Ezekiel 31:1
Ezekiel 31:1 in Multiple Translations
In the eleventh year, on the first day of the third month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
Now in the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
On the first day of the third month of the eleventh year, a message from the Lord came to me, saying,
And in the eleuenth yeere, in the third moneth, and in the first day of the moneth the worde of the Lord came vnto me, saying,
And it cometh to pass, in the eleventh year, in the third [month], in the first of the month, hath a word of Jehovah been unto me, saying:
In the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, the LORD’s word came to me, saying,
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month , in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, the third month, the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
Almost eleven years after we had been taken to Babylonia, on the first day of the third month of that year, Yahweh gave me another message. He said,
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 31:1
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 31:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֗י
בְּ/אַחַ֤ת
עֶשְׂרֵה֙
שָׁנָ֔ה
בַּ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֖י
בְּ/אֶחָ֣ד
לַ/חֹ֑דֶשׁ
הָיָ֥ה
דְבַר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֵלַ֥/י
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/אַחַ֤ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Prep | Adj
עֶשְׂרֵה֙
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
בַּ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֖י
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Prep | Adj
בְּ/אֶחָ֣ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Prep | Adj
לַ/חֹ֑דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
month
Prep | N-ms
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֵלַ֥/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 31:1
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/אַחַ֤ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
עֶשְׂרֵה֙
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
בַּ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֖י
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
בְּ/אֶחָ֣ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
לַ/חֹ֑דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֵלַ֥/י
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.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 31:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 31:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:1
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:1
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 31:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:1
Context — Egypt Will Fall like Assyria
1In the eleventh year, on the first day of the third month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude: ‘Who can be compared to your greatness? 3Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It towered on high; its top was among the clouds.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 30:20 | In the eleventh year, on the seventh day of the first month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, |
| 2 | Jeremiah 52:5–6 | And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year. By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 1:2 | On the fifth day of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin— |
Ezekiel 31:1 Summary
[Ezekiel 31:1 tells us that the prophet Ezekiel received a message from God on a specific date, which is important because it shows that God is a God of history and timing, as seen in other verses like Daniel 2:21 and Acts 17:26. This verse sets the stage for a prophecy that will be given to Pharaoh king of Egypt, as stated in Ezekiel 31:2, which is a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and leaders. The fact that Ezekiel received this message directly from God emphasizes the importance of listening to and obeying God's voice, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and John 10:27. By studying this verse, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and to be attentive to His voice in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the date mentioned in Ezekiel 31:1?
The date mentioned in Ezekiel 31:1 is important because it provides a historical context for the prophecy that follows, as seen in other biblical prophecies like Jeremiah 1:1-3 and Ezekiel 1:1-3, where specific dates are given to establish the timing of the prophetic message.
How did Ezekiel receive the word of the Lord?
Ezekiel received the word of the Lord through a direct revelation, as stated in Ezekiel 31:1, which is similar to other prophets in the Bible, such as Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Isaiah 6:1-13, who also received their prophetic callings through divine encounters.
What is the purpose of the prophecy in Ezekiel 31:1 and the following verses?
The purpose of the prophecy is to convey a message from God to Pharaoh king of Egypt, as stated in Ezekiel 31:2, which serves as a warning and a call to repentance, much like other prophetic messages in the Bible, such as Isaiah 13:1-22 and Jeremiah 25:1-38.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Ezekiel?
This verse is part of a larger theme in the book of Ezekiel, which involves proclaiming God's judgment on various nations, including Egypt, as seen in Ezekiel 29:1-16 and Ezekiel 30:1-26, and calling God's people to repentance and faithfulness, as seen in Ezekiel 18:1-32 and Ezekiel 33:1-20.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to receive a word from the Lord, and how can I be more attentive to God's voice in my life?
- How does the historical context of this verse inform my understanding of God's dealings with nations and individuals?
- What can I learn from Ezekiel's example of obedience to God's call, even when the message is difficult or unpopular?
