King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 31:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 31:7 in the King James Version says “Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 31:7 · KJV


Context

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.

8

The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The cedar was 'fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches'—outward glory and far-reaching influence. The source: 'his root was by great waters.' Repeated emphasis on water-source teaches that all blessing flows from God. Acknowledging this source produces humility; denying it produces pride. Assyria's beauty depended on God's provision, though they refused acknowledgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian art and architecture were magnificent—Nineveh's palaces, libraries, and gardens represented peak ancient civilization. Yet their glory was contingent on God's providence, not inherent national greatness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as the source of all success affect your attitude toward achievements?
  2. What would change if you consistently attributed blessings to God's grace rather than your effort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיְּיִ֣ף1 of 10

Thus was he fair

H3302

properly, to be bright, i.e., (by implication) beautiful

בְּגָדְל֔וֹ2 of 10

in his greatness

H1433

magnitude (literally or figuratively)

בְּאֹ֖רֶךְ3 of 10

in the length

H753

length

דָּֽלִיּוֹתָ֑יו4 of 10

of his branches

H1808

something dangling, i.e., a bough

כִּֽי5 of 10
H3588

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

הָיָ֥ה6 of 10
H1961

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

שָׁרְשׁ֖וֹ7 of 10

for his root

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

אֶל8 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַ֥יִם9 of 10

waters

H4325

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

רַבִּֽים׃10 of 10

was by great

H7227

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


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 31:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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