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Ezekiel 31:4

Ezekiel 31:4 in Multiple Translations

The 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.

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field.

The waters nourished it, the deep made it to grow: the rivers thereof ran round about its plantation; and it sent out its channels unto all the trees of the field.

It got strength from the waters and the deep made it tall: its streams went round about its planted land and it sent out its waterways to all the trees of the field.

Deep springs of water made it grow tall and sent streams all around it to water all the other trees.

The waters nourished him, and the deepe exalted him on hie with her riuers running round about his plants, and sent out her litle riuers vnto all the trees of the fielde.

Waters have made it great, The deep hath exalted him with its flowings, Going round about its planting, And its conduits it hath sent forth unto all trees of the field.

The waters nourished it. The deep made it to grow. Its rivers ran all around its plantation. It sent out its channels to all the trees of the field.

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round his plants, and sent out her little rivers to all the trees of the field.

The waters nourished him, the deep set him up on high, the streams thereof ran round about his roots, and it sent forth its rivulets to all the trees of the country.

Water came from deep springs, and as a result that cedar tree grew tall and very green. Then water flowed around the base of the tree into channels that took water to other nearby trees.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 31:4

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 31:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB מַ֣יִם גִּדְּל֔וּ/הוּ תְּה֖וֹם רֹֽמְמָ֑תְ/הוּ אֶת נַהֲרֹתֶ֗י/הָ הֹלֵךְ֙ סְבִיב֣וֹת מַטָּעָ֔/הּ וְ/אֶת תְּעָלֹתֶ֣י/הָ שִׁלְחָ֔ה אֶ֖ל כָּל עֲצֵ֥י הַ/שָּׂדֶֽה
מַ֣יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
גִּדְּל֔וּ/הוּ gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
תְּה֖וֹם tᵉhôwm H8415 abyss N-cs
רֹֽמְמָ֑תְ/הוּ rûwm H7311 to exalt V-o-Perf-3fs | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H854 with Prep
נַהֲרֹתֶ֗י/הָ nâhâr H5104 river N-mp | Suff
הֹלֵךְ֙ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal
סְבִיב֣וֹת çâbîyb H5439 around N-cp
מַטָּעָ֔/הּ maṭṭâʻ H4302 plantation N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
תְּעָלֹתֶ֣י/הָ tᵉʻâlâh H8585 conduit N-fp | Suff
שִׁלְחָ֔ה shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Perf-3fs
אֶ֖ל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
עֲצֵ֥י ʻêts H6086 tree N-mp
הַ/שָּׂדֶֽה sâdeh H7704 field Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 31:4

מַ֣יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
גִּדְּל֔וּ/הוּ gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
תְּה֖וֹם tᵉhôwm H8415 "abyss" N-cs
Tehom refers to the deep waters of the ocean or sea, including the subterranean water supply. It can also describe the primeval ocean or the abyss.
Definition: 1) deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea 1a) deep (of subterranean waters) 1b) deep, sea, abysses (of sea) 1c) primeval ocean, deep 1d) deep, depth (of river) 1e) abyss, the grave
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: deep (place), depth. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 78:15; Psalms 33:7.
רֹֽמְמָ֑תְ/הוּ rûwm H7311 "to exalt" V-o-Perf-3fs | Suff
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
נַהֲרֹתֶ֗י/הָ nâhâr H5104 "river" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
הֹלֵךְ֙ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
סְבִיב֣וֹת çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cp
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
מַטָּעָ֔/הּ maṭṭâʻ H4302 "plantation" N-ms | Suff
Matta refers to a plantation or garden, and can also describe the act of planting something. It is translated as plant or plantation in the Bible. This word is used to describe a place where things are cultivated and grown.
Definition: 1) place or act of planting, planting, plantation 1a) planting place 1b) act of planting 1c) plantation
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: plant(-ation, -ing). See also: Isaiah 60:21; Ezekiel 31:4; Isaiah 61:3.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תְּעָלֹתֶ֣י/הָ tᵉʻâlâh H8585 "conduit" N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to healing, like the process of new skin forming over a wound. It can also mean a channel for water, like a conduit or watercourse, and is used in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel. The idea of healing is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: conduit, water course, trench
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: conduit, cured, healing, little river, trench, watercourse. See also: 1 Kings 18:32; Job 38:25; Isaiah 7:3.
שִׁלְחָ֔ה shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Perf-3fs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֶ֖ל 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.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲצֵ֥י ʻêts H6086 "tree" N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
הַ/שָּׂדֶֽה sâdeh H7704 "field" Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 31:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Revelation 17:15 Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.
2 Proverbs 14:28 A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.
3 Ezekiel 17:5 He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil; he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow.
4 Ezekiel 17:8 It had been planted in good soil by abundant waters in order to yield branches and bear fruit and become a splendid vine.’
5 Revelation 17:1 Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters.
6 Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance on your behalf; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry.

Ezekiel 31:4 Summary

Ezekiel 31:4 tells us that the tree, which represents Assyria, grew strong and tall because of the abundant water it received. This water symbolizes the blessings and resources God provides, which can help us grow strong in our faith, just like the tree in Psalms 1:3. As we trust in God's provision and care, we can become a blessing to those around us, just as the tree's branches provided shade and shelter for the birds and beasts. By remembering that all our blessings come from God, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility, and use the resources He has given us to benefit others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the water in Ezekiel 31:4 represent?

