Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.

EZEKIEL 31:7KJV
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Ezekiel 31:7 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 31:7 mean?

Ezekiel 31:7 describes how the tree being compared to Assyria was beautiful and impressive because it grew tall and had long branches, all due to its roots being nourished by abundant waters. The verse uses this image to show that the tree’s greatness and beauty came from the rich resources it received.

In this part of Ezekiel, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, using the image of a mighty tree to represent the Assyrian empire. The tree’s height and spreading branches symbolize Assyria’s power and reach, while the “great waters” point to the sources of its strength and prosperity. This sets up a warning to Egypt not to be proud of its own greatness, since even the mighty Assyria was brought low.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 31:7

  • “fair” (יָפֶה, yafeh): This word means beautiful or attractive, highlighting not just the size but the appealing appearance of the tree, which points to the splendor of Assyria.
  • “greatness” (גֹּדֶל, godel): This refers to majesty or might, emphasizing the impressive stature and reputation of the tree (and thus Assyria).
  • “root” (שֹׁרֶשׁ, shoresh): The root is what connects the tree to the water, symbolizing the source of life and strength. The verse stresses that the tree’s success depended on its access to these “great waters” (מַיִם רַבִּים, mayim rabbim), meaning plentiful or abundant water, which is a picture of rich resources or blessings.

Why Ezekiel 31:7 matters

  • Ezekiel 31:7 makes clear that the greatness and beauty of Assyria (the tree) were not self-made but depended on outside sources—specifically, the “great waters.” This counters any idea of self-sufficiency or pride.
  • The verse fits into a larger warning to Egypt, showing that even the most powerful nations can fall if they forget where their strength comes from.
  • By focusing on the root and the waters, the verse highlights a theme found throughout the Bible: true strength and flourishing come from being connected to a good source, not from one’s own efforts alone.

Where else these words appear

“fair” Hebrew H3302 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 45:2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
  • Song of Solomon 7:1 How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.
  • Jeremiah 4:30 And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.

“branches” Hebrew H1808 · used in 8 verses

  • Jeremiah 11:16 The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.
  • Ezekiel 17:7 There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.
  • Ezekiel 19:11 And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches.

“greatness” Hebrew H1433 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 14:19 Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.
  • Deuteronomy 11:2 And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,
  • Isaiah 9:9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,

“root” Hebrew H8328 · used in 32 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;
  • Job 30:4 Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat.
  • Isaiah 37:31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: