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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ezekiel 31  › Ezekiel 31:17

Ezekiel 31:17

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Ezekiel 31:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They too descended with it to Sheol, to those slain by the sword. As its allies they had lived in its shade among the nations.

King James Version KJV

They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.

American Standard Version ASV

They also went down into Sheol with him unto them that are slain by the sword; yea, they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the nations.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they will go down with him to the underworld, to those who have been put to the sword; even those who were his helpers, living under his shade among the nations

Free Bible Version FBV

They also went down with it into Sheol, to those who had been killed by the sword. They had been part of its army living in its shade among the nations.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

They also went downe to hell with him vnto them that be slaine with the sworde, and his arme, and they that dwelt vnder his shadowe in the middes of the heathen.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Also they with him have gone down to sheol, Unto the pierced of the sword, And — his arm — they dwelt in his shade in the midst of nations.

World English Bible WEB

They also went down into Sheol with him to those who are slain by the sword; yes, those who were his arm, who lived under his shadow in the middle of the nations.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

They also went down into the grave with him to them that are slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shade in the midst of the heathen.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For they also shall go down with him to hell to them that are slain by the sword: and the arm of every one shall sit down under his shadow in the midst of the nations.

Translation for Translators T4T

The leaders of other countries represented by [MET] trees that grew in the shade of the huge tree, the allies of the great nation that the cedar tree represents, had also joined those who had been killed by the sword and gone down to where the dead people are.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 31:17

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 31:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB גַּם הֵ֗ם אִתּ֛/וֹ יָרְד֥וּ שְׁא֖וֹלָ/ה אֶל חַלְלֵי חָ֑רֶב וּ/זְרֹע֛/וֹ יָשְׁב֥וּ בְ/צִלּ֖/וֹ בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ גּוֹיִֽם
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
הֵ֗ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
אִתּ֛/וֹ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff
יָרְד֥וּ yârad H3381 to go down V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שְׁא֖וֹלָ/ה shᵉʼôwl H7585 hell N-proper | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
חַלְלֵי châlâl H2491 slain Adj
חָ֑רֶב chereb H2719 sword N-fs
וּ/זְרֹע֛/וֹ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 arm Conj | N-cs | Suff
יָשְׁב֥וּ yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בְ/צִלּ֖/וֹ tsêl H6738 shadow Prep | N-ms | Suff
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms
גּוֹיִֽם gôwy H1471 Gentile N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 31:17

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הֵ֗ם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
אִתּ֛/וֹ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יָרְד֥וּ yârad H3381 "to go down" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
שְׁא֖וֹלָ/ה shᵉʼôwl H7585 "hell" N-proper | Suff
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חַלְלֵי châlâl H2491 "slain" Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
חָ֑רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וּ/זְרֹע֛/וֹ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 "arm" Conj | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
יָשְׁב֥וּ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְ/צִלּ֖/וֹ tsêl H6738 "shadow" Prep | N-ms | Suff
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
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.
גּוֹיִֽם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 31:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 9:17 The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God.
2 Ezekiel 31:6 All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.
3 Ezekiel 31:3 Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It towered on high; its top was among the clouds.
4 Daniel 4:11–12 The tree grew large and strong; its top reached the sky, and it was visible to the ends of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed.
5 Mark 4:32 But after it is planted, it grows to be the largest of all garden plants and puts forth great branches, so that the birds of the air nest in its shade.”
6 Nehemiah 3:17–18 Next to him, the Levites made repairs under Rehum son of Bani, and next to him, Hashabiah, ruler of a half-district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. Next to him, their countrymen made repairs under Binnui son of Henadad, ruler of the other half-district of Keilah.
7 Lamentations 4:20 The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life, was captured in their pits. We had said of him, “Under his shadow we will live among the nations.”
8 Isaiah 14:9 Sheol beneath is eager to meet you upon your arrival. It stirs the spirits of the dead to greet you— all the rulers of the earth. It makes all the kings of the nations rise from their thrones.
9 Ezekiel 32:20–31 They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is appointed! Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes. Mighty chiefs will speak from the midst of Sheol about Egypt and her allies: ‘They have come down and lie with the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.’ Assyria is there with her whole company; her graves are all around her. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword. Her graves are set in the depths of the Pit, and her company is all around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who once spread terror in the land of the living. Elam is there with all her multitudes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who went down uncircumcised to the earth below, who once spread their terror in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. Among the slain they prepare a resting place for Elam with all her hordes, with her graves all around her. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, although their terror was once spread in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. They are placed among the slain. Meshech and Tubal are there with all their multitudes, with their graves all around them. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, because they spread their terror in the land of the living. They do not lie down with the fallen warriors of old, who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war, whose swords were placed under their heads, whose shields rested on their bones, although the terror of the mighty was once in the land of the living. But you too will be shattered and lie down among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. Edom is there, and all her kings and princes, who despite their might are laid among those slain by the sword. They lie down with the uncircumcised, with those who descend to the Pit. All the leaders of the north and all the Sidonians are there; they went down in disgrace with the slain, despite the terror of their might. They lie uncircumcised with those slain by the sword and bear their shame with those who descend to the Pit. Pharaoh will see them and be comforted over all his multitude— Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD.
10 Ezekiel 30:21–25 “Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt. See, it has not been bound up for healing, or splinted for strength to hold the sword. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break his arms, both the strong one and the one already broken, and will make the sword fall from his hand. I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands. I will strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king and place My sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, who will groan before him like a mortally wounded man. I will strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king, but Pharaoh’s arms will fall limp. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I place My sword in the hand of Babylon’s king, and he wields it against the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 31:17 Summary

