Ezekiel 19:2
And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.
Original Language Analysis
מָ֤ה
H4100
מָ֤ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אִמְּךָ֙
What is thy mother
H517
אִמְּךָ֙
What is thy mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
3 of 11
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
לְבִיָּ֔א
A lioness
H3833
לְבִיָּ֔א
A lioness
Strong's:
H3833
Word #:
4 of 11
a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))
בֵּ֥ין
H996
בֵּ֥ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 11
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
רָבָ֑צָה
she lay down
H7257
רָבָ֑צָה
she lay down
Strong's:
H7257
Word #:
7 of 11
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
כְּפִרִ֖ים
young lions
H3715
כְּפִרִ֖ים
young lions
Strong's:
H3715
Word #:
9 of 11
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
Historical Context
The lioness imagery draws on royal symbolism throughout the ancient Near East. Lions decorated palace gates and thrones. In biblical imagery, lions represent both strength (Genesis 49:9—Judah as a lion) and danger. The metaphor captures Judah's former glory and current tragedy.
Questions for Reflection
- How do symbols of past glory (like the lion) intensify the tragedy of present defeat?
- What does this teach about the responsibility of those who raise leaders?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.' The mother lioness represents Judah or Jerusalem, producing royal 'whelps' (cubs). Lions symbolize royalty and strength in ancient Near Eastern imagery. 'Lay down among lions...nourished her whelps among young lions' suggests Judah's integration with other powerful nations, perhaps indicating political alliances or adoption of pagan practices.