Ezekiel 31:2
Ezekiel 31:2 in Multiple Translations
“Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude: ‘Who can be compared to your greatness?
Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?
Son of man, say unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude: Whom art thou like in thy greatness?
Son of man, say to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and to his people; Whom are you like in your great power?
“Son of man, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt and all his many people: Who is as great as you?
Sonne of man, speake vnto Pharaoh King of Egypt, and to his multitude, Whom art thou like in thy greatnesse?
'Son of man, say unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and unto his multitude: To whom hast thou been like in thy greatness?
“Son of man, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt and his multitude: ‘Whom are you like in your greatness?
Son of man, speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?
Son of man, speak to Pharao king of Egypt, and to his people: To whom art thou like in thy greatness?
“You human, say to the King of Egypt and all of his people, ‘You think that there is [RHQ, IRO] no country whose power is as great as the power of your country.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 31:2
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 31:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
אָדָ֕ם
אֱמֹ֛ר
אֶל
פַּרְעֹ֥ה
מֶֽלֶךְ
מִצְרַ֖יִם
וְ/אֶל
הֲמוֹנ֑/וֹ
אֶל
מִ֖י
דָּמִ֥יתָ
בְ/גָדְלֶֽ/ךָ
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֕ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
אֱמֹ֛ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פַּרְעֹ֥ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הֲמוֹנ֑/וֹ
hâmôwn
H1995
crowd
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
דָּמִ֥יתָ
dâmâh
H1819
to resemble
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בְ/גָדְלֶֽ/ךָ
gôdel
H1433
greatness
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 31:2
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָ֕ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
אֱמֹ֛ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
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.
פַּרְעֹ֥ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִצְרַ֖יִם
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.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | 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.
הֲמוֹנ֑/וֹ
hâmôwn
H1995
"crowd"
N-ms | Suff
Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound 1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar 1b) tumult, confusion 1c) crowd, multitude 1d) great number, abundance 1e) abundance, wealth
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult. See also: Genesis 17:4; Isaiah 33:3; Psalms 37:16.
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.
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
דָּמִ֥יתָ
dâmâh
H1819
"to resemble"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To resemble means to compare or liken something, often used to describe a similarity. In the Bible, this word is used to make comparisons or analogies, like in the parables of Jesus where he compares the kingdom of God to everyday things.
Definition: 1) to be like, resemble 1a) (Qal) to be like, resemble 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to liken, compare 1b2) to imagine, think 1c) (Hithpael) to make oneself like 1d) (Niphal) Aramaic equivalent: de.mah (דְּמָה "be like" H1821)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: compare, devise, (be) like(-n), mean, think, use similitudes. See also: Numbers 33:56; Song of Solomon 8:14; Psalms 48:10.
בְ/גָדְלֶֽ/ךָ
gôdel
H1433
"greatness"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to greatness or magnitude, and can also describe something as magnificent or proud. However, it can also have a negative meaning, describing pride or insolence. It is used in the Bible to describe powerful things.
Definition: 1) greatness 1a) greatness, magnitude 1b) magnificence 1c) pride, insolence (bad sense)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: greatness, stout(-ness). See also: Numbers 14:19; Psalms 79:11; Psalms 150:2.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 31:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 31:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:2
- Sermons on Ezekiel 31:2
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. 4The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 29:19 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will carry off its wealth, seize its spoil, and remove its plunder. This will be the wages for his army. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 30:10 | This is what the Lord GOD says: I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 31:18 | Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 1:17 | Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. |
| 5 | Isaiah 14:13–14 | You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” |
| 6 | Revelation 10:11 | And they told me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” |
| 7 | Nahum 3:8–10 | Are you better than Thebes, stationed by the Nile with water around her, whose rampart was the sea, whose wall was the water? Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and Libya were her allies. Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity. Her infants were dashed to pieces at the head of every street. They cast lots for her dignitaries, and all her nobles were bound in chains. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 1:5 | “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” |
Ezekiel 31:2 Summary
[This verse is a question that God asks Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to make him think about how great he really is. God is prompting Pharaoh to consider the source of his power and his limitations, as stated in Jeremiah 27:5. In simple terms, God is saying that Pharaoh's greatness is not as great as he thinks it is, and that true greatness comes from God, as seen in Psalm 24:1. By asking this question, God is encouraging Pharaoh to humble himself and recognize his place before the Almighty.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God instruct Ezekiel to speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt and his multitude?
