Ezekiel 31:18 Meaning and Explanation
“To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The parable concludes by naming Pharaoh directly: he will be brought down like the cedar, to lie with the slain in the underworld.
The Context of Ezekiel 31:18
The parable is explicitly identified as applying to Pharaoh and his entire kingdom.
What Does Ezekiel 31:18 Mean?
The parable returns to its opening question: 'To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden?' The answer is now explicit—Pharaoh will share the cedar's fate. His intended rival was the cedar, but his real destination is the pit with the slain and the uncircumcised (those outside the covenant community).
'This is Pharaoh and all his multitude' makes clear the application. The great Pharaoh, whom nations feared and served, will die and descend to the grave like any other human. No crown, no armies, no wealth will spare him from death. All his multitude will share this fate with him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 31:18
What does Ezekiel 31:18 mean?
The parable concludes by naming Pharaoh directly: he will be brought down like the cedar, to lie with the slain in the underworld.
What is the context of Ezekiel 31:18?
The parable is explicitly identified as applying to Pharaoh and his entire kingdom.