Ezekiel 31:10
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יַ֕עַן
H3282
יַ֕עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
גָּבַ֖הְתָּ
Because thou hast lifted up
H1361
גָּבַ֖הְתָּ
Because thou hast lifted up
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
8 of 17
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
and he hath shot up
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
and he hath shot up
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
10 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בֵּ֣ין
H996
בֵּ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
13 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
עֲבוֹתִ֔ים
among the thick boughs
H5688
עֲבוֹתִ֔ים
among the thick boughs
Strong's:
H5688
Word #:
14 of 17
something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage
וְרָ֥ם
is lifted up
H7311
וְרָ֥ם
is lifted up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
15 of 17
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Ezekiel 28:17Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.Daniel 5:20But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:2 Chronicles 32:25But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Assyrian inscriptions boast of military achievements and divine favor from Ashur (their god). They credited themselves and false deities, never acknowledging Yahweh's sovereignty. This theological error brought judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas might pride be taking root in your heart because of God-given abilities or blessings?
- How can you cultivate humility that acknowledges God as the source of everything good in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The indictment: 'his heart is lifted up in his height'—pride in God-given greatness. The Hebrew 'gabah' (lifted up) indicates arrogant self-exaltation. Pride is the foundational sin (Isaiah 14:13-14, Ezekiel 28:2,17), leading to all other evils. Assyria attributed God's gifts to themselves, bringing inevitable judgment. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).