Original provision and fellowship. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Discipleship Progression. Teachers can illustrate spiritual growth: start where the water touches the ankles (initial faith), proceed to knees (prayer life), loins (strength and fruitfulness), and finally lose footing, trusting God entirely. Christocentric Fulfillment The temple river finds its ultimate embodiment in Jesus Christ, “the fountain of living water” (Jeremiah 17:13; John 4:14). He is both temple (John 2:21) and spring. Through union with Him, believers do not merely observe the flow; they enter it—“deep enough to swim in.” Summary שָׂחוּ portrays the moment when divine provision surpasses human ability, compelling total immersion. From exile-era prophecy to eschatological consummation, it beckons every generation to forsake the safety of the riverbank and plunge into the fullness of God’s life-giving stream. Forms and Transliterations שָׂ֔חוּ שחו śā·ḥū Sachu śāḥūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 47:5 HEB: הַמַּ֙יִם֙ מֵ֣י שָׂ֔חוּ נַ֖חַל אֲשֶׁ֥ר NAS: [enough] water to swim in, a river KJV: waters to swim in, a river INT: the water water to swim A river after |
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