Ezekiel 31:18
New International Version
“’Which of the trees of Eden can be compared with you in splendor and majesty? Yet you, too, will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth below; you will lie among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword. “’This is Pharaoh and all his hordes, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”

New Living Translation
“O Egypt, to which of the trees of Eden will you compare your strength and glory? You, too, will be brought down to the depths with all these other nations. You will lie there among the outcasts who have died by the sword. This will be the fate of Pharaoh and all his hordes. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!”

English Standard Version
“Whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? You shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the world below. You shall lie among the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword. “This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.”

Berean Standard Bible
Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”

Berean Literal Bible
To whom, then, will you be compared, in glory and in greatness, among the trees in Eden? You also will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the land below; in the midst of the uncircumcised you will lie, with those slain by the sword. That is Pharaoh and all his multitude, a declaration of the Lord YHWH.’”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
‘To which of the trees in Eden will you then be likened in glory and greatness? Yet you shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the depths of the earth; you shall lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude,’ says the Lord GOD.”

New American Standard Bible
“To which among the trees of Eden are you so alike in glory and greatness? Yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth beneath; you will lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with those who were killed by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his hordes!”’ declares the Lord GOD.”

NASB 1995
“To which among the trees of Eden are you thus equal in glory and greatness? Yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth beneath; you will lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who were slain by the sword. So is Pharaoh and all his hordes!"’ declares the Lord GOD.”

NASB 1977
“To which among the trees of Eden are you thus equal in glory and greatness? Yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth beneath; you will lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who were slain by the sword. So is Pharaoh and all his multitude!’” declares the Lord GOD.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“To which among the trees of Eden do you thus liken yourself in glory and greatness? Yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth beneath; you will lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who were slain by the sword. So is Pharaoh and all his multitude!”’ declares Lord Yahweh.”

Amplified Bible
“Which among the trees of Eden do you equal in glory and in greatness [O Egypt]? Yet you [also] will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth beneath (nether world). You will lie among the uncircumcised (the barbaric, the boorish, the crude) with those who were slain by the sword. This is how it shall be with Pharaoh and all his hordes!”’ says the Lord GOD.”

Berean Annotated Bible
Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden (pleasure)? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh (great house) and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH}.

Christian Standard Bible
“ ‘Who then are you like in glory and greatness among Eden’s trees? You also will be brought down to the underworld to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his hordes. This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.’ ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Who then are you like in glory and greatness among Eden’s trees? You also will be brought down to the underworld to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his hordes"—the declaration of the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version
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 are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
King of Egypt, all these things will happen to you and your people! You were like this tree at one time--taller and stronger than anyone on earth. But now you will be chopped down, just as every tree in the garden of Eden must die. You will be sent down to the world of the dead, where you will join the godless and the other victims of violent death. I, the LORD God, have spoken.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
" 'This tree is you, Pharaoh, and all your many people. No tree in Eden has ever been as honorable and as great as you. But you will be brought down below the earth with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the godless people who were killed in battle, declares the Almighty LORD.'"

Good News Translation
"The tree is the king of Egypt and all his people. Not even the trees in Eden were so tall and impressive. But now, like the trees of Eden, it will go down to the world of the dead and join the ungodly and those killed in battle. I have spoken," says the Sovereign LORD.

International Standard Version
So tell me now, which of the trees of Eden compares to you in glory or greatness? Nevertheless, you'll be brought down, along with those trees of Eden, to the earth below. You'll lie in the middle of the uncircumcised, with those who have been killed in war. Pharaoh and all his gang will be just like this!' declares the Lord GOD."

NET Bible
Which of the trees of Eden was like you in majesty and loftiness? You will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the lower parts of the earth; you will lie among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword! This is what will happen to Pharaoh and all his hordes, declares the sovereign LORD.'"

New Heart English Bible
To whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? Yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the lower parts of the earth: you shall lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude,' says the Lord GOD."

