King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:22 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:”

Ezekiel 17:22 · KJV

Context

20

And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.

21

And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.

22

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:

23

In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.

Read Ezekiel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This prophetic reversal introduces messianic hope. God Himself will plant a 'tender twig' from David's line—the Messiah. While Babylon broke Judah's earthly kingdom, God will establish an eternal kingdom through Christ (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Luke 1:32-33). The 'high mountain' is Zion, from which Christ's reign extends worldwide.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during exile when David's throne was vacant, this promise sustained hope. The 'tender twig' (Hebrew 'yoneq') suggests vulnerability—Christ came not in political power but humble incarnation, fulfilling prophecy in unexpected ways.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's kingdom differ from worldly kingdoms in its origin, nature, and methods?
  2. Where do you see Christ's kingdom growing today from seemingly small and humble beginnings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כֹּ֤ה1 of 20
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙2 of 20

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 20

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה4 of 20

“GOD”

H3069

god

וְלָקַ֣חְתִּי5 of 20

“I will also take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אָ֗נִי6 of 20
H589

i

מִצַּמֶּ֧רֶת7 of 20

“of the highest branch”

H6788

fleeciness, i.e., foliage

הָאֶ֛רֶז8 of 20

“cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

הָרָמָ֖ה9 of 20

“of the high”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

וְנָתָ֑תִּי10 of 20

“and will set”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מֵרֹ֤אשׁ11 of 20

“from the top”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

יֹֽנְקוֹתָיו֙12 of 20

“of his young twigs”

H3127

a sprout

רַ֣ךְ13 of 20

“a tender one”

H7390

tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak

אֶקְטֹ֔ף14 of 20

“it I will crop off”

H6998

to strip off

וְשָׁתַ֣לְתִּי15 of 20

“and will plant”

H8362

to transplant

אָ֔נִי16 of 20
H589

i

עַ֥ל17 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַר18 of 20

“mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

גָּבֹ֖הַ19 of 20

“it upon an high”

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

וְתָלֽוּל׃20 of 20

“and eminent”

H8524

to pile up, i.e., elevate

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 17:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 17:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 2:6Isaiah 11:1-5Ezekiel 20:40Zechariah 6:12-13Isaiah 53:2Psalms 72:16

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