Ezekiel 31:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who were the cedar's strength and support—his allied nations—descend to the underworld with him.
The Context of Ezekiel 31:17
The cedar's allied nations descend with it to the underworld.
What Does Ezekiel 31:17 Mean?
The cedar's collapse takes with it all who depended on its strength. 'They that were his arm' refers to allied nations and vassal states that relied on the cedar's military might and drew their power from association with it. These go down to the pit alongside the great power that sustained them.
Those who 'dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen' are revealed in their true dependent status—they had no independent strength. Their descent shows that reliance on a proud power brings judgment upon those who embrace it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 31:17
What does Ezekiel 31:17 mean?
Those who were the cedar's strength and support—his allied nations—descend to the underworld with him.
What is the context of Ezekiel 31:17?
The cedar's allied nations descend with it to the underworld.