Ezekiel 31 5

Ezekiel 31:5 kjv

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.

Ezekiel 31:5 nkjv

'Therefore its height was exalted above all the trees of the field; Its boughs were multiplied, And its branches became long because of the abundance of water, As it sent them out.

Ezekiel 31:5 niv

So it towered higher than all the trees of the field; its boughs increased and its branches grew long, spreading because of abundant waters.

Ezekiel 31:5 esv

So it towered high above all the trees of the field; its boughs grew large and its branches long from abundant water in its shoots.

Ezekiel 31:5 nlt

This great tree towered high,
higher than all the other trees around it.
It prospered and grew long thick branches
because of all the water at its roots.

Ezekiel 31 verses

Ezekiel 31 5 meaning

Ezekiel 31:5 describes the immense, unparalleled growth and magnificent stature of a mighty tree, representing a powerful earthly kingdom, initially Assyria, then Pharaoh and Egypt. This tree's height, extensive branching, and overall luxuriance surpassed all other trees in the field, a direct result of abundant water nourishing its development. It illustrates the peak of a nation's prosperity and strength, elevated above its peers due to resources provided by God, yet leading to an ultimately tragic flaw of pride.

Ezekiel 31 5 Context

Ezekiel 31 is a prophetic lament against Pharaoh and Egypt, delivered in the eleventh year of the exile (circa 586 BC), around the time of Jerusalem's final siege. The chapter presents a complex allegory where Egypt is compared to Assyria, which, in turn, is depicted as a magnificent cedar of Lebanon. This grand tree, grown tall and powerful due to an abundance of water (representing its fertile lands and resources), represents a dominant world power whose height overshadowed all other nations. Verse 5 is part of the detailed description of this tree's splendid but ultimately ephemeral glory, serving as a preamble to its prophesied downfall in later verses (Ez 31:10-14). The prophet's message targets both the pride of Egypt and the misplaced hope of Judah, which often looked to Egypt for protection against Babylon, despite God's warnings. The "trees of the field" represent other nations, inferior in might to this great empire.

Ezekiel 31 5 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן - lāḵēn): This conjunction signifies a conclusion or consequence of the preceding statements, where the tree's (Assyria/Pharaoh's) nature and favorable conditions (Ez 31:3-4) are detailed.
• its height (קֹומָתוֹ - qōmāṯō): Refers to its physical stature, its standing tall and prominent. In a metaphorical sense, it denotes the empire's power, authority, and commanding presence among nations.
• was exalted (וַיֵּרוֹם - wayyêrōwm): From the root רוּם (rûm), meaning "to be high, to rise, be exalted." It can imply an active uplifting or a state of being raised. Here, it suggests God permitted or even facilitated this growth, underscoring that even the proudest nations owe their initial rise to divine allowance.
• above all (עַל־כָּל־ - ʿal-kāl-): Emphasizes unparalleled superiority and dominance over every other entity of its kind. No other "tree" (nation) could match its stature.
• the trees of the field (עֲצֵי הַשָּׂדֶה - ʿăṣê haśśāḏeh): This represents the surrounding nations, empires, or smaller kingdoms that were less significant in comparison. It underscores the unparalleled might of the primary kingdom described.
• and its branches (פְאֵרֹותָיו - p̄əʾêrōwṯāyw): From a root often associated with "splendor" or "ornament," referring to the luxuriant and beautiful foliage of the tree. Metaphorically, these represent the subsidiary parts of the empire, its extensive reach, influence, and perhaps vassal states.
• were multiplied (תִּרְבֶּינָה - tirbbenâ): From רבה (rāḇāh), meaning "to be many, multiply, increase." Signifies the vast number and extensive proliferation of its subordinate parts, contributing to its overall massive appearance and wide-reaching influence.
• and its boughs (וְדַלְיֹותָיו - wəḏalyōṯāyw): These refer to the spreading, pendulous branches that grow outwards, indicating a wide horizontal expanse. Symbolizes the empire's territorial spread and influence over distant lands.
• became long (אָרָכוּ - ʾārāḵū): From אָרַךְ (ʾāraḵ), "to be long, prolonged." Reinforces the idea of vast reach and prolonged dominion, projecting an image of an unchallengeable, sprawling entity.
• because of the multitude (מֵרֹב - mêrōḇ): Lit. "from the abundance of," denoting the source or reason for its exceptional growth.
• of waters (מַיִם - mayim): A symbol of sustenance, fertility, blessing, and resources in biblical and ancient Near Eastern thought. For a nation, this implies rich territory, abundant resources, strong military, or extensive commerce that fuels its growth.
• when it shot forth (בְּשַׁלְּחוֹ - bəšalləḥōw): Lit. "in its sending forth" or "spreading out," referring to the emergence and expansion of its foliage and root system. This phrase emphasizes the dynamic and continuous nature of its powerful growth, fed by these plentiful waters.

Ezekiel 31 5 Bonus section

The metaphor of the mighty tree was deeply resonant in the ancient Near East. Great rulers were often likened to towering trees, and the imagery could evoke both divine favor and, in prophetic literature, impending doom for those who allowed this blessing to foster arrogance. This particular image serves as a powerful polemic against the idea of any nation's self-sufficient and permanent power, a common belief in the great empires like Egypt and Assyria. The details about the tree's lushness (branches, boughs, waters) suggest that God provided everything needed for its greatness; thus, its subsequent fall highlights the responsibility that comes with such bestowed power and the ultimate accountability to the Most High. The reference to the "cedars of Lebanon" in other parts of Ezekiel 31 evokes a symbol of both strength and a common target of divine judgment when they represent human pride.

Ezekiel 31 5 Commentary

Ezekiel 31:5 presents a vivid poetic depiction of a great world empire, specifically Assyria in retrospect and Pharaoh/Egypt as a contemporary warning, as a towering tree of immense beauty and stature. Its "exalted height" above "all the trees of the field" underscores its unmatched power and glory, distinguishing it from lesser nations. The "multiplied branches" and "long boughs" symbolize its widespread influence, extensive territory, and control over many vassal states or spheres of power. This extraordinary growth is directly attributed to an "abundance of waters," representing the rich resources, geographical advantages, or political systems that enabled its prosperity. The verse emphasizes that God provided these advantages, even if the empire later became proud, making its fall an act of divine judgment against human hubris. It implicitly highlights that even the grandest earthly achievements, if detached from divine purpose and marked by self-exaltation, are ultimately temporary and destined for humility.