Ezekiel 31:18

KJV

To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword. This [is] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

To whom art thou thus like {H1819} in glory {H3519} and in greatness {H1433} among the trees {H6086} of Eden {H5731}? yet shalt thou be brought down {H3381} with the trees {H6086} of Eden {H5731} unto the nether parts {H8482} of the earth {H776}: thou shalt lie {H7901} in the midst {H8432} of the uncircumcised {H6189} with them that be slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}. This is Pharaoh {H6547} and all his multitude {H1995}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Which of the trees of 'Eden was your equal in glory or size? Yet you will be brought down to the underworld along with the trees of 'Eden. You will lie there among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword. This is Pharaoh and his hordes,' says Adonai ELOHIM."

Berean Standard Bible

Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”

American Standard Version

To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with them that are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 31:18 serves as the climactic and interpretive declaration of a profound prophetic allegory, explicitly identifying the magnificent cedar of Eden as Pharaoh and the entire nation of Egypt. This verse delivers a stark and unyielding pronouncement of divine judgment against Egypt's immense pride, perceived invincibility, and self-exaltation, foretelling its catastrophic downfall from a position of unparalleled glory to utter humiliation and death in the realm of the dishonored. It powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating that no nation, however mighty or seemingly secure, can escape His righteous decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 31 is strategically positioned within a series of divine oracles (Ezekiel 25-32) directed against various foreign nations, emphatically demonstrating Yahweh's universal dominion and authority over all peoples. Specifically, chapters 29-32 focus on the impending judgment of Egypt. Chapter 31 itself unfolds as an elaborate parable, likening Assyria (and by extension, Egypt, as the final identification reveals) to a majestic cedar in Lebanon, divinely planted in Eden, whose grandeur and extensive shade provided refuge for many nations (Ezekiel 31:1-17). The preceding verses meticulously detail this tree's unparalleled beauty, height, and influence, only to then narrate its felling by divine decree due to its pride. Verse 18 functions as the crucial interpretive key, removing all allegorical ambiguity by directly naming Pharaoh and his multitude as the subject of this elaborate prophetic narrative. This explicit identification confirms the inevitable and humiliating destruction awaiting those who exalt themselves against the Lord, transitioning from the allegorical description of the tree's descent into Sheol to the direct pronouncement of Egypt's ultimate fate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy, roughly the early 6th century BCE, Egypt, under Pharaoh Hophra (Apries), remained a significant, albeit waning, regional power. Its ancient civilization, military might, and perceived security often tempted Judah to rely on its strength rather than on God, a reliance frequently condemned by prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Reliance on Egypt Denounced")). The imagery of a "cedar of Eden" would have resonated deeply with the audience, evoking notions of primeval perfection, unparalleled beauty, and even a quasi-divine status, thereby amplifying the shock and shame of its prophesied downfall. To be brought down "unto the nether parts of the earth" (Sheol) and to lie "in the midst of the uncircumcised" carried profound cultural and religious weight. For the Israelites, circumcision was the visible sign of their covenant with God, marking them as distinct and holy. To be "uncircumcised" meant being outside this covenant, often associated with paganism, impurity, and dishonor, particularly in death. This fate for the proud Pharaoh was the ultimate degradation, signifying a loss of all honor, status, and any claim to divine favor, consigning him to the company of the pagan dead.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in Ezekiel 31, powerfully encapsulated in verse 18, is the **sovereignty of God over all nations**. No earthly power, however grand, ancient, or seemingly invincible, can withstand the divine judgment of Yahweh. This chapter vividly illustrates the theme of **pride preceding a fall**, where Egypt's self-exaltation, likened to the towering cedar, inevitably leads to its catastrophic abasement. The imagery of descent into the "nether parts of the earth" underscores the **mortality and ultimate end of all human glory**, emphasizing that even the mightiest rulers are subject to death and the grave, stripped of their earthly power and status. This aligns with broader biblical teachings on the transient nature of worldly power compared to God's eternal reign, as seen in the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling"). The prophecy also highlights the theme of **divine justice**, demonstrating that God actively intervenes in human history to judge wickedness and arrogance, bringing down those who defy His authority and elevate themselves. Ultimately, it reveals that God alone is supreme, and all earthly powers are but instruments in His hands, subject to His righteous judgment, as He declares, "This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** (H3519) Derived from a root meaning "weight," this word signifies splendor, honor, and copiousness. In Ezekiel 31:18, it refers to the immense prestige, power, and magnificent appearance of Pharaoh and Egypt, likened to the unparalleled beauty and majesty of the cedar in Eden. The use of "glory" here establishes a stark contrast with the impending humiliation, emphasizing the profound reversal of Egypt's fortunes from a state of weighty honor to utter disgrace and dishonor.
* **brought down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** (H3381) This primitive root means "to descend," "to go downwards," or "to fall." Causatively, it means "to bring down." In this context, it powerfully describes God's active and decisive role in the downfall of Pharaoh and Egypt. It is not merely a natural decline but a forceful, divinely orchestrated descent from their exalted position to the lowest depths, symbolizing a complete loss of power, status, and life, into the realm of the dead (Sheol).
