Ezekiel 19:4
Ezekiel 19:4 in Multiple Translations
When the nations heard of him, he was trapped in their pit. With hooks they led him away to the land of Egypt.
The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.
The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit; and they brought him with hooks unto the land of Egypt.
And the nations had news of him; he was taken in the hole they had made: and, pulling him with hooks, they took him into the land of Egypt.
But when the nations heard about him, he was caught in their trap. They used hooks to drag him away to Egypt.
The nations also heard of him, and he was taken in their nets, and they brought him in chaines vnto the land of Egypt.
And hear of it do nations, In their pit it hath been caught, And they bring it in with chains unto the land of Egypt.
The nations also heard of him. He was taken in their pit; and they brought him with hooks to the land of Egypt.
The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains to the land of Egypt.
And the nations heard of him, and took him, but not without receiving wounds: and they brought him in chains into the land of Egypt.
When people from other nations heard about him, they trapped him in a pit. Then they used hooks to drag him to Egypt.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 19:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 19:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֥וּ
אֵלָ֛י/ו
גּוֹיִ֖ם
בְּ/שַׁחְתָּ֣/ם
נִתְפָּ֑שׂ
וַ/יְבִאֻ֥/הוּ
בַֽ/חַחִ֖ים
אֶל
אֶ֥רֶץ
מִצְרָֽיִם
וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֥וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָ֛י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
גּוֹיִ֖ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
בְּ/שַׁחְתָּ֣/ם
shachath
H7845
pit
Prep | N-fs | Suff
נִתְפָּ֑שׂ
tâphas
H8610
to capture
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יְבִאֻ֥/הוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
בַֽ/חַחִ֖ים
châch
H2397
hook
Prep | N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 19:4
וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֥וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵלָ֛י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
גּוֹיִ֖ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
בְּ/שַׁחְתָּ֣/ם
shachath
H7845
"pit"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This noun refers to a pit or grave, and it is often used figuratively to describe destruction or corruption, as seen in Proverbs and other books.
Definition: 1) pit, destruction, grave 1a) pit (for catching lions)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: corruption, destruction, ditch, grave, pit. See also: Job 9:31; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 7:16.
נִתְפָּ֑שׂ
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
וַ/יְבִאֻ֥/הוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בַֽ/חַחִ֖ים
châch
H2397
"hook"
Prep | N-mp
A hook or ring, often referring to a nose ring or jewelry, like a bracelet or chain. It was also used to lead captive people.
Definition: 1) hook, ring, fetter, brooch 1a) hook, ring (in nose of captive) 1b) hook, ring (as jewellery) 1b1) nose ring 1b2) bracelet
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: bracelet, chain, hook. See also: Exodus 35:22; Ezekiel 19:4; Isaiah 37:29.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 19:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 19:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 19:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 19:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 19:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 19:4
Context — A Lament for the Princes of Israel
2and say: ‘What was your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions; she reared her cubs.
3She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men.
4When the nations heard of him, he was trapped in their pit. With hooks they led him away to the land of Egypt.
5When she saw that she had waited in vain, that her hope was lost, she took another of her cubs and made him a young lion. 6He prowled among the lions, and became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 36:4 | Then Neco king of Egypt made Eliakim brother of Jehoahaz king over Judah and Jerusalem, and he changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Neco took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 23:33–34 | And Pharaoh Neco imprisoned Jehoahaz at Riblah in the land of Hamath so that he could not reign in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. Then Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah, and he changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Neco took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt, where he died. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 36:6 | Then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jehoiakim and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 22:11–12 | For this is what the LORD says concerning Shallum son of Josiah, king of Judah, who succeeded his father Josiah but has gone forth from this place: “He will never return, but he will die in the place to which he was exiled; he will never see this land again.” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 23:31 | Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 22:18 | Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: “They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’ They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my master! Alas, his splendor!’ |
Ezekiel 19:4 Summary
[This verse is talking about a young lion, who represents a king of Judah, being caught and taken away by other nations. The nations used hooks to lead him away to Egypt, which was a powerful country at the time. This is like what happened to the Israelites when they were taken captive by other countries, as seen in 2 Kings 25:1-7. It's a reminder that when we turn away from God, we can become trapped and controlled by the world, but God is always ready to rescue and redeem us, as seen in Psalm 107:20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the young lion in Ezekiel 19:4?
The young lion is likely a reference to a king of Judah, such as Jehoahaz or Jehoiachin, who was taken captive by a foreign power, as seen in 2 Kings 23:31-34 and 2 Kings 24:8-15.
What does it mean to be trapped in a pit?
Being trapped in a pit is a metaphor for being caught or ensnared by one's enemies, as seen in Psalm 35:7, and can also represent spiritual captivity or bondage, as seen in Romans 7:23.
Why were hooks used to lead the young lion away?
