Ezekiel 17:4 Meaning and Explanation
“He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The eagle transported the branch (Judah's nobility) to Babylon, a center of commerce and trade.
The Context of Ezekiel 17:4
Details of the deportation: the removal of Judah's leaders to Babylon's capital.
What Does Ezekiel 17:4 Mean?
Cropping off the young twigs describes the Babylonian removal of the royal household and leadership. Babylon was indeed a 'land of traffic' and 'city of merchants,' known throughout the ancient world for its commercial importance and as a crossroads of trade routes.
The detail of placing the branch in a merchant city emphasizes Babylon's power and wealth. The deportees would be removed from their native soil and placed in the center of imperial control, where Babylon's authority was unquestioned.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 17:4
What does Ezekiel 17:4 mean?
The eagle transported the branch (Judah's nobility) to Babylon, a center of commerce and trade.
What is the context of Ezekiel 17:4?
Details of the deportation: the removal of Judah's leaders to Babylon's capital.