* **uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** (H6189) This term, literally meaning "exposed" or "uncovered," refers to those who have not undergone circumcision. For ancient Israelites, circumcision was a crucial sign of the covenant with God, distinguishing them as His chosen people from pagan nations. To be counted among the "uncircumcised" in death, especially for a king as mighty as Pharaoh, signified the ultimate spiritual and social dishonor, a loss of any claim to divine favor or special status, and a consignment to the company of the pagan dead, highlighting the profound depth of Egypt's degradation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden?"**: This opening rhetorical question, posed by God, serves to underscore Egypt's unparalleled magnificence and its own self-perception of grandeur. It acknowledges the nation's immense power, wealth, and influence, likening it to the most splendid and ancient trees, even those of the mythical Garden of Eden, thereby implying a pride that bordered on divine emulation and self-exaltation.
* **"yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth:"**: This clause delivers the crushing judgment, directly contrasting with the preceding rhetorical question. Despite its former glory and Eden-like status, Egypt (represented by Pharaoh) will be forcibly brought down. The phrase "with the trees of Eden" emphasizes that even the most exalted and seemingly divinely-planted entities are subject to God's judgment. "Unto the nether parts of the earth" refers to Sheol, the grave, signifying a complete and irreversible descent into death and the realm of the departed, stripped of all earthly power and prestige.
* **"thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword."**: This specifies the humiliating and dishonorable nature of Egypt's end. Pharaoh will not receive an honorable burial or a distinct place among the noble dead. Instead, he will lie among the "uncircumcised"—foreigners, pagans, and those outside God's covenant—and among those who died a violent, dishonorable death by the sword. This signifies a profound loss of status, purity, and dignity, equating the once-mighty Pharaoh with common, despised casualties, emphasizing the severity of his fall.
* **"This [is] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD."**: This concluding declaration serves as the definitive interpretive key, removing all ambiguity and explicitly identifying the subject of the allegory. It is a definitive statement from the sovereign God, affirming the truth and certainty of the prophecy. The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes the divine authority and unchallengeable nature of this pronouncement, leaving no doubt about the source or the inevitability of Egypt's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 31:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and sobering message. The entire chapter, culminating in this verse, functions as an extended **Allegory**, where the majestic cedar represents Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of their pride and inevitable downfall. **Personification** is evident in the tree's attributes—its towering height, its shade, and its eventual "felling"—directly linking its fate to the nation and its ruler. **Rhetorical Question** ("To whom art thou thus like...?") is used effectively at the outset to highlight Egypt's self-perceived grandeur and set up the dramatic contrast with its impending doom. **Irony** is powerfully present as the one who was "like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden" is ultimately brought down to lie "in the midst of the uncircumcised," a complete and humiliating reversal of perceived status and honor. The "trees of Eden" serve as potent **Symbolism** for unparalleled glory, primeval perfection, and divine favor, making the descent "with the trees of Eden" into the "nether parts of the earth" a dramatic representation of the loss of all that was once esteemed. The "sword" also functions as **Symbolism** for violent, decisive judgment and destruction, emphasizing the manner of Egypt's demise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 31:18 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that divine judgment inevitably follows human pride and self-exaltation. It demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, revealing that no nation, however mighty or glorious, can stand against His will. The prophecy serves as a stark reminder that all human glory is transient and ultimately subject to the eternal reign of the Lord GOD. It underscores the principle that those who elevate themselves will be brought low, and that true honor comes not from worldly power but from humility and reverent submission before the Almighty. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's active involvement in the rise and fall of empires, always in accordance with His righteous and just purposes.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 4:37](/daniel/4-37 "Daniel 4:37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling and God's Sovereignty")
* [Ezekiel 28:13-19](/ezekiel/28-13-19 "Ezekiel 28:13-19 - The King of Tyre's Fall from Eden-like Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 31:18 offers timeless lessons for individuals and nations alike, serving as a potent warning against the insidious nature of pride and the illusion of self-sufficiency. It compels us to recognize that all earthly power, influence, and glory are fleeting and ultimately derived from God. When we, like Pharaoh, become enamored with our own achievements, strength, or status, we risk forgetting the true source of all blessings and inviting divine correction. This verse calls us to cultivate humility, acknowledging God's supreme authority and sovereignty in every aspect of life. It reminds leaders that true leadership is marked by service and dependence on God, not by self-exaltation or oppression. For those who feel oppressed by powerful systems or individuals, this prophecy offers comfort, affirming that God sees and will ultimately bring justice, ensuring that even the mightiest will be held accountable. Our focus should therefore shift from accumulating transient worldly glory to pursuing eternal values and living in reverent submission to the Lord, understanding that His judgment is just and His reign is everlasting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting pride or self-exaltation, similar to Pharaoh's arrogance?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly power and glory, as depicted in this verse, influence my priorities and pursuits?**
* **What does it mean for me to live in humility before God, recognizing His ultimate sovereignty in all things?**
* **How can I apply the lesson of divine judgment against pride in my interactions with others or in my understanding of current global events?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Pharaoh being brought down "with the trees of Eden"?**

