Ezekiel 19:2
Ezekiel 19:2 in Multiple Translations
and say: ‘What was your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions; she reared her cubs.
And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.
and say, What was thy mother? A lioness: she couched among lions, in the midst of the young lions she nourished her whelps.
What was your mother? Like a she-lion among lions, stretched out among the young lions she gave food to her little ones.
with these words: “What was your mother? She was a lioness among the lions! She lay down in her place among the young lions and reared her cubs.
And say, Wherefore lay thy mother as a lyonesse among the lyons? she nourished her yong ones among the lyons whelps,
and thou hast said: What [is] thy mother? — a lioness, Among lions she hath crouched down, In the midst of young lions she hath multiplied her whelps.
and say, ‘What was your mother? A lioness. She couched among lions, in the middle of the young lions she nourished her cubs.
And say, What is thy mother: A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.
And say: Why did thy mother the lioness lie down among the lions, and bring up her whelps in the midst of young lions?
Say to the Israeli people, ‘It is as though [MET] your mother was a brave female lion who raised her cubs among other lions.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 19:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 19:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֗
מָ֤ה
אִמְּ/ךָ֙
לְבִיָּ֔א
בֵּ֥ין
אֲרָי֖וֹת
רָבָ֑צָה
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
כְּפִרִ֖ים
רִבְּתָ֥ה
גוּרֶֽי/הָ
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֗
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מָ֤ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אִמְּ/ךָ֙
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
לְבִיָּ֔א
lâbîyʼ
H3833
lion
N-fs
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
אֲרָי֖וֹת
ʼărîy
H738
lion
N-mp
רָבָ֑צָה
râbats
H7257
to stretch
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
כְּפִרִ֖ים
kᵉphîyr
H3715
lion
N-mp
רִבְּתָ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
גוּרֶֽי/הָ
gûwr
H1482
whelp
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 19:2
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֗
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מָ֤ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אִמְּ/ךָ֙
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
לְבִיָּ֔א
lâbîyʼ
H3833
"lion"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for lion, this term refers to a fierce lioness. It's used in the Bible to describe powerful animals, like the ones in the stories of Daniel and David. The word is about strength and power.
Definition: lion
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: (great, old, stout) lion, lioness, young (lion). See also: Genesis 49:9; Isaiah 5:29; Psalms 57:5.
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
אֲרָי֖וֹת
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
N-mp
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
רָבָ֑צָה
râbats
H7257
"to stretch"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To stretch or lie down, like an animal, and can imply resting or lurking, as in Exodus 23:5.
Definition: 1) to stretch oneself out, lie down, lie stretched out 1a) (Qal) to lie down, lie 1b)(Hiphil) to cause to lie down 1b1) laying (stones)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: crouch (down), fall down, make a fold, lay, (cause to, make to) lie (down), make to rest, sit. See also: Genesis 4:7; Isaiah 11:7; Psalms 23:2.
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
כְּפִרִ֖ים
kᵉphîyr
H3715
"lion"
N-mp
This word can mean either a village or a young lion. It is used in the Bible to describe a place or an animal, like a lion with a mane. The KJV translates it as lion or village.
Definition: young lion
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, village. Compare H3723 (כָּפָר). See also: Judges 14:5; Jeremiah 2:15; Psalms 17:12.
רִבְּתָ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
גוּרֶֽי/הָ
gûwr
H1482
"whelp"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a young lion still in its den. It appears in descriptions of wild animals, like lion cubs. This word is used to convey the idea of something still in its early stages.
Definition: cub, whelp, young
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: whelp, young one. See also: Genesis 49:9; Ezekiel 19:2; Nahum 2:12.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 19:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 19:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 19:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 19:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 19:2
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 19:2
- Sermons on Ezekiel 19:2
Context — A Lament for the Princes of Israel
1“As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel
2and say: ‘What was your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions; she reared her cubs.
3She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men. 4When the nations heard of him, he was trapped in their pit. With hooks they led him away to the land of Egypt.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 11:3 | Listen to the wailing of the shepherds, for their glory is in ruins. Listen to the roaring of the young lions, for the thickets of the Jordan are destroyed. |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:29 | Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away from deliverance. |
| 3 | Job 4:11 | The old lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered. |
| 4 | Zephaniah 3:1–4 | Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! She heeded no voice; she accepted no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she has not drawn near to her God. Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law. |
| 5 | Nahum 2:11–12 | Where is the lions’ lair or the feeding ground of the young lions, where the lion and lioness prowled with their cubs, with nothing to frighten them away? The lion mauled enough for its cubs and strangled prey for the lioness. It filled its dens with the kill, and its lairs with mauled prey. |
| 6 | Isaiah 11:6–9 | The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water. |
| 7 | Psalms 58:6 | O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions. |
Ezekiel 19:2 Summary
Ezekiel 19:2 describes the nation of Israel as a lioness, strong and fierce, who takes care of her cubs. This shows how God wants to nurture and protect His people, just like a mother takes care of her children (as seen in Isaiah 66:13 and Psalm 131:2). However, this verse also reminds us that with great strength and potential comes great responsibility, as seen in Luke 12:48 and 1 Peter 4:10. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can trust in God's sovereignty and care for us, and how we can respond to His love and provision in our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the lioness represent in Ezekiel 19:2?
The lioness in Ezekiel 19:2 represents the nation of Israel, as a symbol of strength and ferocity, similar to how God is described as a lion in Hosea 11:10 and Revelation 5:5. This metaphor highlights Israel's potential for greatness and influence among the nations.
Why does the verse mention the lioness lying down among the young lions?
The image of the lioness lying down among the young lions in Ezekiel 19:2 signifies the nurturing and protective nature of Israel, much like a mother caring for her children, as seen in Isaiah 66:13 and Psalm 131:2. This emphasizes Israel's role as a guardian of its people and its responsibility to raise them in the ways of God.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Ezekiel 19?
Ezekiel 19:2 sets the stage for the lamentation of the princes of Israel, as mentioned in Ezekiel 19:1, by portraying the nation's former glory and strength, which contrasts with its current state of judgment and exile, as described in Ezekiel 19:3-4 and Ezekiel 20:1-49. This contrast highlights the consequences of Israel's sin and rebellion against God, as seen in Ezekiel 18:30 and Ezekiel 20:18.
What does the verse reveal about God's character?
The use of the lioness metaphor in Ezekiel 19:2 reveals God's sovereign and redemptive character, as seen in Exodus 19:4 and Deuteronomy 32:11, where God is described as a mother eagle caring for her young, and in Jeremiah 31:9, where God is compared to a father who teaches his children to walk. This emphasizes God's desire to nurture and protect His people, while also holding them accountable for their actions, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11 and Proverbs 3:11-12.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the lioness, nurture and protect those around me, and what does this reveal about God's heart for His people?
- In what ways have I, like the young lions, been cared for and protected by God, and how can I respond to His provision and love, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 40:11?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and redemptive character, and how can I apply the lessons of Ezekiel 19:2 to my daily walk with Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28?
