Ezekiel 31:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus was he fair {H3302} in his greatness {H1433}, in the length {H753} of his branches {H1808}: for his root {H8328} was by great {H7227} waters {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was beautiful in its greatness and the length of its branches, because its roots went down to plenty of water.

Berean Standard Bible

It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its limbs, for its roots extended to abundant waters.

American Standard Version

Thus was it fair in its greatness, in the length of its branches; for its root was by many waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 31:7 continues the vivid allegorical portrayal of Assyria (and by extension, Egypt) as a magnificent cedar of Lebanon, emphasizing its unparalleled outward splendor and the underlying source of its perceived strength. The verse meticulously details the tree's majestic appearance, its immense size, and its far-reaching influence, attributing its flourishing dominance and apparent invincibility to its deep roots drawing sustenance from abundant "great waters," symbolizing vast resources and strategic advantages.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 31:7 is an integral part of a complex prophetic allegory found in [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - The Parable of the Cedar"). The chapter opens with a divine command to Ezekiel to deliver a lamentation to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, comparing him to a majestic cedar. Verses 3-9 elaborate on the tree's unparalleled grandeur, its lofty height, widespread branches, and the diverse nations and creatures that found shelter under its shade. This specific verse acts as a summarizing statement, encapsulating the tree's magnificent appearance and directly linking its splendor ("fair in his greatness") and expansive reach ("length of his branches") to its foundational sustenance ("his root was by great waters"). This detailed description of the tree's glory serves as a dramatic setup for the abrupt shift in [Ezekiel 31:10-18](/ezekiel/31-10-18 "Ezekiel 31:10-18 - The Cedar's Pride and Fall"), which graphically depicts the tree's inevitable downfall due to its overweening pride, thereby serving as a stark prophetic warning to Pharaoh and all who trust in human power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the cedar of Lebanon was not merely a tree but a powerful cultural symbol. Its towering height, aromatic wood, and remarkable durability made it a prized building material for temples and palaces, signifying royal majesty, strength, and divine favor. Empires like Assyria and Egypt, dominant powers in Ezekiel's time, were characterized by their formidable military might, vast territorial control, and sophisticated administrative structures. Assyria, having recently fallen (612 BCE), served as a cautionary tale, while Egypt, still a significant player, was seen by Judah as a potential ally against the rising Babylonian threat. The imagery of "great waters" directly resonates with the life-giving rivers such as the Nile in Egypt and the Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia, which were the economic and demographic lifelines of these ancient civilizations. These rivers provided fertile land, sustained large populations, and facilitated trade, forming the very backbone of imperial power. The allegory thus skillfully weaves together familiar cultural symbols and contemporary historical realities to convey a profound theological message about the nature of worldly power.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent in Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. The theme of **Divine Sovereignty** is subtly introduced, as the cedar's impressive growth, though described in grand terms, is ultimately presented as a creation of God, who later orchestrates its demise. The **Danger of Pride** is a central undercurrent; the very description of the tree's magnificence, while awe-inspiring, foreshadows its ultimate fall, explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 31:10](/ezekiel/31-10 "Ezekiel 31:10 - The Cedar's Haughtiness"), where its "haughtiness" leads to its judgment. Furthermore, the imagery of the tree rooted by "great waters" connects to the theme of **Prosperity and Sustenance**, highlighting that the empire's power was derived from abundant natural and human resources. This motif of a flourishing tree by water is a common biblical symbol for blessing and stability, as seen in [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Righteous Man like a Tree Planted by Streams"). However, unlike the righteous individual in Psalm 1, the cedar's reliance on these earthly waters cultivates pride rather than devotion, ultimately leading to its inevitable divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fair (Hebrew, _yâphâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to be bright," this word properly signifies beauty, comeliness, or splendor. In this context, it emphasizes the aesthetic and imposing grandeur of the metaphorical tree, highlighting its outward appearance of perfection and attractiveness. It speaks to the perceived glory and magnificence of the empire it represents, suggesting an almost dazzling quality.
* **greatness (Hebrew, _gôdel'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be great," this noun refers to magnitude, whether literally in size or figuratively in importance, power, or influence. Here, it underscores the immense scale and formidable stature of the empire, encompassing its vast territories, military might, and political dominance. It conveys a sense of overwhelming magnitude and formidable presence.
* **root (Hebrew, _sheresh'_):** This word refers to the underground part of a plant that absorbs water and nutrients, serving as its foundation and source of life. Figuratively, it denotes the origin, foundation, or underlying source of something. In Ezekiel 31:7, it points to the fundamental resources and conditions that sustained the empire's growth and power, emphasizing that its outward splendor and reach were entirely dependent on its deep, hidden sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches":** This clause vividly describes the impressive outward appearance and extensive reach of the symbolic cedar, representing the empire. "Fair in his greatness" speaks to its aesthetic beauty combined with its sheer magnitude and formidable power. It implies that the empire was not merely large, but also splendid, commanding awe and admiration. "In the length of his branches" signifies the empire's widespread influence, its territories stretching far and wide, and the many nations and peoples that came under its sway or protection, much like birds nesting in its boughs, as mentioned in [Ezekiel 31:6](/ezekiel/31-6 "Ezekiel 31:6 - Nations Under the Cedar's Branches"). This paints a comprehensive picture of a flourishing, dominant entity, commanding respect and fear across the ancient world.
* **"for his root was by great waters":** This second clause provides the crucial causal explanation for the tree's magnificence. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _kî_) indicates that the tree's splendor is a direct result of its foundational sustenance. The "root" symbolizes the foundational source of the empire's strength and vitality, its hidden but essential support system. "Great waters" (מַיִם רַבִּים, _mayim rabbim_) literally means "many waters" or "abundant waters," representing the plentiful resources—fertile lands, a large and productive population base, economic wealth derived from trade and agriculture, and strategic geographical advantages—that allowed the empire to flourish. This imagery underscores that the empire's apparent invincibility and prosperity stemmed from a seemingly inexhaustible supply of sustenance, enabling it to grow and expand without perceived limit.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 31:7 is rich in **Allegory** and **Symbolism**, central to the prophetic message. The entire passage employs an extended metaphor where a magnificent cedar tree represents a powerful human empire, initially Assyria, then by extension, Pharaoh/Egypt. The tree's physical attributes are deeply symbolic: its "greatness" and "length of his branches" symbolize the empire's vast territories, military strength, and widespread political and economic influence. The "great waters" from which its "root" draws sustenance are a potent **Symbol** of abundant resources—whether natural, economic, or human—that fuel the empire's growth and power. This imagery evokes a sense of natural, organic, and seemingly inevitable growth, making the empire's dominance appear divinely ordained and unchallengeable, even though the broader context reveals it is ultimately subject to divine judgment. The verse also subtly employs **Hyperbole** in describing the tree's unparalleled beauty and size, emphasizing the immense pride and perceived invincibility of the empire before its impending fall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 31:7, while describing the outward splendor and the earthly source of an empire's strength, subtly sets the stage for a profound theological truth: that even the most impressive human achievements and seemingly inexhaustible worldly resources, if rooted in self-reliance and pride, are ultimately ephemeral and subject to divine judgment. The "great waters" symbolize the material and strategic advantages of human kingdoms, which, though seemingly boundless, cannot guarantee lasting security or true flourishing apart from God. This stands in stark contrast to the biblical ideal of being truly rooted in God, where genuine stability, enduring fruitfulness, and eternal life are found. The passage serves as a powerful reminder that God alone is sovereign over all nations and that human greatness, when it leads to arrogance and a denial of divine dependence, inevitably invites divine reckoning.

* [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "The Blessed Man like a Tree by Streams")
* [Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7-8 "Trusting in the Lord")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "God Rules the Kingdoms of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 31:7 invites us to critically examine the true sources of our perceived strength and success, both individually and collectively. While outward achievements, influence, and abundant resources may appear impressive and secure, this verse, especially when understood within its broader context, serves as a profound warning against the pride and self-sufficiency that can accompany such greatness when it is not properly rooted. For believers, this prompts a vital and searching question: Where are our roots truly planted? Are we drawing our sustenance from the "great waters" of worldly success, human approval, material abundance, or fleeting trends, or are we deeply rooted in the living waters of God's Word and His Spirit? True, lasting fruitfulness, resilience, and an unshakeable sense of security come not from the vastness of our earthly resources, but from our intimate and humble connection to the divine source of all life. This verse challenges us to cultivate profound humility, recognizing that all power, provision, and genuine flourishing ultimately flow from God, and to ensure our foundations are eternally secure in Him, lest our "branches" wither and our perceived greatness collapse when the season of divine judgment or adversity arrives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great waters"—be they material possessions, social status, or personal achievements—do I tend to rely on for my sense of security, significance, or success?**
* **How does the pursuit of outward "greatness" or "length of branches" sometimes lead to pride or self-sufficiency in my own life or in the communities I belong to?**
* **In what practical ways can I intentionally deepen my "root" in God, rather than in worldly resources, to ensure lasting spiritual fruitfulness and resilience?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Ezekiel 31:7 in the context of the entire chapter?**

Answer: The primary message of Ezekiel 31:7, within the broader context of the chapter, is to highlight the immense outward splendor and the seemingly inexhaustible earthly resources that fueled the power of the Assyrian empire (and by extension, Egypt). It describes the empire's impressive appearance and vast influence, attributing it to its deep roots by "great waters." However, this description serves as a powerful setup for the chapter's ultimate message: that such human greatness, when it leads to pride and self-sufficiency apart from God, is ultimately transient and subject to divine judgment. The verse thus meticulously sets the stage for the subsequent depiction of the tree's inevitable downfall, emphasizing God's ultimate and unchallengeable sovereignty over all earthly powers, as powerfully articulated in [Ezekiel 31:10-11](/ezekiel/31-10-11 "Ezekiel 31:10-11 - The Tree's Pride and Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 31:7 describes the earthly glory and eventual downfall of a proud empire, its imagery finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the fleeting might of human kingdoms, but in the eternal person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Unlike the cedar whose roots drew from "great waters" of worldly resources, leading to pride and ultimate destruction, Christ is the true "root" (cf. [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")) and the ultimate, divine source of life, drawing His sustenance from perfect communion with the Father and offering living water to all who believe. He is the one truly "fair in his greatness," not in human pomp or material accumulation, but in divine glory, perfect righteousness, and profound humility, whose "branches" (His disciples, as in [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus the True Vine")) extend across the earth, bearing spiritual fruit that endures for eternity. The temporary splendor of the cedar, founded on earthly waters and human pride, stands in stark contrast to the eternal, unshakeable kingdom of Christ, whose foundation is the very Godhead and whose reign is built not on human might or abundant resources, but on the self-sacrificial love of God, culminating in His death and resurrection. He is the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water") who offers true and lasting life to all who are rooted in Him, the source of all spiritual flourishing.

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.