King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 31:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 31:5 in the King James Version says “Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches beca...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 31:5 · KJV

Context

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

6

All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations.

7

Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.

Read Ezekiel 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The cedar grew 'higher than all the trees of the field'—Assyria surpassed all nations in power and glory. The source: abundant waters (God's provision). Yet height and prosperity contain seeds of pride. The 'boughs multiplied' and 'branches became long' depict expansionism and imperialism. Unchecked growth without accountability to God leads to overreach and fall.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Assyria's empire at its height (circa 660 BC under Ashurbanipal) extended from Egypt to Persia, from Anatolia to the Persian Gulf. This unprecedented reach made them the ancient world's superpower—until God determined their time was finished.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can success and growth become spiritual dangers if they lead to pride and self-sufficiency?
  2. What safeguards do you have in place to maintain humility and God-dependence during seasons of blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
עַל1 of 14
H5921

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

כֵּן֙2 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

גָּבְהָ֣א3 of 14

“was exalted”

H1361

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

קֹמָת֔וֹ4 of 14

“Therefore his height”

H6967

height

מִכֹּ֖ל5 of 14
H3605

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

עֲצֵ֣י6 of 14

“above all the trees”

H6086

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

הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה7 of 14

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וַתִּרְבֶּ֨ינָה8 of 14

“were multiplied”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

סַֽרְעַפֹּתָ֜יו9 of 14

“and his boughs”

H5634

a twig

וַתֶּאֱרַ֧כְנָה10 of 14

“became long”

H748

to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)

פֹארֹתָ֛ו11 of 14

“and his branches”

H6288

properly, ornamentation, i.e., (plural) foliage (including the limbs) as bright green

מִמַּ֥יִם12 of 14

“of waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רַבִּ֖ים13 of 14

“because of the multitude”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

בְּשַׁלְּחֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“when he shot forth”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

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 31:5 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 31:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 4:11Ezekiel 17:5Psalms 1:3Isaiah 36:18-19Isaiah 10:8-14Isaiah 36:4

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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