Ezekiel 31:5
Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֙
H3651
כֵּן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
גָּבְהָ֣א
was exalted
H1361
גָּבְהָ֣א
was exalted
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
3 of 14
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
מִכֹּ֖ל
H3605
מִכֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲצֵ֣י
above all the trees
H6086
עֲצֵ֣י
above all the trees
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
6 of 14
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
וַתֶּאֱרַ֧כְנָה
became long
H748
וַתֶּאֱרַ֧כְנָה
became long
Strong's:
H748
Word #:
10 of 14
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
פֹארֹתָ֛ו
and his branches
H6288
פֹארֹתָ֛ו
and his branches
Strong's:
H6288
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, ornamentation, i.e., (plural) foliage (including the limbs) as bright green
מִמַּ֥יִם
of waters
H4325
מִמַּ֥יִם
of waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
12 of 14
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Historical Context
Assyria's empire at its height (circa 660 BC under Ashurbanipal) extended from Egypt to Persia, from Anatolia to the Persian Gulf. This unprecedented reach made them the ancient world's superpower—until God determined their time was finished.
Questions for Reflection
- How can success and growth become spiritual dangers if they lead to pride and self-sufficiency?
- What safeguards do you have in place to maintain humility and God-dependence during seasons of blessing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The cedar grew 'higher than all the trees of the field'—Assyria surpassed all nations in power and glory. The source: abundant waters (God's provision). Yet height and prosperity contain seeds of pride. The 'boughs multiplied' and 'branches became long' depict expansionism and imperialism. Unchecked growth without accountability to God leads to overreach and fall.