- How can I apply the principles of repentance and faithfulness, as seen in the book of Ezekiel, to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:1
And it came to pass in the eleventh year,.... Of Zedekiah's reign, and Jeconiah's captivity: in the third month, in the first day of the month: the month Sivan, which began on the twentieth of our
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:1
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Not that Egypt was, like Assyria utterly to cease to be,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:1
EZEKIEL CHAPTER 31 A recital to Pharaoh of the Assyrian’ s greatness, and of his fall for pride, . The like destruction shall be to Pharaoh, . In the eleventh year; as . in the third month; our June 26th old style, the 16th new style; just one month and eight days before the taking of the city on the 27th of July old style, but 17th of July new style. The first day of the month Tamuz.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:1
Ezekiel 31:1 And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third [month], in the first [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,Ver. 1. In the third month.] Two months after the former prophecy, and a month before the city was taken.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:1
CHAPTER XXXI This very beautiful chapter relates also to Egypt. The prophet describes to Pharaoh the fall of the king of Nineveh, (see the books of Nahum, Jonah, and Zephaniah,) under the image of a fair cedar of Lebanon, once exceedingly tall, flourishing, and majestic, but now cut down and withered, with its broken branches strewed around, 1-17. He then concludes with bringing the matter home to the king of Egypt, by telling him that this was a picture of his approaching fate, 18. The beautiful cedar of Lebanon, remarkable for its loftiness, and in the most flourishing condition, but afterwards cut down and deserted, gives a very lately painting of the great glory and dreadful catastrophe of both the Assyrian and Egyptian monarchies. The manner in which the prophet has embellished his subject is deeply interesting; the colouring is of that kind which the mind will always contemplate with pleasure. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXI Verse 1. In the eleventh year] On Sunday, June 19, A.M. 3416, according to Abp. Usher; a month before Jerusalem was taken by the Chaldeans.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:1
Ch. 31 Pharaoh under the figure of a great cedar cut down and flung upon the ground The passage has three parts: (1) Ezekiel 31:1-9. Pharaoh, the impersonation of the spirit and might of Egypt, was a lofty cedar, with spreading branches, and its top in the clouds. All the fowls lodged in the branches, and all the beasts brought forth their young under it. Its waters nourished it and made it great. The trees in the garden of God did not equal it; all the trees of Eden envied it. (2) Ezekiel 31:10-14. The great tree shall be cut down by the mighty one of the nations, and thrown upon the ground. Its bulk shall fill the mountains and valleys of the land. All the nations shall depart from under the shadow of it; and the fowls and beasts of the field shall feed on it. Its heart was lifted up because of its great height, therefore it shall be cut down, that none of the trees lift themselves up and put their head among the clouds.
(3) Ezekiel 31:5-18. Nature shall shudder and put on blackness over the fall of Pharaoh. And the great trees of the garden of God that are gone down to the pit shall be comforted when Pharaoh and his auxiliaries descend among them. The allegory is easily read. The mighty cedar, burying its head in the clouds, is the proud king and his powerful state, aspiring to a greatness that belongs to heaven. The fowls and beasts lodging under the shadow of the tree are the nations of the earth seeking his protection and subject to him (Daniel 4:12). The trees in the garden of God are other mighty states impersonated in their rulers. The universal meaning which was given to the judgment on Egypt by representing it as the day of the Lord in ch. 30 is suggested here in other ways, by the imposing height of the cedar, unapproachable by other trees in the garden of God; by the fowls and beasts of the field lodging in the tree—all nations seeking the protection of the Pharaoh; and by the shock which all nature receives when the great tree is cut down and flung upon the ground; and finally by the commotion occasioned in Sheòl when Pharaoh descends among the dead (ch. 32 Isaiah 14). In some points the allegory has incongruities, as was natural. Pharaoh is a great cedar, but it is his waters—the Nile—that nourish him, and give him an altitude to which the trees of Eden cannot aspire.
The cedar is in Lebanon, the home of cedars, but also by the great deep, and probably too in Eden (Ezekiel 31:11). The trees, once in Eden, descend into Sheòl with those that are gone down to the pit.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 31:1
In the third month - More than a month before Jerusalem was taken (compare Jeremiah 39:2).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:1
1. Eleventh year, in the third month — According to our reckoning this would be June, 586; about two months before the fall of Jerusalem.