Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.

EZEKIEL 31:3KJV
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Ezekiel 31:3 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 31:3 mean?

Ezekiel 31:3 uses the image of a tall, beautiful cedar tree in Lebanon to describe the greatness and majesty of the Assyrian empire, emphasizing its impressive appearance and far-reaching influence. The verse highlights the Assyrian's strength, beauty, and prominence among other nations, comparing its top branches to the thickest parts of the forest.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the Pharaoh of Egypt, warning him by using Assyria as an example. The context is a message about pride and downfall: Assyria was once powerful and admired, like a mighty cedar, but its greatness did not last. The verse sets up a lesson for Egypt by recalling Assyria’s former glory before its fall.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 31:3

  • "Assyrian" (אַשּׁוּר, 'ashshur'): This word points directly to the empire of Assyria, known for its power and influence. The verse uses Assyria as a symbol of unmatched strength and splendor in the ancient world.
  • "Cedar" (אֶרֶז, 'erez'): The cedar of Lebanon was famous for its height, beauty, and durability. By comparing Assyria to this tree, the verse underlines how impressive and desirable the empire seemed.
  • "Fair" (יָפֶה, yafeh) and "branches" (עָנָף, 'anaf): These words highlight both the beauty and the reach of Assyria, suggesting that its influence spread wide and was admired.
  • "Shadowing" (צֵל, tsel) and "shroud" (חֹרֶשׁ, choresh): These terms together paint a picture of the tree providing shelter and covering, hinting at how Assyria’s power offered protection—or dominance—over others.
  • "High" (גָּבֹהַּ, gavohah) and "stature" (קוֹמָה, qomah): These words stress the extraordinary height and status of Assyria, making clear that it stood out above others.
  • "Top" (צַמֶּרֶת, tzemeret) and "boughs" (עֲבֹת, avot): The "top among the thick boughs" suggests that Assyria reached the very heights, even among other great nations.

Why Ezekiel 31:3 matters

  • Ezekiel 31:3 clarifies that the focus is not just on Assyria’s power, but on how its greatness was visible and admired by all—making its later downfall more striking.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by warning Egypt that even the mightiest can fall, using Assyria’s story as a cautionary example.
  • Understanding the tree imagery helps modern readers see how ancient people viewed empires: not just as political entities, but as living, growing presences that could dominate or shelter others.

Where else these words appear

“shadowing” Hebrew H6751 · used in 2 verses

  • Nehemiah 13:19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

“high” Hebrew H1362 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
  • Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

“top” Hebrew H6788 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezekiel 17:3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:
  • Ezekiel 17:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:
  • 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;

“branches” Hebrew H6057 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 23:40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
  • Ezekiel 17:8 It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
  • Ezekiel 36:8 But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come.