Ezekiel 31 6

Ezekiel 31:6 kjv

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.

Ezekiel 31:6 nkjv

All the birds of the heavens made their nests in its boughs; Under its branches all the beasts of the field brought forth their young; And in its shadow all great nations made their home.

Ezekiel 31:6 niv

All the birds of the sky nested in its boughs, all the animals of the wild gave birth under its branches; all the great nations lived in its shade.

Ezekiel 31:6 esv

All the birds of the heavens made their nests in its boughs; under its branches all the beasts of the field gave birth to their young, and under its shadow lived all great nations.

Ezekiel 31:6 nlt

The birds nested in its branches,
and in its shade all the wild animals gave birth.
All the great nations of the world
lived in its shadow.

Ezekiel 31 verses

Ezekiel 31 6 Meaning

This verse vividly describes the expansive reach and grandeur of the cedar of Lebanon, chosen as a symbol by God. It signifies how the majestic cedar's branches spread far and wide, providing shade and refuge to numerous creatures, symbolizing the former glory and encompassing influence of Egypt.

Ezekiel 31 6 Context

Ezekiel 31 directly addresses the Pharaoh of Egypt, comparing him to a magnificent cedar of Lebanon. This chapter comes after earlier prophecies of judgment against Egypt (chapters 29-30). The immediate context highlights Egypt's former power and pride, which led to its downfall. The verse itself illustrates the comprehensive dominion and attractiveness of Egypt in its prime, drawing creatures from all aspects of the natural world, akin to how a great tree provides habitat. However, this powerful image serves as a prelude to God's pronouncement of judgment upon Egypt for its pride and defiance.

Ezekiel 31 6 Word Analysis

• All (כָּל - kol): Emphasizes completeness and totality. Every single bird and every single wild beast found a place.
• The birds (צִפּוֹר - tsippor): Refers to various species of fowl, signifying the breadth of Egypt's influence drawing even winged creatures, a common metaphor for nations or peoples.
• Of the air (מִן־הָאֲוִיר - min-ha'avir): Denotes the heavens or atmosphere, signifying all airborne life, indicating the vastness of the area covered by the cedar's shade.
• Nested (שָׁכְנָה — shakhnah): Implies settling down, dwelling, or residing. It suggests a stable and comfortable dwelling place.
• In its boughs (בִּסְנַע — bissene'ah): Refers to its branches, highlighting the structure and the many places within the great tree where life could be sustained.
• All (כֹּל — kol): Repeats the idea of totality, applying to all types of wild animals.
• The wild beasts (חַיַּת־הַשָּׂדֶה — chayyat-hassadeh): Encompasses wild animals, creatures of the field. This further illustrates the wide-reaching provision of the cedar.
• Bore their young (יָלְדָה — yaladh): Means to give birth or bring forth. This implies a nurturing and protective environment that allowed for reproduction and continuation of life.
• In its branches (בִּקְצִיעוֹתֶיהָ — bik'tsiy'oteyhah): Literally "in its offshoots" or "in its leafy branches," signifying intimate and secure places within the tree's structure.

Words-group analysis:

• "All the birds of the air nested in its boughs; all the wild beasts bore their young in its branches.": This parallel structure emphasizes the completeness of the cedar's nurturing capacity. It portrays a vibrant ecosystem thriving under its canopy, representing the widespread influence and seemingly unshakeable prosperity Egypt enjoyed, which attracted and supported numerous "creatures" (nations and peoples) under its shadow.

Ezekiel 31 6 Bonus Section

The symbolism of a great tree providing refuge is common throughout Scripture and ancient Near Eastern literature. In this context, the cedar, known for its height, strength, and widespread branches, is a fitting metaphor for a powerful kingdom like Egypt. The abundance of life within its "boughs" and "branches" speaks to a flourishing civilization that was, in its prime, a significant force attracting others. This imagery also resonates with the Messianic prophecies, particularly Isaiah 11:1, where a shoot from Jesse's stump (representing the Messiah) will be a place of rest and security for all nations. The contrast between this former glory and the coming judgment emphasizes the ephemeral nature of human power when not aligned with divine authority. The statement also mirrors the description of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom in Daniel 4:10-12, where his dream of a tree seen by all illustrates his dominion, a comparable but distinct political power.

Ezekiel 31 6 Commentary

This verse employs powerful imagery of a magnificent cedar providing a secure habitat for all types of birds and wild animals. It illustrates Egypt's former power, prestige, and extensive reach, suggesting that it was a place where many nations and peoples found shelter, stability, and even the means to flourish, much like creatures thriving in the branches of a vast tree. However, this abundance and reach, attributed to God's blessing in the past, would soon be met with divine judgment due to Egypt's arrogance and opposition to God's will. The comprehensive imagery underscores the magnitude of Egypt's influence before its fall.