Ezekiel 31:10

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because thou hast lifted up {H1361} thyself in height {H6967}, and he hath shot up {H5414} his top {H6788} among the thick boughs {H5688}, and his heart {H3824} is lifted up {H7311} in his height {H1363};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Because you are so tall, because he has lifted his crown above the leafy boughs, because he has grown so arrogant about his height,

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Since it became great in height and set its top among the clouds, and it grew proud on account of its height,

American Standard Version

Therefore thus said the Lord Jehovah: Because thou art exalted in stature, and he hath set his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 31:10 presents a solemn divine declaration from the Lord GOD, revealing the precise cause for the impending judgment against Pharaoh and the kingdom of Egypt. This verse serves as a critical pivot within Ezekiel's elaborate prophetic lament, which masterfully employs the metaphor of a majestic, towering cedar tree to symbolize Egypt's formidable power and influence. It unequivocally states that despite its impressive stature and widespread dominion, Egypt's inevitable downfall is directly attributable to its profound and pervasive pride, manifested in its relentless self-exaltation and arrogant heart. The verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering opposition to human hubris and His ultimate, unchallengeable sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 31:10 is strategically placed within a series of divine oracles against foreign nations, specifically targeting Egypt. This particular prophecy, delivered in the ninth year of King Jehoiachin's exile (Ezekiel 31:1), forms a distinct prophetic lament that utilizes an extended metaphor of a magnificent cedar tree to represent Egypt's immense power and global reach. Verses 1-9 vividly portray the tree's unparalleled height, expansive branches, and the shelter it provided to numerous nations, implicitly acknowledging Egypt's historical dominance and allure. However, verse 10 marks a dramatic shift from descriptive grandeur to a declarative indictment, directly linking the tree's (Egypt's) impressive growth and stature to its internal sin of pride. This indictment then sets the stage for the subsequent verses (Ezekiel 31:11-18), which graphically detail the tree's inevitable felling and the catastrophic consequences of its arrogance, serving as a stark and universal warning to Pharaoh and other haughty rulers. The entire chapter functions as a cautionary tale, drawing parallels to Assyria's past downfall to underscore the inescapable fate awaiting Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 31 was delivered around 587 BC, a pivotal moment just prior to the final destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian Empire. At this time, Egypt, though no longer at its imperial zenith, still commanded significant power in the ancient Near East, often serving as a potential, albeit unreliable, ally or refuge for Judah against Babylonian aggression. Pharaoh Hophra, the contemporary Egyptian ruler, was known for his arrogant demeanor and his misplaced reliance on Egypt's military might. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, trees—especially the majestic cedars of Lebanon—were potent symbols of strength, majesty, divine favor, and royal power, frequently associated with kings, empires, and even deities. The vivid imagery of a towering tree reaching "among the thick boughs" would have been immediately understood by Ezekiel's audience as a metaphor for a dominant empire asserting its supremacy over lesser nations. Furthermore, the cultural understanding of the "heart" (`lêbâb`) in Hebrew thought as the quintessential seat of intellect, will, and emotion, not merely a physical organ, profoundly emphasizes that Egypt's pride was not just an external display but a deep-seated, fundamental orientation of its very being. This rich cultural context amplifies the gravity of the divine judgment against such profound internal arrogance.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme permeating Ezekiel 31:10 is the **peril of pride and self-exaltation**. The repeated emphasis on being "lifted up in height" and the "heart is lifted up" profoundly underscores that Egypt's cardinal sin was an internal arrogance that directly challenged divine sovereignty, rather than merely a display of its formidable power. This hubris directly precipitates the theme of **divine judgment**, as the opening "Thus saith the Lord GOD" signals an authoritative and irrevocable declaration of God's righteous opposition to such pride. The verse powerfully reinforces the **sovereignty of God over nations**, demonstrating with undeniable clarity that even the most formidable earthly empires are utterly subject to His ultimate authority. Despite their apparent might, God remains in absolute control, capable of humbling the proud and bringing down those who forget His ultimate dominion. This aligns seamlessly with broader biblical teachings that [pride precedes destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction") and that God [resists the proud](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud"). The chapter also subtly touches upon the theme of **false security**, as Egypt's misplaced reliance on its own strength and grandeur, rather than on God's favor, ultimately proves to be a futile and destructive endeavor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lifted up (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_ H1361):** A primitive root meaning "to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty." In this context, it describes the active and deliberate act of self-exaltation, an ascent not merely in physical stature or political power but in a profound spiritual and psychological sense of superiority and arrogance. It signifies a prideful elevation of oneself above one's rightful place, often in direct defiance of God's ultimate authority and sovereignty.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_ H3824):** Refers to the innermost being, the very core of a person's identity, encompassing intellect, will, and emotion. In Hebrew thought, the heart is the wellspring of moral character and the seat of one's deepest motivations. When the "heart is lifted up," it signifies a deep-seated, internal pride—a fundamental orientation of the will and affections towards self-importance, self-sufficiency, and self-aggrandizement, rather than humility, dependence, or submission to God. This internal state is the insidious root of the external manifestation of arrogance.
* **height (Hebrew, _gôbahh'_ H1363):** Derived from `gâbahh`, this noun denotes "elation, grandeur, arrogance." While it can refer to physical elevation or impressive stature, here it carries the strong connotation of haughtiness, loftiness, and pride. The phrase "in his height" (referring to the tree's impressive stature and Egypt's perceived grandeur) is immediately juxtaposed with the heart being "lifted up in his height," creating a powerful and poignant link between outward majesty and inward arrogance. This highlights that the very source of their perceived strength and admiration became the fertile ground for their sin and ultimate downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn, authoritative, and unchallengeable pronouncement, signaling a direct divine oracle. The use of the compound title "The Lord GOD" (`ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih` H136 H3069) profoundly emphasizes God's supreme authority as both absolute Master and faithful covenant-keeping God, lending absolute weight, certainty, and inevitability to the declaration that follows. It unequivocally indicates that the subsequent judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous and deliberate decree from the sovereign Creator of all.
* **"Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height,":** This clause directly and explicitly attributes the coming judgment to Egypt's (represented by "thou") active and deliberate act of self-exaltation. The "height" here refers not merely to its physical or political stature among nations but, more significantly, to its arrogant self-perception and the profound pride it took in its own elevated and dominant position. It highlights an active, conscious, and willful act of self-aggrandizement that directly affronted divine sovereignty.
* **"and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs,":** This continues the powerful and pervasive tree metaphor, vividly describing the extensive reach and overwhelming dominance of Egypt. Its "top" (Hebrew: `tsammereth` H6788, meaning "highest branch" or "foliage") has grown so immensely tall that it extends "among the thick boughs" (`ʻăbôth` H5688, referring to dense foliage or intertwined branches), symbolizing its overshadowing influence, supremacy, and control over other, lesser nations. This phrase illustrates the outward, visible manifestation of the pride mentioned in the previous clause, showing how Egypt's power was exercised in a way that asserted its perceived superiority and dominance over its neighbors.
* **"and his heart is lifted up in his height;":** This final clause powerfully reiterates and intensifies the indictment, pinpointing the true, insidious, and internal source of Egypt's sin. The "heart" (`lêbâb`) signifies the very core of its being—its will, intellect, and affections. The deliberate repetition of "lifted up" and "height" emphasizes that the pride was not merely an external display or a superficial characteristic but a deep-seated, pervasive, and internal arrogance, rooted in the very essence of the nation's self-perception and its profound reliance on its own grandeur and might. This profound internal pride, rather than external actions alone, is presented as the ultimate offense that provokes and necessitates divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 31:10 is exceptionally rich in literary devices that profoundly amplify its prophetic message and underscore its theological depth. The most prominent is the **Extended Metaphor**, where the entire chapter, and this verse as its pivotal point, masterfully likens Egypt to a magnificent, towering cedar tree. This metaphor effectively conveys Egypt's grandeur, immense strength, widespread influence, and perceived invincibility, making its subsequent, divinely ordained downfall all the more dramatic and impactful. **Personification** is also powerfully evident, as the tree is endowed with human attributes, specifically a "heart" that is "lifted up," thereby attributing the sin of pride directly to a non-human entity to represent the nation's internal spiritual state and moral failing. The phrases "thou hast lifted up thyself in height" and "his heart is lifted up in his height" employ potent **Repetition** and **Parallelism**, emphasizing the pervasive and dual nature of Egypt's pride—both outwardly in its majestic stature and inwardly in its core being. This rhetorical device powerfully underscores the central theme of arrogance as the fundamental and insidious root cause of its inevitable demise. Furthermore, the use of "thick boughs" as a representation of other nations is a sophisticated form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a part (boughs) stands for the whole (nations), concisely and powerfully illustrating Egypt's overwhelming dominance and overshadowing influence over its neighbors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 31:10 profoundly articulates a timeless and universal theological truth: unchecked pride, whether manifested in individuals, empires, or nations, inevitably leads to divine judgment and ultimate downfall. This verse unequivocally reveals God's active and righteous opposition to arrogance, underscoring that true power, lasting stability, and genuine flourishing are found not in self-exaltation or human might but in humble submission to His supreme sovereignty. The vivid imagery of a majestic tree brought low serves as a stark and sobering reminder that all earthly strength, grandeur, and influence are ephemeral, contingent upon God's will, and ultimately fleeting. The sin of pride, as depicted here, is not merely an outward display of haughtiness but a deep-seated rebellion of the heart, a fundamental refusal to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all blessing, authority, and existence. This profound principle resonates consistently throughout the entirety of Scripture, demonstrating a consistent divine posture against human hubris and self-sufficiency.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"): "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
* [Daniel 4:30-37](/daniel/4-30-37 "Daniel 4:30-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling"): The compelling narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar's boastful pride and subsequent divine humbling, where he was reduced to living like an animal until he acknowledged God's supreme and eternal sovereignty, directly parallels the imagery and profound message of a great tree being cut down.
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud"): "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 31:10 serves as a powerful, enduring, and deeply relevant warning against the insidious and pervasive nature of pride, a sin that subtly yet profoundly permeates human hearts, institutions, and societies across all generations. It compels us to engage in rigorous self-examination, prompting us to ask whether our successes, talents, achievements, or positions of influence have subtly led us towards self-reliance, self-congratulation, and arrogance rather than profound gratitude and humble dependence on God. In a world that often celebrates self-made success, relentless self-promotion, and unchecked ambition, this verse stands as a stark reminder that true strength, enduring influence, and ultimate security come solely from acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all good, wisdom, and power. For leaders in any sphere—whether in the church, business, government, or family—it is a sobering call to profound humility, recognizing that all power and authority are a sacred stewardship from God, not a license for self-aggrandizement or oppressive dominion. Our application must extend beyond individual introspection to communal and national humility, recognizing that nations, like individuals, are ultimately accountable to the divine sovereign. Instead of placing our trust in our own might, abundant resources, or impressive achievements, we are profoundly called to place our trust solely and unequivocally in the Lord, who alone is truly exalted and eternally capable of sustaining and guiding us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly lifting myself up in pride, rather than humbly acknowledging God's unmerited grace and provision?**
* **How does the concept of the "heart being lifted up" manifest itself in the prevailing attitudes and values of modern society, or perhaps even in my own personal interactions and perspectives towards others?**
* **What concrete and practical steps can I intentionally take to cultivate a genuine spirit of humility, profound gratitude, and unwavering dependence on God in my daily life and decision-making?**
* **How should this solemn warning against national pride and self-exaltation profoundly inform our prayers, our advocacy, and our actions regarding our own nation's posture, policies, and influence in the global arena?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "cedar tree" metaphor in Ezekiel 31?**

