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Ordinary Time · The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica · Year A

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

The River from the Temple

November 9, 2026

The Fountain of Life, Workshop of Jan van Eyck
The Fountain of Life, Workshop of Jan van Eyck, c. 1445–1450Museo del Prado, Madrid
A Netherlandish panel with a river of living water running down the centre from the throne of the Lamb, with the church on one side and the synagogue on the other.Water was flowing out from below the threshold of the temple: Ezekiel's river is the subject, and the painting is built around it.Workshop of Jan van EyckPainted in or just after Van Eyck's Bruges workshop by assistants working to his patterns.Museo del Prado, MadridSpain's national collection, formed from what the Spanish crown had bought over three centuries, which is why its Titians and Rubenses are unmatched.Museo del Prado, Madrid
Roman Lectionary
GospelJohn 2:13-22Jn 2:13-22
Second Reading1 Cor. 3:9c-11, 16-171 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17
First ReadingEzek. 47:1-2, 8-9, 12Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
Responsorial PsalmPs. 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 (5)Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 (5)

Overview & Insights

"Where the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live." (Ezekiel 47:9)

In Ezekiel's vision water flows out from beneath the threshold of the temple and grows into a deep river. Wherever it goes it brings life, turning stagnant waters fresh, and along its banks stand trees whose fruit is food and whose leaves are for healing.

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Take it further: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

Commentary

Ezekiel 47: The River from the TempleEz 47: The River from the Temple Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the whole of Ezekiel 47.

Ezekiel 47:1 CommentariesEz 47:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Aggregates classic commentaries on the temple river in one place.

Gill's Exposition of Ezekiel 47Gill's Exposition of Ez 47 StudyLight

John Gill's verse by verse exposition of the whole chapter of Ezekiel 47.

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Explained Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre

Dr. Brant Pitre reads the temple river as fulfilled in the new temple of Christ and the church.

Background & Word Study

Ezekiel 47 in HebrewEz 47 in Hebrew Sefaria

The Hebrew text with English alongside and classical Jewish commentaries.

Ezekiel 47 Hebrew InterlinearEz 47 Hebrew Interlinear BibleHub

Hebrew word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the temple river.

Book of Ezekiel Overview (Ezekiel 34-48)Book of Ez Overview (Ez 34-48) BibleProject

An animated overview of the second half of Ezekiel, including the temple vision.

The Church Fathers

Catena on Ezekiel 47Catena on Ez 47 Catena

Patristic comments gathered verse by verse on the river flowing from the temple.

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