The use of hooks to lead the young lion away is a symbol of the gentile nations' control and dominance over Judah, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:49, and may also represent the idea of being 'fished' or caught by one's enemies, as seen in Amos 4:2.
What is the significance of the young lion being led away to Egypt?
The young lion being led away to Egypt represents the exile and captivity of the Judahite king, as seen in 2 Kings 25:26, and may also symbolize the idea of being removed from one's rightful place of authority and power, as seen in Ezekiel 28:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I may be 'trapped in a pit' spiritually, and how can I seek freedom in Christ?
- How do I respond when I am faced with captivity or bondage, whether physical or spiritual, and what can I learn from the example of the young lion?
- In what ways can I be 'hooked' or caught by the temptations and deceptions of the world, and how can I seek protection and guidance from God?
- What are the consequences of being led away from God's will and plan for my life, and how can I seek to remain faithful and obedient to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 19:4
The nations also heard of him,.... The neighbouring nations, particularly the Egyptians; the fame of his behaviour reached them; they were informed how he used his own subjects, and what designs he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 19:4
The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:4
The Egyptians heard and considered what he did, they had intelligence of Jehoahaz’ s rigours against them, and all that abetted their interest; this made them (as neighbours do when a lion is reported to waste their flocks) gather together against him. He was taken in their pit; or, in their net, as hunters in those parts dig pits and spread nets, into which they drive the hunted lion, or bear: so here. Or else thus, This lion was taken at last, though he did some mischief first to the Egyptians; so the word may bear. They brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt; the story of it you have ; these barbarous conquerors used him as men use a lion, put and keep him in chains; carried him captive into Egypt, where he died, , with .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:4
Ezekiel 19:4 The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.Ver. 4. The nations also heard of him.] His lion-like disposition and practices were soon noised and noticed. He was taken in their pit.] As lions are taken by their hunters. Tyrants hold not their own long those beasts are "made to be taken and destroyed"; as Nero, whom the senate judged to death as an enemy to mankind; and as Commodus, who was, saith Orosius, cunctis incommodus, a mischief to mankind. Ex condicto omnes conveniunt ut eum capiant.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:4
(4) Brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.—Jehoahaz was conquered by Pharaohnecho, deposed, and carried captive (2 Kings 23:33; 2 Chronicles 36:4). “Chains” is literally nose-rings, keeping up the figure of the lion. In the first part of the verse also there is allusion to the custom of assembling the neighbourhood to secure a lion or other wild beast.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:4
Verse 4. The nations also heard of him] The king of Egypt, whose subjects were of divers nations, marched against Jerusalem, took Jehoahaz prisoner, and brought him to Egypt. Thus - He was taken in their pit] Here is an allusion to those trap-pits digged in forests, into which the wild beasts fall, when the huntsmen, surrounding a given portion of the forest, drive the beasts in; by degrees narrowing the inclosure, till the animals come to the place where the pits are, which, being lightly covered over with branches and turf, are not perceived, and the beasts tread on them and fall in. Jehoahaz reigned only three months before he was dethroned by the king of Egypt, against whom it is apparent some craft was used, here signified by the pit, into which he fell.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 19:4
1–4. Captivity of Jehoahaz in Egypt 2. How was thy mother a lioness!—among the lions; In the midst of young lions she couched—she reared her whelps. 3. And she brought up one of her whelps—he grew a young lion; And he learned to catch the prey—he devoured men. 4. And the nations heard regarding him—he was taken in their pit; And they brought him with hooks—unto the land of Egypt. 1. princes of Israel] Probably with LXX. prince, as required by the pron. thy mother (Ezekiel 19:2). The “prince” is a general term for the king, applicable to one king after another. The lamentation is for the “king” of Judah, represented by one person after another. On “lament” cf. Jeremiah 7:29. 2. What is thy mother?] Rather to be taken as an exclamation, as rendered above.
The mother is the people Israel, a lioness among other lions—kings or states with royalty. 3. The first young lion is Jehoahaz, son of Josiah, carried to Egypt by Pharaoh Necho after the defeat of his father at Megiddo, 2 Kings 23:31-35. Cf. the touching reference to him Jeremiah 22:10-12. He also bore the name of Shallum. Coming to the throne at the age of 23 he reigned only 3 months, and died in Egypt. Cf. Jeremiah 5:26. 4. heard of him] This might better be read: raised a cry against him, in the sense of Isa 31:4; Jeremiah 50:29. with chains] hooks (or, rings) as ch. Ezekiel 29:4, Ezekiel 38:4; cf. 2 Kings 19:28.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 19:4
Chains - See the marginal rendering to Ezekiel 19:9 and Isaiah 27:9, note. Ezekiel 19:5 Another - Jehoiachin who soon showed himself no less unworthy than Jehoahaz.