Ezekiel 19:2

KJV

And say, What [is] thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559}, What is thy mother {H517}? A lioness {H3833}: she lay down {H7257} among lions {H738}, she nourished {H7235} her whelps {H1482} among {H8432} young lions {H3715}.

Complete Jewish Bible

say: 'What a mother you had a lioness among lions! She lay down among young lions and reared her cubs.

Berean Standard Bible

and say: ‘What was your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions; she reared her cubs.

American Standard Version

and say, What was thy mother? A lioness: she couched among lions, in the midst of the young lions she nourished her whelps.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 19:2 introduces a powerful prophetic lament, or dirge, for the princes of Israel, personifying the nation of Judah or its Davidic dynasty as a formidable lioness. This verse sets the stage for a vivid allegory depicting the rise and fall of Judah's last kings, portraying them as "whelps" nurtured within a predatory environment. The imagery underscores the inherent nature of Judah's leadership—characterized by strength and ferocity, yet ultimately leading to destructive unrighteousness and divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 19 is a "lamentation for the princes of Israel," a poetic dirge that immediately follows a series of oracles against Judah and Jerusalem. This chapter transitions from direct condemnation to a mournful reflection on the tragic fate of Judah's monarchy. Verses 1-9 focus on the first two "whelps" (likely Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin), while verses 10-14 shift to a vine metaphor, representing the destruction of the entire kingdom and its remaining leadership. The lament form itself is significant, typically expressing grief over death or disaster, here applied proleptically to the impending fall of the Davidic line. The imagery of the lioness and her whelps in this verse initiates a sustained metaphor that runs through the first part of the chapter, providing a vivid and emotionally charged portrayal of royal failure and divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered this prophecy during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national crisis for Judah. The nation had already experienced the first deportation (597 BC), with King Jehoiachin and many elites taken to Babylon, and Jerusalem was under the rule of Zedekiah, a puppet king. The ancient Near East frequently employed lion imagery to symbolize royalty, power, and military might. However, in this context, Ezekiel subverts this noble symbolism, using the lioness and her whelps to highlight the predatory, unrighteous, and ultimately self-destructive nature of Judah's recent kings. These rulers, rather than protecting their people, often exploited them or engaged in international politicking that led to disaster, mirroring the behavior of a wild beast rather than a righteous shepherd.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational to several key themes woven throughout Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader Old Testament narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Corrupt Leadership**, highlighting how those entrusted with authority can become predatory and destructive, leading their people to ruin rather than righteousness. This stands in stark contrast to the ideal of a righteous king or shepherd found in passages like [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd") or [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Prophecy Against Evil Shepherds"). The imagery also contributes to the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as the lament itself is a prophetic declaration of God's righteous response to Judah's persistent rebellion and the failure of its monarchy. Furthermore, it underscores the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**, demonstrating how the nation's departure from God's covenant, often led by its kings, inevitably results in national catastrophe and exile, as warned in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mother (Hebrew, _ʼêm'_):** (H517) This primitive word signifies the bond of the family and, in a wider sense, can refer to the origin or source. In Ezekiel 19:2, "mother" metaphorically represents the nation of Judah, the royal Davidic dynasty, or even Jerusalem itself. It denotes the source from which the kings (the "whelps") emerged, implying that the very nature or environment of their upbringing within the kingdom contributed to their character and actions.
* **Lioness (Hebrew, _lâbîyʼ'_):** (H3833) This term, specifically a lioness (though it can refer to a lion generally), is chosen for its connotation of ferocity and predatory instinct. While lions often symbolize strength and majesty in ancient Near Eastern cultures, here, the "lioness" represents Judah's monarchy not in its noble aspect, but in its destructive, rapacious, and unrighteous character. It highlights the aggressive and self-serving nature that ultimately led to the kingdom's downfall.
* **Whelps (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** (H1482) Derived from a root meaning "to abide," this term refers to a cub, especially of a lion, still abiding in its lair. In the context of the lament, "whelps" are the young lions, specifically the successive kings of Judah (e.g., Jehoahaz, Jehoiachin). Their portrayal as "whelps" emphasizes their lineage from the "lioness" (the kingdom/dynasty) and suggests that they inherited or developed the same predatory characteristics, leading to their own capture and the ruin of the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say, What [is] thy mother?"**: This opening command, directed to Ezekiel, introduces a rhetorical question designed to provoke thought and reveal the true nature of the subject. The "mother" is not a literal parent but a metaphorical representation of the entity that birthed and nurtured the kings of Judah. The question itself implies a shocking or unexpected answer, setting the tone for the lament.
* **"A lioness:"**: This is the immediate and striking answer to the rhetorical question. The identification of the "mother" as a lioness immediately establishes the central metaphor of the dirge. It characterizes the "mother" (Judah/Davidic dynasty) as powerful, fierce, and inherently predatory, subverting the typical noble imagery of a lion to convey a sense of danger and destructive potential.
* **"she lay down among lions,"**: This clause describes the environment in which the "lioness" (Judah/dynasty) existed. To "lay down" (H7257, _râbats'_) suggests a state of repose, establishment, or lurking. The "lions" (H738, _ʼărîy'_) among whom she lay could represent other powerful, perhaps equally predatory, nations or rulers of the ancient Near East. This suggests that Judah's monarchy was not only powerful but also operated within a dangerous, competitive, and morally compromised international arena, adopting the ways of the surrounding powers.
* **"she nourished her whelps among young lions."**: This final clause describes the lioness's primary activity: raising her offspring. To "nourish" (H7235, _râbâh'_) implies to increase or cause to grow. The "whelps" (H1482, _gûwr'_) are the kings of Judah. The phrase "among young lions" (H3715, _kᵉphîyr'_) reinforces the predatory environment and suggests that the new generation of rulers was raised in the same fierce, unrighteous manner, perpetuating the cycle of destructive leadership. This highlights the inherent nature of the dynasty and its offspring, leading directly to their downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 19:2 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The primary metaphor is that of the "lioness" representing the nation of Judah or its royal dynasty, and her "whelps" symbolizing the kings. This sustained animal imagery is a powerful way to convey complex ideas about character and destiny. The choice of a lioness, a creature known for its ferocity and predatory nature, is a form of **Irony** or **Subversion** of typical royal symbolism, where lions often represent noble strength. Here, strength is twisted into destructive power. The opening **Rhetorical Question**, "What is thy mother?", immediately engages the audience and sets a tone of inquiry and impending revelation. The **Repetition** of "lions" and "young lions" throughout the verse emphasizes the pervasive nature of this predatory environment and the character of the rulers. The entire passage functions as a **Lament** or dirge, a poetic form typically used for mourning the dead, here applied to the living but doomed monarchy, foreshadowing its demise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 19:2 provides a stark theological commentary on the nature of unrighteous leadership and the consequences of a nation's moral decay. It underscores the biblical principle that power, when divorced from divine justice and righteousness, inevitably becomes predatory and self-destructive. The lament mourns not just the kings, but the tragic state of a kingdom that has adopted the ways of the "lions" around it, failing to live up to its covenantal calling. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God holds leaders accountable for their stewardship and that the spiritual health of a nation is intrinsically linked to the character of its governance.

* [Jeremiah 22:1-5](/jeremiah/22-1 "Jeremiah 22:1-5 - A Call for Justice and Righteousness")
* [Proverbs 28:15](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15 - A Roaring Lion and a Ranging Bear")
* [Micah 3:1-3](/micah/3-1 "Micah 3:1-3 - Indictment of Corrupt Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 19:2, though rooted in ancient history, offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary life. It challenges us to critically examine the nature of leadership in all spheres—political, corporate, communal, and even familial. The "lioness" and "whelps" metaphor serves as a powerful warning against the corrupting influence of power when it is wielded for self-interest rather than the common good, or when it mirrors the predatory instincts of a fallen world. It calls us to discern whether those in authority are truly nurturing and protecting, or if they are, wittingly or unwittingly, preying upon those they are meant to serve. For believers, this verse also prompts introspection: are we, as individuals or communities, reflecting the righteous character of God, or are we adopting the "lion-like" behaviors of the world around us? It underscores the vital importance of integrity, justice, and compassion in all our interactions and leadership roles, reminding us that ultimately, unrighteousness leads to ruin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, or leaders we observe, exhibit "lion-like" predatory behavior instead of righteous stewardship?**
* **How does the environment in which leaders are raised or operate influence their character and actions?**
* **What are the practical steps we can take to promote and support righteous leadership in our communities and beyond?**
* **How does this lament for Judah's kings inform our prayers for current leaders and our engagement with societal issues?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "lioness" metaphor in Ezekiel 19:2?**

Answer: The "lioness" metaphor is highly significant as it represents the nation of Judah or its Davidic dynasty, the source from which the kings (the "whelps") emerged. While lions often symbolize power and majesty in ancient cultures, Ezekiel uses the lioness to convey a darker, more critical message. It highlights the inherent ferocity, predatory nature, and unrighteousness that characterized Judah's monarchy, suggesting that its strength was often used for exploitation rather than justice. This imagery sets the stage for the lament over the kings' downfall, implying that their own destructive nature, nurtured within this "lioness" kingdom, led to their tragic end.

**Who are the "whelps" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "whelps" are the young lions, which symbolically represent the successive kings of Judah who reigned just before and during the Babylonian exile. While the verse is general, the subsequent verses in [Ezekiel 19](/ezekiel/19 "Ezekiel 19 - A Lament for the Princes of Israel") clarify that the first two whelps are likely Jehoahaz (also known as Shallum, mentioned in [Jeremiah 22:11-12](/jeremiah/22-11 "Jeremiah 22:11-12 - Jehoahaz's Exile")) and Jehoiachin (whose reign and exile are detailed in [2 Kings 24:8-16](/2_kings/24-8 "2 Kings 24:8-16 - Jehoiachin's Reign and Exile")). These kings, like their "mother" the lioness, exhibited predatory behavior and ultimately faced divine judgment, being captured and taken into exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 19:2, with its lament over the failed and predatory kings of Judah, powerfully foreshadows the desperate need for a different kind of King—one who would not exploit or devour, but shepherd and sacrifice. The "lioness" and her "whelps" illustrate the tragic culmination of human leadership apart from God's righteousness, a lineage of power corrupted by sin. This lament ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of the righteous King and Shepherd. Unlike the self-serving "whelps" who were captured and led their people to ruin, Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (as seen in [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), did not come to prey but to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He is the true Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), in stark contrast to the unrighteous leaders who devoured their flock. His kingdom is not built on earthly power or predatory might, but on justice, righteousness, and sacrificial love, offering true peace and restoration where human kings failed ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zephaniah 3:1

¶ Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

Zephaniah 3:4

Her prophets [are] light [and] treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.

Nahum 2:11

¶ Where [is] the dwelling of the lions, and the feedingplace of the young lions, where the lion, [even] the old lion, walked, [and] the lion's whelp, and none made [them] afraid?

Nahum 2:12

The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin.

Job 4:11

The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad.

Psalms 58:6

¶ Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.

Isaiah 11:6

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.