Ezekiel 31:4

KJV

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field.

KJV (with Strong's)

The waters {H4325} made him great {H1431}, the deep {H8415} set him up on high {H7311} with her rivers {H5104} running {H1980} round about {H5439} his plants {H4302}, and sent out {H7971} her little rivers {H8585} unto all the trees {H6086} of the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The water nourished it; the deep made it grow, sending its rivers round the place where it was planted, sending its streams to all the trees in the fields.

Berean Standard Bible

The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field.

American Standard Version

The waters nourished it, the deep made it to grow: the rivers thereof ran round about its plantation; and it sent out its channels unto all the trees of the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 31:4 vividly portrays the source of a mighty nation's immense power and prosperity, likening it to a majestic cedar tree nourished by abundant waters and the primeval deep. This verse, part of a larger prophetic parable, describes how seemingly inexhaustible resources and favorable conditions enabled this nation, likely Pharaoh's Egypt or Assyria, to grow to unparalleled heights, extending its influence and bounty to surrounding entities, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent warning against pride and inevitable downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 31 is a prophetic lament and oracle of judgment primarily directed against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, but also drawing parallels with Assyria, another dominant empire that had previously fallen. This chapter is part of a series of oracles against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32), which serve to demonstrate Yahweh's sovereignty over all peoples and kingdoms, not just Israel. Within this chapter, verses 1-9 describe the majestic growth and splendor of this "cedar of Lebanon," with verse 4 specifically detailing the hydrological sources of its greatness. The subsequent verses (31:10-18) pivot to describe its inevitable downfall due to pride, emphasizing that even the most formidable earthly powers are subject to God's judgment. The elaborate tree metaphor serves to highlight both the impressive scale of the nation's power and its ultimate vulnerability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, water was the quintessential symbol of life, fertility, and prosperity, especially in often arid regions. Nations blessed with major rivers like the Nile (for Egypt) or the Tigris and Euphrates (for Assyria/Babylon) were inherently powerful due to agricultural abundance, trade routes, and strategic advantages. The "cedar of Lebanon" was a universally recognized symbol of strength, majesty, and longevity, highly prized for its timber and impressive stature. This imagery would have immediately resonated with Ezekiel's audience, particularly the exiled Israelites who were familiar with both the geopolitical dominance of Egypt and Assyria, and the spiritual temptation to trust in such earthly powers rather than in God. The prophet's use of such a potent symbol for a nation destined for destruction underscores the transient nature of human glory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Source of Greatness**, illustrating that earthly power and prosperity, whether of nations or individuals, often stem from abundant resources, strategic advantages, and favorable circumstances, symbolized by the "waters" and "deep." It also foreshadows the theme of **Pride and Downfall**, subtly setting the stage for the subsequent divine judgment against the cedar's arrogance, a recurring motif throughout prophetic literature (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). Furthermore, it touches upon **Flourishing Prosperity and Influence**, as the "rivers running round about his plants" and "little rivers unto all the trees of the field" depict the widespread benefit and far-reaching dominion of this powerful entity, extending its bounty to lesser nations or those under its sway. Ultimately, the passage reinforces the **Sovereignty of God** over all earthly kingdoms, emphasizing that even the most seemingly self-sustaining greatness is ultimately dependent on factors beyond itself and subject to divine will, as seen in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** H4325, dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). In this context, "waters" signifies the abundant, life-giving resources that nourish and sustain the metaphorical tree, representing the material wealth, strategic advantages, and perhaps even the sheer population and military strength that allowed the nation to flourish.
* **Made him great (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** H1431, a primitive root; properly, to twist (compare גְּדִל), i.e.; to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride); advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. This verb emphasizes the process of growth, expansion, and elevation to a position of prominence and power, directly attributing the "greatness" of the nation to the nourishing influence of the waters.
* **Deep (Hebrew, _tᵉhôwm'_):** H8415, or תְּהֹם; (usually feminine) from הוּם; an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply); deep (place), depth. The use of "the deep" (often associated with primeval waters or vast, inexhaustible subterranean springs) intensifies the imagery of limitless resources. It suggests an almost mythical or foundational source of power, elevating the nation to an unparalleled and seemingly unassailable position.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The waters made him great":** This clause establishes the primary source of the nation's immense power and growth. The "waters" symbolize the abundant and life-sustaining resources—be they agricultural fertility, strategic trade routes, military might, or human capital—that allowed this nation to expand and become dominant.
* **"the deep set him up on high":** Building on the previous phrase, "the deep" (Hebrew: _tᵉhôwm_) refers to the vast, primeval abyss or subterranean waters. Its inclusion emphasizes the seemingly inexhaustible and profound nature of the resources that not only sustained but actively elevated the nation to a position of supreme prominence and authority, making it tower over others.
* **"with her rivers running round about his plants":** This imagery depicts the widespread influence and control of the powerful nation (the "him" or the "cedar"). The "rivers" (Hebrew: _nâhâr_) symbolize the channels through which its power, wealth, and influence flowed, nourishing its own internal structures ("his plants") and ensuring its internal prosperity and stability.
* **"and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field":** This final clause illustrates the far-reaching dominion and beneficence of the dominant power. The "little rivers" (Hebrew: _tᵉʻâlâh_, channels or conduits) signify the extended reach of its influence, providing sustenance and benefit to lesser nations or dependent states ("all the trees of the field") within its sphere, who partook in its bounty and stability.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 31:4 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Personification**, central to the entire chapter's allegorical nature. The nation (Pharaoh/Egypt) is metaphorically represented as a majestic cedar tree, and its supporting resources are personified as "waters" and "the deep" that actively "made him great" and "set him up on high." The "rivers" are also personified as "running" and "sending out," imbuing inanimate forces with agency. The use of **Imagery** is exceptionally vivid, drawing on hydrological and botanical elements (waters, deep, rivers, plants, trees, field) to paint a picture of immense growth, nourishment, and widespread influence. The scale implied by "the deep" and "all the trees of the field" suggests **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary and seemingly boundless nature of the nation's power and reach.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 31:4, while describing the source of earthly power, implicitly sets the stage for a profound theological truth: that all greatness, even that which appears self-generated and inexhaustible, ultimately derives from and is subject to God's sovereign will. The seemingly limitless "waters" and "deep" that nourish the mighty cedar are themselves part of God's created order, highlighting that true sustenance and lasting power come not from earthly resources or human might, but from the divine hand. This passage serves as a powerful reminder against the pride that often accompanies prosperity, foreshadowing the cedar's eventual downfall as a testament to God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. It challenges us to consider the true source of our blessings and to avoid attributing ultimate power to anything other than the Creator.

* [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man like a Tree")
* [Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7 "Jeremiah 17:7-8 - Trusting in the Lord Like a Tree by Water")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Everlasting Dominion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 31:4 offers a timeless lesson for individuals, organizations, and nations today. It compels us to examine the "waters" and "deep" that contribute to our own perceived greatness or success—whether it's wealth, talent, connections, or favorable circumstances. While it's natural to appreciate prosperity, this passage serves as a potent warning against the insidious pride that can arise when we attribute our achievements solely to our own efforts or the abundance of our resources. True wisdom lies in recognizing that all blessings, opportunities, and even the very systems that enable our flourishing, are ultimately sustained by a power greater than ourselves. This understanding should cultivate humility, gratitude, and a posture of dependence on God, rather than self-sufficiency. It challenges us to consider how our "rivers" of influence and resources are used—are they merely for self-aggrandizement, or do they also flow out to nourish "all the trees of the field," benefiting others within our sphere of influence?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "waters" and "deep" that have contributed to my personal or communal prosperity and influence?**
* **In what ways might I (or my community/nation) be tempted to take pride in our "greatness" rather than acknowledging the ultimate source of all blessings?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of all earthly powers shape my perspective on success, failure, and dependence?**

### FAQ
**What is the "deep" (tehom) in this verse, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "deep" (Hebrew: _tᵉhôwm_) refers to the primeval abyss or vast, subterranean water sources. Its significance in Ezekiel 31:4 is to emphasize the seemingly inexhaustible and profound nature of the resources that nourished the metaphorical cedar tree (representing a powerful nation like Egypt). It suggests a boundless, foundational source of power and sustenance, elevating the nation to an unparalleled height. This term is also found in the creation account in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Deep"), where it describes the formless void before divine order, lending a sense of primordial, almost mythical, power to the nation's origins of greatness.

**Who is the "him" in this verse, and what does the "tree" symbolize?**

Answer: The "him" in this verse refers to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and by extension, the nation of Egypt itself. The "tree" symbolizes a mighty, majestic, and dominant world power, specifically likened to a "cedar of Lebanon" (mentioned in [Ezekiel 31:3](/ezekiel/31-3 "Ezekiel 31:3 - The Cedar of Lebanon")). The cedar was renowned in the ancient Near East for its impressive size, strength, longevity, and valuable timber, making it a fitting metaphor for a nation that had achieved immense influence and prosperity, towering over other nations in its region.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Ezekiel?**

Answer: Ezekiel 31:4 is integral to the broader message of God's judgment and sovereignty found throughout the book of Ezekiel. While it describes the impressive growth of a powerful nation, it sets the stage for the subsequent verses (e.g., [Ezekiel 31:10-14](/ezekiel/31-10 "Ezekiel 31:10-14 - The Fall of the Cedar")) that detail its inevitable downfall due to pride and self-exaltation. This serves as a stark warning to both foreign nations and the exiled Israelites: no earthly power, no matter how great or seemingly self-sufficient, can stand against the sovereign will of Yahweh. It underscores the transient nature of human glory and reinforces the truth that God alone is the ultimate ruler over all kingdoms, raising up and bringing down according to His divine purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 31:4 describes the earthly and ultimately transient greatness of a nation nourished by physical waters, it points us to the enduring and eternal source of true life and greatness found in Christ. The "waters" and "deep" that made the cedar great find their ultimate spiritual fulfillment in Jesus, who is the true source of living water. He declared, "[If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")" and offered the Samaritan woman "[living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water")" that would quench thirst forever. Unlike the prideful cedar whose greatness led to its downfall, Christ's greatness is characterized by humility and self-sacrifice, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility"). He did not rely on earthly resources or the "deep" of human power, but on the divine will of His Father. Through Him, believers are like trees "[planted by streams of water](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man like a Tree")" (Psalm 1:3), drawing spiritual nourishment directly from Him. His kingdom, unlike the temporary empires of this world, is an "[unshakeable kingdom](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")" (Hebrews 12:28), established not by earthly waters but by His divine authority and eternal power, truly making Him the source of all lasting greatness and the ultimate fulfillment of all divine provision.

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

Revelation 17:15

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Revelation 17:1

¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

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.

Proverbs 14:28

¶ In the multitude of people [is] the king's honour: but in the want of people [is] the destruction of the prince.

Ezekiel 17:5

He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed [it] by great waters, [and] set it [as] a willow tree.

Jeremiah 51:36

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.