- How does the image of the lioness challenge my understanding of God's relationship with His people, and what implications does this have for my own faith and obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-9 and 1 Peter 2:9-10?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 19:2
And say, what [is] thy mother?.... That is, say so to the then reigning prince, Zedekiah, what is thy mother like? to what is she to be compared?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 19:2
And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions. And say, What is thy mother?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:2
What resemblance shall I use to set out the nature, deportment, and state of the mother of these princes? an unhappy mother of unhappy children! Or, Alas! thy mother, &c. Thy; one of these was upon the throne at once, and therefore the prophet speaks to one at a time, in the singular number. Mother; the land of Judea and Jerusalem, the chief city of it, the royal family of David. A lioness; though chosen of God to execute justice, defend the poor, to be his vicegerents, and to delight in mercy; yet once advanced, they soon degenerated into the fierce and ravening nature of the lioness, and as violently seized the prey. She lay down; associated, couched, and grew familiar with, by leagues, commerce, and intermixture of marriages with neighbour kings, called here lions: thou didst learn their manners, and grewest fierce and bloody, as they. She nourished: the Hebrew includes both her bringing forth many, and her advancing them to greatness: the royal family of flat nation had many kings, and some very great, but the time the prophet points now at in particular was after Josiah, whose character, given , is, that he judged the poor and needy, but his successors were of another temper, as ,17. Her whelps, i.e. her sons, successors to the crown, which could be called nothing else, to keep the decorum of the parable. Among young lions; either foreign princes and kings, or else some of the fiercer, unjuster, aspiring, and tyrannizing princes at home; for such there were in these, as well as in Rehoboam’ s times, who would have the son’ s finger thicker than the father’ s loins.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:2
Ezekiel 19:2 And say, What [is] thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.Ver. 2. What is thy mother?] Whereby is meant thy city of Jerusalem and people of the Jews, who took these four for their kings, and soon had enough of them. A lioness.] So called for her nobleness, courage, and cruelty. She lay down among lions.] Alludit ad coitum It signifieth that this state, by conversing with other heathen princes, had been corrupted by them and conformed unto them. She nourished her whelps among young lions.] From whom they took in but few good principles for young princes. Wickedness is soon learned Of a certain prince of Germany it was said, Esset alius si esset apud alios, his company undid him: So it did Julian the apostate.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:2
(2) Thy mother.—Mother stands for the whole national community—the theocracy, as is plain from Ezekiel 19:10. This was represented, since the captivity of the ten tribes, by Judah; and her “princes,” of the line of David, were the legitimate kings of the whole nation. The figure of the lion is a common one in Scripture (see Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24; Numbers 24:9), and was also familiar in Babylonia.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 19:2
Verse 2. What is thy mother? A lioness] Judea may here be the mother; the lioness, Jerusalem. Her lying down among lions, her having confederacy with the neighbouring kings; for lion here means king.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 19:2
1–4. Captivity of Jehoahaz in Egypt 2. How was thy mother a lioness!—among the lions; In the midst of young lions she couched—she reared her whelps. 3. And she brought up one of her whelps—he grew a young lion; And he learned to catch the prey—he devoured men. 4. And the nations heard regarding him—he was taken in their pit; And they brought him with hooks—unto the land of Egypt. 1. princes of Israel] Probably with LXX. prince, as required by the pron. thy mother (Ezekiel 19:2). The “prince” is a general term for the king, applicable to one king after another. The lamentation is for the “king” of Judah, represented by one person after another. On “lament” cf. Jeremiah 7:29. 2. What is thy mother?] Rather to be taken as an exclamation, as rendered above.
The mother is the people Israel, a lioness among other lions—kings or states with royalty. 3. The first young lion is Jehoahaz, son of Josiah, carried to Egypt by Pharaoh Necho after the defeat of his father at Megiddo, 2 Kings 23:31-35. Cf. the touching reference to him Jeremiah 22:10-12. He also bore the name of Shallum. Coming to the throne at the age of 23 he reigned only 3 months, and died in Egypt. Cf. Jeremiah 5:26. 4. heard of him] This might better be read: raised a cry against him, in the sense of Isa 31:4; Jeremiah 50:29. with chains] hooks (or, rings) as ch. Ezekiel 29:4, Ezekiel 38:4; cf. 2 Kings 19:28.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 19:2
Thy mother - The people represented by Judah. Compare Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24.
Sermons on Ezekiel 19:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 160 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus and trusting in Him, even in difficult circumstances. He references the story of Peter walking on water |
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Jesus Above All by R.G. Lee | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of attending a gathering where they listened to a recording of a singer who had been dead for 30 years. He mentions that duri |
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(Genesis) Genesis 6:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Noah and the flood from the Bible. He emphasizes that Noah did not have to go out and hunt the animals for the ark, but rather th |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Mount of Transfiguration by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. He mentions that these concepts can be learned from the |
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(Through the Bible) John 16-17 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's plan for the world and the current state of rebellion against God. He emphasizes that although we do not yet see all thi |
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New Year Message 2 of 4 :Be Like a Little Child by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of becoming like little children in God's kingdom, focusing on humility, dependence on God, transparency, teachability, and freedom from criti |
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The Meaning of the Millennium by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the principles of the millennial earth as described in the book of Revelation. The first principle is that God's people will be given respons |