Ezekiel 31:7
Ezekiel 31:7 in Multiple Translations
It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its limbs, for its roots extended to abundant waters.
Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.
Thus was it fair in its greatness, in the length of its branches; for its root was by many waters.
So it was beautiful, being so tall and its branches so long, for its root was by great waters.
It was beautiful and majestic with its long branches, because its roots reached down to the plentiful water.
Thus was he faire in his greatnesse, and in the length of his branches: for his roote was neere great waters.
And he is fair in his greatness, In the length of his thin shoots, For his root hath been by great waters.
Thus it was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches; for its root was by many waters.
Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.
And he was most beautiful for his greatness, and for the spreading of his branches: for his root was near great waters.
It was majestic and beautiful; its branches spread out widely because the roots of the tree grew down into the ground where there was a plentiful supply of water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 31:7
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 31:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְּיִ֣ף
בְּ/גָדְל֔/וֹ
בְּ/אֹ֖רֶךְ
דָּֽלִיּוֹתָ֑י/ו
כִּֽי
הָיָ֥ה
שָׁרְשׁ֖/וֹ
אֶל
מַ֥יִם
רַבִּֽים
וַ/יְּיִ֣ף
yâphâh
H3302
be beautiful
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/גָדְל֔/וֹ
gôdel
H1433
greatness
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בְּ/אֹ֖רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
length
Prep | N-ms
דָּֽלִיּוֹתָ֑י/ו
dâlîyâh
H1808
branch
N-fp | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שָׁרְשׁ֖/וֹ
sheresh
H8328
root
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מַ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 31:7
וַ/יְּיִ֣ף
yâphâh
H3302
"be beautiful"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be beautiful in the Bible means to be bright and handsome, as seen in the story of Esther, who was chosen for her beauty. The term is also used to describe the beauty of nature and the beauty of God's creation.
Definition: 1) to be bright, be beautiful, be handsome, be fair 1a) (Qal) to be beautiful 1b) (Piel) to beautify 1c) (Pual) to be beautiful 1d) (Hithpael) to beautify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: be beautiful, be (make self) fair(-r), deck. See also: Psalms 45:3; Jeremiah 4:30; Jeremiah 10:4.
בְּ/גָדְל֔/וֹ
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.
בְּ/אֹ֖רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
"length"
Prep | N-ms
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Definition: 1) length 1a) physical length 1b) of time 2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] forever, length, long. See also: Genesis 6:15; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 21:5.
דָּֽלִיּוֹתָ֑י/ו
dâlîyâh
H1808
"branch"
N-fp | Suff
A branch refers to a part of a tree, like an olive or vine. In the Bible, it symbolizes Israel. The word is used to describe something that is dangling or hanging.
Definition: 1) branch, bough 1a) of Israel (fig.) (used with olive tree, vine, cedar tree)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: branch. See also: Jeremiah 11:16; Ezekiel 19:11; Ezekiel 31:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
שָׁרְשׁ֖/וֹ
sheresh
H8328
"root"
N-ms | Suff
A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) root 1a) root (literal) 1b) root (of people involving firmness or permanence) (fig) 1c) root, bottom (as lowest stratum) (fig) Aramaic equivalent: sho.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8330)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bottom, deep, heel, root. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Isaiah 11:1; Psalms 80:10.
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.
מַ֥יִם
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.
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 31:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Egypt Will Fall like Assyria
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. 9I made it beautiful with its many branches, the envy of all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God.’Ezekiel 31:7 Summary
Ezekiel 31:7 describes a tree that is beautiful because of its greatness and the length of its limbs, which are nourished by abundant waters. This verse teaches us that true beauty comes from within, and that our strength and vitality come from our connection to God, just like the tree's roots extend to the waters (Psalm 1:3). The tree's long limbs also show us the importance of reaching out and providing for others, just like the tree provides a home for the birds and beasts. By staying connected to God and using our resources to bless others, we can cultivate a sense of beauty and greatness in our own lives (Matthew 5:16).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the tree's roots to extend to abundant waters in Ezekiel 31:7?
This phrase suggests that the tree's strength and vitality come from its deep connection to a reliable source of nourishment, much like our spiritual strength comes from our connection to God, as seen in Jeremiah 17:7-8, where a blessed person is described as one who trusts in the Lord and whose roots go down deep into the waters.
How does the beauty of the tree in Ezekiel 31:7 relate to its greatness?
The beauty of the tree is directly tied to its greatness, emphasizing that true beauty is not just about appearance, but also about the depth and richness of one's character, as expressed in Psalm 96:6, where the glory and beauty of God are closely linked.
What is the significance of the tree's limbs being long in Ezekiel 31:7?
The length of the tree's limbs symbolizes the reach and influence of the tree, much like how our actions and decisions can have a wide impact on those around us, as taught in Matthew 5:16, where our good deeds can shine before others and bring glory to our Father in heaven.
How does Ezekiel 31:7 relate to the idea of stewardship?
This verse implies that the tree's beauty and greatness are not just about its own intrinsic qualities, but also about how it uses its resources, in this case, the abundant waters, to flourish and provide for others, much like how we are called to be good stewards of the resources God has given us, as seen in Luke 12:48, where much is required from those to whom much has been given.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'abundant waters' that nourish my own spiritual roots, and how can I deepen my connection to them?
- In what ways can I, like the tree in Ezekiel 31:7, use my own 'limbs' or resources to reach out and bless those around me?
- How can I cultivate a sense of beauty and greatness in my own life, not just in terms of external appearance, but also in terms of the depth and richness of my character?
- What are some ways that I can be a source of shelter and provision for others, just like the tree provides a home for the birds and beasts in Ezekiel 31:6?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:7
Thus was he fair in his greatness,.... Amiable, lovely, delightful to look upon in the greatness of his majesty, in his royal glory and dignity: in the length of his branches; in the extent of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:7
Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:7
Fair; beautiful, lovely, and desirable. In his greatness; not exerted in tyranny and oppression, but exercised in the royal art of imitating the greatest and best being who is King over all, for he doth good to all. In the length of his branches; how far soever remote, yet the justice and goodness of the government appeared the beauty of those provinces, as well as of the whole kingdom. His root, whence he sprung, which supported and supplied the kingdom, was right, the laws, punishments, rewards, and encouragements neither founded in cruelty, nor maintained by violence. By great waters; not by blood, which is no proper kindly nourishment for such cedars, but by waters, which are kindly and proper, and these great enough for his own growth and to nourish others too.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:7
Ezekiel 31:7 Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.Ver. 7. Thus was he fair in his greatness] Once again he setteth forth with how great power and glory God had adorned this first monarchy.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:7
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.