The water in Ezekiel 31:4 represents the abundant resources and blessings that God provides, as seen in Psalms 1:3, where a tree planted by streams of water prospers. This water enabled the tree to grow strong and tall.

Why are the deep springs and streams directing their channels to all the trees of the field?

The deep springs and streams directing their channels to all the trees of the field in Ezekiel 31:4 symbolize how the blessings and resources God provides to one nation or individual can also benefit others, as stated in Isaiah 61:11, where God's people are like a well-watered garden.

How does this verse relate to the greatness of Assyria mentioned in Ezekiel 31:3?

Ezekiel 31:4 explains how Assyria's greatness, mentioned in Ezekiel 31:3, was made possible by the abundant resources and blessings it received, much like how a tree grows strong when planted by streams of water, as mentioned in Psalms 1:3.

What can we learn from the way the trees and the field are watered in this verse?

We can learn from Ezekiel 31:4 that God's provision and care are not limited to one nation or individual but can extend to many, as seen in Matthew 5:45, where God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have I experienced God's abundant provision and care in my life, and how can I be a channel of blessing to others?
  2. In what ways can I, like the tree in Ezekiel 31:4, use the resources God has given me to benefit those around me?
  3. What are some ways I can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when I face challenges or uncertainties, just like the tree that grows strong by the streams of water?
  4. How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility, recognizing that all my blessings come from God, just as the tree's growth is attributed to the waters and deep springs in Ezekiel 31:4?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:4

The waters made him great,.... The waters of the river Tigris, near to which stood the city of Nineveh, the metropolis of the Assyrian monarchy; the traffic brought by which river made it rich and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:4

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:4

As cedars grow great by the watercourses, so did this kingdom by multitudes of people and convenience of trade; or by the plenty of the country, if no trade, for it was first planted in the fruitful fields among the sweet rivers, Euphrates, Tigris, Lycus, Diava, and others. The deep set him up on high; the sea sent out her waters, which gave being to the rivers that watered him and improved him; whereas, Egypt, thy rivers rise out of a lake, which, though great, is not to be compared with the deep. His plants; the provinces of this mighty kingdom, that are like plants about a great tree. Little rivers; beneficence, justice, protection, encouragements, that subjects need, and good princes disperse among them; so the deep filled this king, and he sent out his streams to all his subjects in his kingdom.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:4

Ezekiel 31:4 The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field.Ver. 4. The waters made him great.] He had a confluence of all prosperities. Watered he was, non aquis sed abyssis; est autem abyssus, inexhausta felicitas et rerum affluentia. He overabounded with all outward happiness. In wealth, victories, and triumphs, he gave place to no man.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:4

(4) His plants.—Should rather be, his plantation. Sent out her little rivers.—The thought is that the various surrounding and subordinate nations were nourished from the great stream of prosperity which swelled the power and wealth of Assyria.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:4

Verse 4. The waters made him great] Alluding to the fertility of Egypt by the overflowing of the Nile. But waters often mean peoples. By means of the different nations under the Egyptians, that government became very opulent. These nations are represented as fowls and beasts, taking shelter under the protection of this great political Egyptian tree, Ezekiel 31:6.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:4

4. set him up on high] i.e. made him grow lofty. There is probably, however, the figure of a parent nourishing his offspring. The words “made great” and “set on high” are rendered “nourished and brought up” children, Isaiah 1:2; cf. Isaiah 23:4. The waters rear the tree as their child. The waters are those of Egypt. with her rivers running] The construction is anomalous, and with expresses accompaniment, not instrumentality. It is easiest to read (with LXX.): she (the deep) made her rivers to run round … and sent out. Or possibly: as for her rivers, they ran, &c. his plants] Rather: her plantation, “her” referring to the “deep,” which nourished the plantation, though this is not quite natural. her little rivers] Marg. conduits, the small canals for irrigation. The plenteous waters nourished the great tree and the other trees alike.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:4

4. R.V., “The waters nourished him, the deep made him to grow: her rivers ran round about her plantation; and she sent out her channels,” etc. This could be said more naturally of Egypt than of any other country.

Sermons on Ezekiel 31:4

SermonDescription
George Fox Epistle 100 by George Fox George Fox preaches about dwelling in the power of the Lord God to stand firm in the world, handling the word of God correctly as a hammer, sword, and fire to discern the precious
George Fox Epistle 229 by George Fox George Fox preaches about the importance of living in the spirit rather than the flesh, emphasizing the need to set our affections on heavenly things and subject our souls to the h
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Revelation 17-18 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the false religious system, referred to as Babylon, which has deceived many people. The speaker mentions Jesus' warning about
Willie Mullan (Common Market) Its Religion - Part 1 by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the "great whore" mentioned in Revelation 17. The speaker believes that this whore represents a system or institution rather t
Steve Gallagher Come Out of the Darkness of Babylon by Steve Gallagher The video shown during the sermon was described as a production created by the church. The speaker prayed for the congregation and mentioned that some people may choose to stay beh
Willie Mullan (Revelation) Part 2 the Doom of the Scarlet Woman by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the seven-headed beast mentioned in the book of Revelation. He explains that five of the heads have already fallen, one is cur
Paris Reidhead Mystery Babylon by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the preacher discusses the symbolism of a woman sitting on a scarlet colored beast in the book of Revelation. He explains that this woman represents Satan's counter

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