King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 31:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 31:3 in the King James Version says “Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. with fair branches: Heb. fair of branches”

Ezekiel 31:3 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2

Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?

3

Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. with fair branches: Heb. fair of branches

4

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field. made: or, nourished him set: or, brought him up little rivers: or, conduits

5

Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth. when: or, when it sent them forth

Read Ezekiel 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The cedar metaphor depicts a mighty empire—beautiful, tall, far-reaching. The 'forest' represents the community of nations. Assyria's 'shadowy shroud' suggests protection provided to vassal states. Yet despite grandeur, the cedar fell. This teaches that earthly kingdoms, however magnificent, are temporary. Only God's kingdom endures forever (Daniel 2:44).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyria's fall came swiftly—Nineveh destroyed in 612 BC after appearing invincible for centuries. This recent historical memory made the comparison powerful. Egypt would follow the same trajectory despite current strength.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms affect your priorities and allegiances?
  2. What does it mean to seek first God's eternal kingdom rather than temporary earthly success?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הִנֵּ֨ה1 of 14
H2009

lo!

אַשּׁ֜וּר2 of 14

“Behold the Assyrian”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

אֶ֣רֶז3 of 14

“was a cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

בַּלְּבָנ֗וֹן4 of 14

“in Lebanon”

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

יְפֵ֥ה5 of 14

“with fair”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

עָנָ֛ף6 of 14

“branches”

H6057

a twig (as covering the limbs)

וְחֹ֥רֶשׁ7 of 14

“shroud”

H2793

a forest (perhaps as furnishing the material for fabric)

מֵצַ֖ל8 of 14

“and with a shadowing”

H6751

to shade, as twilight or an opaque object

וּגְבַ֣הּ9 of 14

“and of an high”

H1362

lofty (literally or figuratively)

קוֹמָ֑ה10 of 14

“stature”

H6967

height

וּבֵ֣ין11 of 14
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

עֲבֹתִ֔ים12 of 14

“was among the thick boughs”

H5688

something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage

הָיְתָ֖ה13 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

צַמַּרְתּֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“and his top”

H6788

fleeciness, i.e., foliage

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 31:3 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 31:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 10:33-34Daniel 4:20-23Daniel 4:10Ezekiel 17:3-4Judges 9:15Ezekiel 17:22

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
LebanonRegion · Modern: Jezzine · 33.54°N, 35.58°E57 verses across 16 books
View all places in Ezekiel 31 →

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