In this verse the attention turns away from the Dead Sea and back to the river.

And on the banks, on both sides of the river may be rendered “on both banks of the river” (New International Reader’s Version, New Century Version) or “along both sides of the river” (New Living Translation). See Ezek 47.7.

There will grow all kinds of trees for food may be translated “All kinds of fruit trees will grow” (New Century Version; similarly New Living Translation). Food here refers to any sort of food that grows on trees, for example, nuts as well as fruit.

Their leaves will not wither means “Their leaves will never dry out” (Contemporary English Version), as when a tree lacks water or is about to die.

Nor their fruit fail may be rendered “and they will never stop bearing fruit” (Good News Translation) or “and there will always be fruit on their branches” (New Living Translation).

But they will bear fresh fruit every month means new fruit will grow on the trees every month.

Because the water for them flows from the sanctuary: The reason why the leaves of these trees will never wither and die, and the trees will always have fruit on them, is “because the water for them comes from the Temple” (New Century Version). Everything mentioned in this verse is the miraculous result of the life-giving water that will flow out from the Temple.

Their fruit will be for food means people will be able to eat the fruit and nuts that grow on the trees.

And their leaves for healing means people will use the leaves to make “medicine” (New Century Version) for “healing people” (Good News Translation).

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .