King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 31:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 31:11 in the King James Version says “I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have dri...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness. he: Heb. in doing he shall do unto him”

Ezekiel 31:11 · KJV

Salvation

Context

9

I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him.

10

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;

11

I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness. he: Heb. in doing he shall do unto him

12

And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.

13

Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches:

Read Ezekiel 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen—After comparing Pharaoh to Assyria as a great cedar (31:3-10), God declares Assyria's fate, foreshadowing Egypt's. אֵיל גּוֹיִם (ʾêl gôyim, 'mighty one of nations')—likely Babylon, who conquered Assyria (612 BC).

He shall surely deal with him—עָשׂוֹ יַעֲשֶׂה לוֹ (ʿāśô yaʿăśeh lô, 'doing he shall do to him')—emphatic construction guaranteeing thorough judgment. I have driven him out for his wickedness—גֵּרַשְׁתִּיהוּ (gērashtîhû, 'I have driven/expelled him') בְּרִשְׁעוֹ (bĕrishʿô, 'for his wickedness'). The verb גָּרַשׁ (gārash) often describes expulsion/exile—Adam from Eden (Genesis 3:24), Israel from the land (Leviticus 18:24). Assyria, like the great cedar cut down, was expelled for pride and wickedness. Egypt's parallel fate is inevitable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyria dominated the ancient Near East (745-612 BC) through brutal military campaigns, mass deportations, and cultural destruction. At its peak, Assyria seemed invincible—the 'great cedar.' Yet Babylon destroyed Nineveh (612 BC), and Assyrian identity vanished. Ezekiel uses this recent historical event (within living memory for exiles) as an object lesson: Egypt, similarly proud, will fall similarly hard.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does comparing Egypt to fallen Assyria function as a prophetic warning?
  2. What does expulsion 'for wickedness' teach about the moral dimension of judgment?
  3. How should the fate of seemingly invincible empires inform our view of current powers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְאֶ֨תְּנֵ֔הוּ1 of 9

“I have therefore delivered”

H5414

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

בְּיַ֖ד2 of 9

“him into the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֵ֣יל3 of 9

“of the mighty one”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

גּוֹיִ֑ם4 of 9

“of the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

יַֽעֲשֶׂה֙5 of 9

“deal”

H6213

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

יַֽעֲשֶׂה֙6 of 9

“deal”

H6213

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

ל֔וֹ7 of 9
H0
כְּרִשְׁע֖וֹ8 of 9

“for his wickedness”

H7562

a wrong (especially moral)

גֵּרַשְׁתִּֽהוּ׃9 of 9

“with him I have driven him out”

H1644

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

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 31:11 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 31:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nahum 3:18Daniel 5:18-19Deuteronomy 18:12Ezekiel 32:11-12Leviticus 20:22-23Ezekiel 11:9

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