Ezekiel 31:10

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַר֙
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#6
יַ֕עַן
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
גָּבַ֖הְתָּ
Because thou hast lifted up
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
#9
בְּקוֹמָ֑ה
thyself in height
height
#10
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
and he hath shot up
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
צַמַּרְתּוֹ֙
his top
fleeciness, i.e., foliage
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
בֵּ֣ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#14
עֲבוֹתִ֔ים
among the thick boughs
something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage
#15
וְרָ֥ם
is lifted up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#16
לְבָב֖וֹ
and his heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#17
בְּגָבְהֽוֹ׃
in his height
elation, grandeur, arrogance

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People