King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 19:2 Mean?
“And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.”
Context
1
Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,
2
And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.
3
And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.
4
The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(2) **Thy mother.**—Mother stands for the whole national community—the theocracy, as is plain from Ezekiel 19:10. This was represented, since the captivity of the ten tribes, by Judah; and her “princes,” of the line of David, were the legitimate kings of the whole nation. The figure of the lion is a common one in Scripture (see Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24; Numbers 24:9), and was also familiar in Babylonia.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 19:2 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 19:2
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge