Ezekiel 19:1
New International Version
“Take up a lament concerning the princes of Israel

New Living Translation
“Sing this funeral song for the princes of Israel:

English Standard Version
And you, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Berean Standard Bible
“As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel

Berean Literal Bible
And you, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

King James Bible
Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

New King James Version
“Moreover take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

New American Standard Bible
“As for you, take up a song of mourning for the leaders of Israel

NASB 1995
“As for you, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel

NASB 1977
“As for you, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Legacy Standard Bible
“As for you, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel

Amplified Bible
“As for you, take up a dirge (funeral poem to be sung) for the princes of Israel

Berean Annotated Bible
[“] As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel (he wrestles with God)

Christian Standard Bible
“As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now, lament for the princes of Israel

American Standard Version
Moreover, take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Contemporary English Version
Ezekiel, sing a funeral song for two of Israel's leaders:

English Revised Version
Moreover, take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Sing a funeral song for the princes of Israel.

Good News Translation
The LORD told me to sing this song of sorrow for two princes of Israel:

International Standard Version
"Now as for you, publish this mourning psalm about Israel's leaders.

NET Bible
"And you, sing a lament for the princes of Israel,

New Heart English Bible
"Moreover, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel

World English Bible
“Moreover, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“And you, lift up a lamentation to princes of Israel,

Berean Literal Bible
And you, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Young's Literal Translation
And thou, lift up a lamentation unto princes of Israel,

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou, lift thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Catholic Public Domain Version
“And as for you, take up a lament over the leaders of Israel,

New American Bible
As for you, raise a lamentation over the princes of Israel,

New Revised Standard Version
As for you, raise up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
MOREOVER, you Son of man, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But you, son of man, take up a lamentation for the Princes of Israel
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Moreover, take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Moreover do thou take up a lamentation for the prince of Israel,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Lament for the Princes of Israel
1“As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel 2and say: ‘What was your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions; she reared her cubs.…

Cross References
As for you,

Ezekiel 21:2
“Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel

Ezekiel 24:3
Now speak a parable to this rebellious house and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Put the pot on the fire; put it on and pour in the water.

Ezekiel 33:7
As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me.
take up a lament

2 Samuel 1:17
Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan,

2 Chronicles 35:25
Then Jeremiah lamented over Josiah, and to this day all the male and female singers recite laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel, and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments.

Ezekiel 27:2
“Now you, son of man, take up a lament for Tyre.
for the princes of Israel

Ezekiel 22:6
See how every prince of Israel within you has used his power to shed blood.

2 Kings 24:15
Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Jeremiah 22:18
Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: “They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’ They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my master! Alas, his splendor!’
Lamentations 2:1-10
How the Lord has covered the Daughter of Zion with the cloud of His anger! He has cast the glory of Israel from heaven to earth. He has abandoned His footstool in the day of His anger. / Without pity the Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacob. In His wrath He has demolished the fortified cities of the Daughter of Judah. He brought to the ground and defiled her kingdom and its princes. / In fierce anger He has cut off every horn of Israel and withdrawn His right hand at the approach of the enemy. He has burned in Jacob like a flaming fire that consumes everything around it. …

Hosea 10:5-8
The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its people will mourn over it with its idolatrous priests—those who rejoiced in its glory—for it has been taken from them into exile. / Yes, it will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king. Ephraim will be seized with shame; Israel will be ashamed of its wooden idols. / Samaria will be carried off with her king like a twig on the surface of the water. …

Isaiah 14:4-20
you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended! / The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers. / It struck the peoples in anger with unceasing blows; it subdued the nations in rage with relentless persecution. …

Jeremiah 9:17-22
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Take note, and summon the wailing women; send for the most skillful among them. / Let them come quickly and take up a lament over us, that our eyes may overflow with tears, and our eyelids may gush with water. / For the sound of wailing is heard from Zion: ‘How devastated we are! How great is our shame! For we have abandoned the land because our dwellings have been torn down.’” …

Micah 2:4
In that day they will take up a proverb against you and taunt you with this bitter lamentation: ‘We are utterly ruined! He has changed the portion of my people. How He has removed it from me! He has allotted our fields to traitors.’”

Amos 5:1-2
Hear this word, O house of Israel, this lamentation I take up against you: / “Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again. She lies abandoned on her land, with no one to raise her up.”

Jeremiah 7:29
Cut off your hair and throw it away. Raise up a lamentation on the barren heights, for the LORD has rejected and forsaken the generation of His wrath.’


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover take you up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Take

Ezekiel 19:14
And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

Ezekiel 2:10
And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

Ezekiel 26:17
And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it!

the princes

2 Kings 23:29,30,34
In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him…

2 Kings 24:6,12
So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead…

2 Kings 25:5-7
And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him…

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Ezekiel 19
1. A lamentation for the princes of Israel, by the parable of a lion whelping in a pit
10. and for Jerusalem, under the parable of a wasted vine












As for you
This phrase is directed towards the prophet Ezekiel, indicating a personal command from God. Ezekiel is often addressed directly by God, emphasizing his role as a chosen messenger. This personal address underscores the weight of the message he is to deliver.

take up a lament
A lament is a form of mourning or expression of grief, often used in the Bible to convey deep sorrow over sin, judgment, or loss. Laments are found throughout the Psalms and prophetic books, serving as a means to express communal or individual anguish. In this context, it signifies the impending doom and sorrow for the leaders of Israel.

for the princes of Israel
The "princes" refer to the leaders or kings of Israel, specifically those of the royal line of Judah. Historically, this could point to figures like Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, who were the last kings before the Babylonian exile. These leaders failed to uphold God's covenant, leading to national disaster. The lament foreshadows their downfall and the consequences of their disobedience. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of leadership accountability before God, as seen in the narratives of other kings in the books of Kings and Chronicles.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. His role is to communicate both judgment and hope.

