Ezekiel 31:6
Ezekiel 31:6 in Multiple Translations
All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.
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.
All the birds of the heavens made their nests in its boughs; and under its branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young; and under its shadow dwelt all great nations.
In its branches all the birds of heaven came to rest, and under its arms all the beasts of the field gave birth to their young, and great nations were living in its shade.
All kinds of birds nested in its branches, while underneath it different wild animals had their young, and all the powerful nations lived in its shade.
All the foules of the heauen made their nestes in his boughes, and vnder his branches did all the beastes of the fielde bring foorth their yong, and vnder his shadowe dwelt all mightie nations.
In his boughs made a nest hath every fowl of the heavens, And under his branches brought forth hath every beast of the field, And in his shade dwell do all great nations.
All the birds of the sky made their nests in its boughs. Under its branches, all the animals of the field gave birth to their young. All great nations lived under its shadow.
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 shade dwelt all great nations.
And when he had spread forth his shadow, all the fowls of the air made their nests in his boughs, and all the beasts of the forest brought forth their young under his branches, and the assembly of many nations dwelt under his shadow.
Birds built their nests in the branches, and wild animals gave birth to their babies under those branches. And it was as though people of all the great nations lived in the shade of that tree.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 31:6
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 31:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ/סְעַפֹּתָ֤י/ו
קִֽנְנוּ֙
כָּל
ע֣וֹף
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
וְ/תַ֤חַת
פֹּֽארֹתָי/ו֙
יָֽלְד֔וּ
כֹּ֖ל
חַיַּ֣ת
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
וּ/בְ/צִלּ/וֹ֙
יֵֽשְׁב֔וּ
כֹּ֖ל
גּוֹיִ֥ם
רַבִּֽים
בִּ/סְעַפֹּתָ֤י/ו
çᵉʻappâh
H5589
bough
Prep | N-fp | Suff
קִֽנְנוּ֙
qânan
H7077
to make a nest
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
ע֣וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
וְ/תַ֤חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Conj | Prep
פֹּֽארֹתָי/ו֙
pᵉʼôrâh
H6288
bough
N-fp | Suff
יָֽלְד֔וּ
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
חַיַּ֣ת
chay
H2416
alive
N-fs
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
וּ/בְ/צִלּ/וֹ֙
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
יֵֽשְׁב֔וּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
גּוֹיִ֥ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 31:6
בִּ/סְעַפֹּתָ֤י/ו
çᵉʻappâh
H5589
"bough"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a small branch or twig on a tree. It's a simple, concrete term used to describe a part of a plant. The KJV translates it as 'bough' or 'branch'.
Definition: bough, branch
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch. Compare H5634 (סַרְעַפָּה). See also: Ezekiel 31:6; Ezekiel 31:8.
קִֽנְנוּ֙
qânan
H7077
"to make a nest"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
This verb means to build or occupy a nest, like a bird making its home. It appears in the Bible as a description of God's care for his people. The KJV translates it as make a nest.
Definition: 1) to make a nest 1a) (Piel) to make a nest 1b) (Pual) to be nested
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make...nest. See also: Psalms 104:17; Jeremiah 22:23; Isaiah 34:15.
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.
ע֣וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.
Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וְ/תַ֤חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
פֹּֽארֹתָי/ו֙
pᵉʼôrâh
H6288
"bough"
N-fp | Suff
This word means a bough or branch of a tree, often with bright green foliage. It is used in the Bible to describe plants or trees. The KJV translates it as 'bough' or 'branch'.
Definition: bough, branch, shoot Also means: pu.rah (פּוּרָה "bough" H6288B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, sprig. See also: Isaiah 10:33; Ezekiel 31:6; Ezekiel 31:13.
יָֽלְד֔וּ
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
כֹּ֖ל
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.
חַיַּ֣ת
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
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.
וּ/בְ/צִלּ/וֹ֙
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
יֵֽשְׁב֔וּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
כֹּ֖ל
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.
גּוֹיִ֥ם
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.
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 31:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 31:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:6
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:6
Context — Egypt Will Fall like Assyria
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.
5Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters.
6All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.
7It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its limbs, for its roots extended to abundant waters. 8The cedars in the garden of God could not rival it; the cypresses could not compare with its branches, nor the plane trees match its boughs. No tree in the garden of God could compare with its beauty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 17:23 | I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel so that it will bear branches; it will yield fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches. |
| 2 | Matthew 13:32 | Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” |
| 3 | Daniel 4:12 | Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed. |
| 4 | Daniel 4:21 | whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested— |
Ezekiel 31:6 Summary
Ezekiel 31:6 describes a powerful tree that provides shelter and protection for many birds, beasts, and nations. This tree represents a strong and powerful nation that many people rely on for safety and security. Just like the tree, God provides for our needs and offers us refuge and protection, as seen in Psalms 91:4. We can trust in God's sovereignty and care for us, just as the birds trust in the tree's branches to hold them, and find our true security and greatness in Him, as taught in Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the tree in Ezekiel 31:6 represent?
The tree in Ezekiel 31:6 is a symbol of a powerful nation, likely Egypt, as described in the preceding verses, and its greatness is compared to other nations and trees in the garden of God, as seen in Ezekiel 31:8 and Ezekiel 31:9.
Why did all the birds of the air nest in its branches?
The birds nesting in the tree's branches represent the many nations and peoples that found refuge and protection under the powerful nation's rule, much like the way God provides for the birds of the air, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:26.
What is the significance of all the great nations living in its shade?
The nations living in the tree's shade signify the extensive influence and dominance of the powerful nation, providing shelter and security for many other nations, much like the way God's presence provides shade and protection for His people, as described in Psalms 91:1.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?
This verse illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations, as He allows them to rise and fall, and provides for their needs, as seen in Acts 17:26, where it is written that God determined the times and boundaries of every nation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can find refuge and protection in God, just like the birds found refuge in the tree's branches?
- How can I be a source of shade and protection for those around me, reflecting God's character?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty over all nations and circumstances, even when things seem uncertain?
- How can I apply the lesson of Ezekiel 31:6 to my own life, recognizing that true greatness and security come from God alone?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:6
All the fowls of the heavens made their nests in his boughs,.... People from all parts of the world, under the whole heavens, flocked to his dominions, and settled themselves in one province or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:6
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:6
All the fowls; not every individual, but all sorts and kinds of men and people, nobles, merchants, husbandmen, likened to fowls. Made their nests; did settle their habitations and families, expecting what they found, safety and rest, and hoping what did ensue, an increase of their children and posterity, as birds do in a quiet and safe nest. In his boughs; in his kingdom, in the cities or towns of it. Under his branches; the very same thing expressed by a new hieroglyphic. Beasts here are people, the field is the countries round about, their bringing forth their young includes their making their dens, that is, men’ s building, begetting children, and breeding them under his branches, under his government and protection. Under his shadow dwelt all great nations: this gives some light to the riddle. No nation, that was great at that time in the world, but either owned the dominion, or sought the alliance and friendship, of this king and kingdom.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:6
Ezekiel 31:6 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.Ver. 6. All the fowls.] See Daniel 4:12.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:6
(6) All the fowls of heaven.—Comp. Ezekiel 17:23; Daniel 4:21.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:6
6. The “fowls” and “beasts” are as much figurative as the tree; they are probably interpreted by “nations” in the end of the verse; cf. Ezekiel 17:23; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:14. But see Jeremiah 27:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:6
6. Compare Daniel 4:12. This was as true of Egypt as of Assyria. The beasts and fowls (all the people of the earth) looked to it for protection.