King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:24 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:24 in the King James Version says “And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, ha... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 17:24 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's sovereign reversal of human expectations is a constant biblical theme. He brings down the proud and lifts the humble (1 Samuel 2:7-8, Luke 1:52). The 'green tree' and 'dry tree' represent worldly power versus God's chosen instruments. Christ's kingdom came through crucifixion and resurrection, not military might—the ultimate reversal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This principle was demonstrated when Babylon fell to Persia, Persia to Greece, Greece to Rome—all part of God's sovereign plan culminating in Christ's first advent during Roman occupation (Galatians 4:4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's kingdom values reverse worldly definitions of success, power, and greatness?
  2. Where is God calling you to trust His power through weakness rather than relying on human strength?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְֽיָדְע֞וּ1 of 23

shall know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כָּל2 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֵ֣ץ3 of 23

And all the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה4 of 23

of the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

כִּ֣י5 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֤י6 of 23
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 23

I the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הִשְׁפַּ֣לְתִּי׀8 of 23

have brought down

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

עֵ֣ץ9 of 23

And all the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

גָּבֹ֗הַ10 of 23

the high

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

הִגְבַּ֙הְתִּי֙11 of 23

have exalted

H1361

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

עֵ֣ץ12 of 23

And all the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שָׁפָ֔ל13 of 23

the low

H8217

depressed, literally or figuratively

הוֹבַ֙שְׁתִּי֙14 of 23

have dried

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

עֵ֣ץ15 of 23

And all the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

לָ֔ח16 of 23

up the green

H3892

fresh, i.e., unused or undried

וְהִפְרַ֖חְתִּי17 of 23

to flourish

H6524

to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

עֵ֣ץ18 of 23

And all the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

יָבֵ֑שׁ19 of 23

and have made the dry

H3002

dry

אֲנִ֥י20 of 23
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה21 of 23

I the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי22 of 23

have spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְעָשִֽׂיתִי׃23 of 23

and have done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application


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 17:24 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 17:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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