Ezekiel 31:17 talks about how some nations that were friends with Egypt also fell when Egypt did, because they trusted in Egypt's power instead of God's. This reminds us that trusting in human power or things of this world can lead to trouble, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:12 and Psalm 20:7. We should instead trust in God, who is our true shelter and protection, as described in Psalm 91:1-2 and Proverbs 18:10. By putting our faith in Him, we can find real security and peace, even in uncertain times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that they 'descended with it to Sheol' in Ezekiel 31:17?

This phrase suggests that the allies of the fallen nation, likely a reference to Egypt, also fell with it, meeting the same fate as those who were slain by the sword, a picture of judgment and death, as seen in Psalm 9:17 and Ezekiel 32:21.

Who are the 'allies' mentioned in this verse?

The allies mentioned in Ezekiel 31:17 are likely the smaller nations or city-states that were aligned with or dependent on the power of Egypt, and as such, they shared in its fate, as described in Ezekiel 30:1-26 and Isaiah 19:1-15.

What does 'lived in its shade among the nations' imply?

This phrase implies that the allies of Egypt found protection, comfort, or security under Egypt's power and influence, much like how the Israelites were supposed to find shade and rest in God's presence, as described in Psalm 91:1 and Isaiah 4:6.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ezekiel?

Ezekiel 31:17 contributes to the book's theme of judgment on the nations, highlighting God's sovereignty and the consequences of trusting in human power rather than in Him, a message also seen in Ezekiel 25:1-26:21 and Jeremiah 25:1-38.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the things in my life that I trust in for security and protection, and how do they compare to trusting in God?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of Ezekiel 31:17 to my own life, recognizing the fleeting nature of human power and the importance of seeking refuge in God?
  3. In what ways can I be an ally of God, living in the shade of His presence and finding true security in Him, as described in Psalm 23:1-4 and Matthew 11:28-30?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'descend' with the things of this world, and how can I instead choose to ascend with Christ, as described in Colossians 3:1-4 and Philippians 3:20-21?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:17

They also went down to hell with him,.... To the grave with him; many of his nobles, princes, generals, soldiers, and subjects: unto them that be slain with the sword; to be buried and lie with them

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:17

They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:17

They also; either his neighbour kings and princes, or those that were his own subjects, but rich and mighty. Went down into hell; were broken and perished with him, and went to those God had slain for their pride and wickedness. They that were his arm; his loyal and faithful subjects and friends abroad, who having been protected by him, remembered it, and adhered to him to support him; but all fell, are extinct, and gone down to the pit, where are many proud, but o pride; where all know themselves dust and ashes, and God glorious, holy, and just.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:17

Ezekiel 31:17 They also went down into hell with him unto [them that be] slain with the sword; and [they that were] his arm, [that] dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.Ver. 17. They also went down into hell with him.] It was wont to be said that hell was paved with kings’ crests and shavelings’ bald pates. Henry VIII was told on his deathbed that he was now going to the place of kings. See Isaiah 30:33. What a coil kept this Esarhaddon in his time, as being superstitibus terror, praemortuis laeitia, complicibus exitium, sui ipsius ruina! Oecolamp.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:17

Verse 17. They also went down into hell with him] Into remediless destruction.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:17

17. They also … into hell] These also are gone down into Sheòl, ref. being to the “trees of Eden,” Ezekiel 31:16. were his arm, that dwelt] and his arm, that dwelt. His “arm” is his helpers (Ezekiel 17:9). The construction is difficult (read probably cons. plur. of part. for “that dwelt;” om. of rel. improbable); cf. Ezekiel 32:15. LXX. points “his seed” for “his arm,” but that “seed” could mean underwood (Corn.) has no probability.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:17

17. They that were his arm — See note Ezekiel 30:21.

Sermons on Ezekiel 31:17

SermonDescription
Rolfe Barnard (John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 4 Turn or Burn! by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance as the only command that God has for sinners. He states that God does not have time to argue or negotiate with
Alan Cairns Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6 by Alan Cairns This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being div
Alan Cairns Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 5 by Alan Cairns This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell and the warning it presents to individuals and nations. It discusses the downfall of once-great superpowers who neglected their spiritual
Rolfe Barnard Paul's Gospel by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central belief of Christianity that Jesus is Lord. He explains that Jesus' Lordship is not just a theory, but a reality that was establi
David Legge The Neglected Place Called Hell by David Legge This sermon delves into the neglected truth of the reality of hell, emphasizing the importance of understanding its existence as a real place of torment. Through the story in Luke
David Legge The Great White Throne Judgement by David Legge In this sermon, Dr. Ironside begins by reading John 3:16, emphasizing God's love for the world and the gift of His only begotten Son. He then shares a story about a man on a plane
Thomas Martin Robert Murray Mccheyne by Thomas Martin In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a church that started praying fervently for the work of God, for backslidden members, and for individuals. One man's simple prayer,
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