God wants to address the pride and arrogance of Pharaoh, as seen in Ezekiel 31:2, and to remind him of his limitations, as stated in Isaiah 40:15, where it says that nations are like a drop in a bucket to God.
What does the phrase 'Who can be compared to your greatness' imply about Pharaoh's self-perception?
This phrase suggests that Pharaoh has an inflated sense of self-importance, which is a form of pride, as warned against in Proverbs 16:18, where it says that pride goes before destruction.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter, which talks about Assyria?
This verse serves as an introduction to the comparison between Pharaoh's greatness and that of Assyria, which is described in Ezekiel 31:3-4, highlighting the fleeting nature of human power and greatness, as also seen in 1 Peter 1:24, where it says that all flesh is like grass.
What is the purpose of God's question to Pharaoh in this verse?
God's question is rhetorical, meant to prompt Pharaoh to consider his own limitations and the source of his power, as stated in Romans 11:36, where it says that all things are from God and through Him and to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be exhibiting pride or an inflated sense of self-importance, and how can I humble myself before God?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, comfort or challenge me in my daily life?
- In what ways can I, like Pharaoh, be tempted to compare myself to others or seek to elevate my own status, and how can I guard against this temptation?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of true greatness, and how can I strive to cultivate greatness in God's eyes, as described in Matthew 20:26?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:2
Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt,.... To Pharaohhophra, the then reigning king; not to him personally by word of mouth, for the prophet was now in Chaldea; but by delivering out a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:2
Son of man speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness? Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:2
Pharaoh; Apries or Hophra. To his multitude; his numerous subjects, with the power and riches they glory in. Whom art thou like in thy greatness? bethink thyself, what king of all before thee art thou equal with, or else greater? On what surer and more immovable foundation doth thy greatness stand, that thou dreamest of a perpetual quiet and flourishing state, in the midst of all thy sins and wickednesses?
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:2
Ezekiel 31:2 Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?Ver. 2. Speak unto Pharaoh.] Unto Pharaohhophra. Say unto him (though it will be to small purpose), "Hear, and give ear, be not proud, for the Lord hath spoken it." Whom art thou like in thy greatness?] q.d., Thou thinkest thyself the only one, and that there is none such; but what sayest thou to the Assyrian, whom yet the Babylonian hath now laid low enough?
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:2
(2) His multitude.—The word means literally tumult, and applies to the multitude as influenced by whatever is the occasion of tumult: their wealth, their idols, their sources of pride of every kind.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:2
2. his multitude] The population of Egypt; hardly merely his army. Whom art thou like] The question seems to imply that none can be compared to him; he is unapproached in his greatness; cf. Ezekiel 31:18.
Sermons on Ezekiel 31:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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He Was Despised and Rejected of Men by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the need for preachers to brace themselves for rejection, persecution, and attacks, even from unexpected sources within the evangelical church. It calls for |
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The Voice of Micaiah by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks explores the story of Micaiah, a minor prophet who stood alone against 400 false prophets, emphasizing the importance of truth over popularity. Micaiah's unwaverin |
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Greatness of Christ by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher emphasizes the importance of being mentally prepared and ready for spiritual battle, drawing from various biblical examples where individuals were instructed to gird u |
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Paul's Humiliating Confession by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's humiliating confession, the opposition he faced from the Jews, his reception by the apostles in Jerusalem, and the natural energy of his characte |
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How to Determine Our Calling by John Hames | John Hames delivers a sermon on discerning one's calling to the work of the Lord, emphasizing signs such as a prominent thought of the work, a compelling drawing of the Spirit, a t |
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Satan Is Alive and Well by Hal Lindsey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the existence of a powerful and real spiritual being behind the conflicts and suffering in the world. He emphasizes the importance of understa |
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Gods Order in Christ - Part 9 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and abiding in the word of God. They highlight the battle between life and death and the need for spiritual tog |