2. Princes of Israel
Refers to the leaders or kings of Israel, specifically those who have led the nation astray, resulting in judgment and lamentation.

3. Lament
A form of mourning or expression of grief, often used in prophetic literature to convey sorrow over sin and its consequences.

4. Israel
The chosen nation of God, which is experiencing judgment due to its leaders' unfaithfulness and the people's idolatry.

5. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.
Teaching Points
The Role of Leadership
Leaders have a significant impact on the spiritual direction of a nation. The lament for the princes of Israel serves as a reminder of the responsibility leaders have to guide their people in righteousness.

Consequences of Sin
The lament highlights the severe consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands.

The Power of Lament
Lamenting is a biblical way to express grief and seek God's intervention. It is a form of prayer that acknowledges the reality of sin and its effects while hoping for redemption.

Hope in Judgment
Even in the midst of lament, there is an underlying hope for restoration. God's judgment is not the end but a call to repentance and renewal.

Personal Reflection
Consider how personal actions and decisions align with God's will. Reflect on areas of life that may require repentance and realignment with God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 19:1?

2. How does Ezekiel 19:1's lamentation reflect God's judgment on Israel's leaders?

3. What lessons can modern leaders learn from Ezekiel 19:1's lamentation?

4. How does Ezekiel 19:1 connect with other biblical laments over Israel's disobedience?

5. In what ways can we apply Ezekiel 19:1's message to our spiritual lives?

6. How does Ezekiel 19:1 encourage repentance and accountability in our communities today?

7. What is the significance of the lament in Ezekiel 19:1 for Israel's history?

8. How does Ezekiel 19:1 reflect God's judgment on Israel's leaders?

9. Why does Ezekiel use a lamentation in chapter 19, verse 1?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 19?

11. What is the order of the Bible's books?

12. What does the Bible say about angels?

13. How does calling for coals of fire upon evildoers in Psalm 140:10 align with the concept of a merciful God?

14. Is there any archaeological evidence that confirms the captivity described in Ezekiel 19:4 and 19:9?
What Does Ezekiel 19:1 Mean
As for you

“As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel.” (Ezekiel 19:1)

• The Lord singles out Ezekiel personally, reminding him of his unique responsibility as watchman (Ezekiel 3:17; 33:7).

• Personal address highlights that obedience is not optional; the prophet must speak even when the message is sorrowful (Jeremiah 1:17; 2 Timothy 4:2).

• By naming Ezekiel, God underscores that truth is communicated through willing servants, not detached observers (Acts 20:26–27).


take up

• “Take up” pictures lifting one’s voice publicly, similar to earlier commands to “clap your hands and stamp your feet” over sin (Ezekiel 6:11).

• The phrase echoes other prophetic laments: Ezekiel 27:2; 28:12; Jeremiah 9:10.

• It shows God initiates lament; it is not merely human emotion but divinely ordered speech, affirming that even grief is directed by His purpose (Isaiah 46:10).


a lament

• A lament is a poetic funeral song, expressing deep sorrow over loss (2 Samuel 1:17–27; Lamentations 1:1).

• God’s call to lament proves He grieves sin’s consequences (Hosea 11:8), yet His justice stands firm (Romans 11:22).

• Lament prepares hearts to accept discipline and seek restoration (Psalm 51:17; James 4:9–10).


for the princes

• The “princes” are Judah’s last kings descended from David—Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah—whose downfall marked national ruin (2 Kings 23:30–37; 24:8–20).

• Their failures—idolatry, injustice, treaty-breaking—embodied the nation’s rebellion (Jeremiah 22:10–30; Ezekiel 12:10–13).

• Lamenting leaders reminds God’s people that ungodly authority brings widespread suffering (Proverbs 29:2).


of Israel

• Though the monarchy was centered in Judah, God still calls them “Israel,” tying the kings’ fate to the whole covenant people (Genesis 32:28; Ezekiel 37:16).

• Their judgment signals national exile, yet covenant identity remains; God’s promises persist beyond discipline (Romans 9:4; Ezekiel 20:40–44).

• The term “Israel” keeps hope alive: after lament comes future restoration under the promised Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6–7; Luke 1:32–33).


summary

Ezekiel 19:1 is God’s personal command for Ezekiel to raise a public funeral song over Judah’s fallen kings. The verse highlights the prophet’s duty, God’s grief, the tragic collapse of Davidic leadership, and the national consequences tied to covenant unfaithfulness. By calling the nation “Israel,” the Lord signals that even in judgment His covenant purposes endure, setting the stage for ultimate restoration in Christ.

Verse 1. - The two sections of this chapter - vers. 1-9, 10-14-are respectively two parables of the same type as that of Ezekiel 2:10. The former telling nearly the same story under a different imagery, the latter a reproduction of the same imagery, with a slightly different application. Lamentation. The same word as that used in Ezekiel 2:10. The whole chapter finds a parallel in Jeremiah's review of Josiah's successors (Jeremiah 22:10-30). It is noticeable that the princes are described as being of Israel. The LXX. gives the singular, "the prince," and Hitzig and Ewald adopt this reading, applying it to Zedekiah.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As for you,
וְאַתָּה֙ (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

take up
שָׂ֣א (śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

a lament
קִינָ֔ה (qî·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7015: An elegy, dirge

for
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the princes
נְשִׂיאֵ֖י (nə·śî·’ê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5387: An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mist

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 19:1 Moreover take up a lamentation (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 18:32
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