Ezekiel 19:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel (the mother-lioness) once thrived as a powerful kingdom, raising strong leaders.
The Context of Ezekiel 19:2
First lament begins: Israel as a lioness producing strong offspring.
What Does Ezekiel 19:2 Mean?
The lament begins with a riddle: Israel is portrayed as a lioness resting among lions—a symbol of strength and power in ancient Near Eastern imagery. She nourished her whelps (offspring) among young lions, meaning she raised mighty leaders in an environment of strength. This depicts Israel in her glory days, when strong kings and princes arose from her midst.
The lioness metaphor captures both the ferocity and the maternal role of the nation. Israel produced formidable rulers who roared with authority and inspired fear in neighboring peoples. The image establishes what Israel once was before the lamentation reveals her downfall.
Ezekiel 19:2 in the Original Language
לָבִיא (lāvî), 'lioness' — a fierce female lion, emphasizing both maternal power and predatory strength.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 19:2
What does Ezekiel 19:2 mean?
Israel (the mother-lioness) once thrived as a powerful kingdom, raising strong leaders.
What is the context of Ezekiel 19:2?
First lament begins: Israel as a lioness producing strong offspring.