Answer: The "trees of Eden" symbolize unparalleled glory, beauty, and a divinely favored status, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden's primeval perfection and the ideal state of creation. By stating that Pharaoh would be brought down "with the trees of Eden," the prophecy emphasizes that even the most exalted and seemingly divinely-appointed entities or nations are subject to God's judgment. It highlights the complete reversal of Pharaoh's fortunes, from a position of supreme majesty and perceived divine favor to a shared fate of destruction and humiliation alongside others who have fallen from grace. It underscores that no earthly power, however magnificent or seemingly secure, is exempt from God's sovereign decree, as seen in the broader narrative of [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - The Cedar of Lebanon and Pharaoh's Fall").

**Why is it significant that Pharaoh would lie "in the midst of the uncircumcised"?**

Answer: For the Israelites, circumcision was a sacred sign of the covenant with God and a mark of spiritual distinction, purity, and belonging to God's chosen people. To be "uncircumcised" was to be outside this covenant, associated with paganism, impurity, and a lack of divine favor or spiritual standing. For Pharaoh, the mighty king of Egypt, to be consigned to lie "in the midst of the uncircumcised" in death was the ultimate humiliation and dishonor. It meant being stripped of all royal status, religious significance, and dignity, treated no differently than common, unclean, and pagan dead who had no covenant relationship with God. This detail profoundly emphasizes the depth of Egypt's degradation and the severity of God's judgment, as also hinted at in [Ezekiel 32:19](/ezekiel/32-19 "Ezekiel 32:19 - Egypt's Fate Among the Uncircumcised").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 31:18, with its vivid portrayal of the proud king's descent from glory to the nether parts of the earth, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate humbling and subsequent exaltation of Jesus Christ. While Pharaoh's descent was a consequence of his pride and led to dishonor among the uncircumcised, Christ's descent was an act of profound humility and obedience, leading to ultimate glory. The Apostle Paul beautifully articulates this in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience"), describing how Jesus, "though he was 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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." This voluntary descent into the "nether parts of the earth" (cf. [Ephesians 4:8-10](/ephesians/4-8-10 "Ephesians 4:8-10 - Christ's Descent and Triumphant Ascent")) was not a judgment for sin but a redemptive act to conquer sin and death. Unlike Pharaoh, who lay among the slain, Christ's death was a substitutionary sacrifice that brought life to all who believe. His resurrection and ascension demonstrate God's ultimate reversal of the grave's power, granting Him "the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")). Thus, Christ, the true "tree of life" ([Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - The Promise of the Tree of Life")) and the righteous King, stands in stark contrast to the fallen cedar of Pharaoh, embodying true glory through humility and ultimate victory over death and all earthly pride. He is the one who truly holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), demonstrating that all power and authority belong to Him, not to the fleeting glories of human empires.

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 32:19

Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.

Ezekiel 32:21

The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

Ezekiel 28:10

Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 31:16

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.

Jeremiah 9:25

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised;

Jeremiah 9:26

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all [that are] in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all [these] nations [are] uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel [are] uncircumcised in the heart.

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.