Answer: The cedar tree, particularly the majestic cedar of Lebanon, was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its immense size, unparalleled strength, longevity, and aromatic wood. Consequently, it was frequently employed as a powerful symbol to represent formidable nations, powerful kings, and even divine majesty. In Ezekiel 31, the cedar metaphor profoundly represents Egypt's extraordinary power, grandeur, widespread influence, and perceived invincibility among other nations, which often found shelter, alliance, or protection under its metaphorical "boughs." The metaphor's profound effectiveness lies in its ability to vividly portray Egypt's impressive stature and global reach, making its subsequent felling—explicitly attributed to its pride—a far more dramatic, impactful, and memorable image of divine judgment. It unequivocally underscores that even the most formidable earthly powers and empires are ultimately subject to God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty, as powerfully illustrated throughout the broader context of [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - The Felling of the Cedar").

**How does Ezekiel 31:10 relate to the concept of "pride goes before a fall"?**

Answer: Ezekiel 31:10 serves as a direct and compelling biblical illustration of the timeless principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," a truth famously articulated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction"). The verse explicitly states that Egypt's impending downfall is "Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and... his heart is lifted up in his height." This divinely revealed causal link unequivocally demonstrates that the nation's internal arrogance, self-exaltation, and hubris were the direct and primary cause of God's righteous and inevitable judgment. The powerful metaphor of the towering tree that is cut down precisely because of its excessive and prideful height vividly depicts the inevitable and catastrophic consequence of unchecked pride—a dramatic and irreversible collapse from a position of perceived strength and invincibility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 31:10, with its incisive indictment of Egypt's destructive pride and self-exaltation, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct predictive prophecy, but in the stark and transformative contrast between human arrogance and the divine, redemptive humility perfectly embodied by Jesus Christ. While Egypt's "heart was lifted up in its height," leading to its catastrophic downfall, Jesus, though eternally existing "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). The towering tree of Egypt, symbolizing self-aggrandizement and earthly dominion, stands in stark opposition to the humble "root of Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - Root of Jesse")), from whom salvation and true spiritual life spring forth. Humanity's pervasive pride, epitomized by Egypt's arrogance, led to alienation from God and the desperate need for a Savior. Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled the humble obedience that humanity utterly failed to achieve, culminating in His ultimate, self-sacrificial act on the cross, where He was "lifted up" not in pride or judgment, but in self-giving love to draw all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up")). His glorious resurrection then powerfully demonstrated God's divine exaltation of true humility, providing a pathway for all who humble themselves before God to be lifted up with Him in grace and glory ([1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves")). Thus, Ezekiel 31:10 serves as a powerful Old Testament backdrop, highlighting the destructive nature of pride, which Christ's life, death, and resurrection perfectly counter, ultimately overcome, and provide the definitive solution for.

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

Ezekiel 28:17

Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

Daniel 5:20

But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

2 Chronicles 32:25

But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit [done] unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

Obadiah 1:3

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation [is] high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Ezekiel 31:14

To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.

Proverbs 16:18

¶ Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

2 Chronicles 25:19

Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to [thine] hurt, that thou shouldest fall, [even] thou, and Judah with thee?