Ezekiel 19:6
And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
And he went up and down
H1980
וַיִּתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
And he went up and down
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כְּפִ֣יר
he became a young lion
H3715
כְּפִ֣יר
he became a young lion
Strong's:
H3715
Word #:
4 of 10
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
הָיָ֑ה
H1961
הָיָ֑ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וַיִּלְמַ֥ד
and learned
H3925
וַיִּלְמַ֥ד
and learned
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
לִטְרָף
to catch
H2963
לִטְרָף
to catch
Strong's:
H2963
Word #:
7 of 10
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
טֶ֖רֶף
the prey
H2964
טֶ֖רֶף
the prey
Strong's:
H2964
Word #:
8 of 10
something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
Historical Context
Jehoiachin (also called Jeconiah or Coniah) reigned only three months (597 BC) before Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and deported him to Babylon with the royal family, officials, and craftsmen (2 Kings 24:8-16). Like his predecessor, his reign was evil (2 Kings 24:9).
Questions for Reflection
- Why do we often repeat destructive patterns despite witnessing others' failures?
- How can we break cycles of generational sin and foolishness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.' The second cub (likely Jehoiachin) follows the same pattern—growing strong, becoming predatory, devouring men. The repetition emphasizes that the second generation didn't learn from the first's fate. Same trajectory, same sins, same consequences. This tragic pattern reflects Judah's persistent rebellion despite repeated warnings.