Webster's Bible Translation
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 to the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”

World English Bible
“‘To whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? Yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the lower parts of the earth. You will lie in the middle of the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword. “‘This is Pharaoh and all his multitude,’ says the Lord Yahweh.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
To whom have you been thus like, "" In glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? And you have been brought down with the trees of Eden, "" To the lower earth, "" You lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, "" With the pierced of the sword. This [is] Pharaoh, and all his multitude, "" A declaration of Lord YHWH!”

Berean Literal Bible
To whom, then, will you be compared, in glory and in greatness, among the trees in Eden? You also will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the land below; in the midst of the uncircumcised you will lie, with those slain by the sword. That is Pharaoh and all his multitude, a declaration of the Lord YHWH.’”

Young's Literal Translation
Unto whom hast thou been thus like, In honour and in greatness among the trees of Eden, And thou hast been brought down with the trees of Eden, Unto the earth -- the lower part, In the midst of the uncircumcised thou liest, With the pierced of the sword? It is Pharaoh, and all his multitude, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah!'

Smith's Literal Translation
To whom wert thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Men? and thou wert brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth underneath: in the midst of the uncircumcised thou shalt lie, with the wounded of the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, says the Lord Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To whom art thou like, O thou that art famous and lofty among the trees of pleasure? Behold, thou art brought down with the trees of pleasure to the lowest parts of the earth: thou shalt sleep in the midst of the uncircumcised, with them that are slain by the sword: this is Pharao, and all his multitude, saith the Lord God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
To whom can you be compared, O famous and sublime one, among the trees of pleasure? Behold, you have been brought down, with the trees of pleasure, to the lowest part of the earth. You will sleep in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who have been slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh, and all his multitude, says the Lord God.”

New American Bible
To whom among the trees of Eden do you compare in glory and greatness? You will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the underworld, And lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. Such is Pharaoh and all his hordes— oracle of the Lord GOD.

New Revised Standard Version
Which among the trees of Eden was like you in glory and in greatness? Now you shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the world below; you shall lie among the uncircumcised, with those who are killed by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his horde, says the Lord GOD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To whom are you thus like in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? Yet you were brought down with the trees of Eden to the nether parts of the earth; you shall lie among the uncircumcised with those that are slain by the sword. This is the fate of Pharaoh and all his army, says the LORD God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
To which of the trees of Eden are you compared in glory and in greatness? And you came down with the trees of Eden to the lower Earth. You shall lie among the uncircumcised with those who were killed by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his army, says THE LORD OF LORDS
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shall 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 are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
To whom art thou compared? descend, and be thou debased with the trees of paradise to the depth of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that are slain by the sword. Thus shall Pharao be, and the multitude of his host, saith the Lord God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Egypt will Fall Like Assyria
17They too descended with it to Sheol, to those slain by the sword. As its allies they had lived in its shade among the nations. 18 Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”

Cross References
“Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden?

Daniel 4:20-22
The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth, / whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested— / you, O king, are that tree! For you have become great and strong; your greatness has grown to reach the sky, and your dominion extends to the ends of the earth.

Ezekiel 28:12-14
“Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. / You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. / You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones.

Genesis 2:8-9
And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, where He placed the man He had formed. / Out of the ground the LORD God gave growth to every tree that is pleasing to the eye and good for food. And in the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden.

Psalm 63:9
But those who seek my life to destroy it will go into the depths of the earth.

Isaiah 14:15
But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.

Ezekiel 32:18-19
“Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit: / Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised!
You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.

Ezekiel 32:19-21
Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised! / They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is appointed! Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes. / Mighty chiefs will speak from the midst of Sheol about Egypt and her allies: ‘They have come down and lie with the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.’

Ezekiel 32:24-27
Elam is there with all her multitudes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword—those who went down uncircumcised to the earth below, who once spread their terror in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. / Among the slain they prepare a resting place for Elam with all her hordes, with her graves all around her. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, although their terror was once spread in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. They are placed among the slain. / Meshech and Tubal are there with all their multitudes, with their graves all around them. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, because they spread their terror in the land of the living. …

Ezekiel 28:10
You will die the death of the uncircumcised at the hands of foreigners. For I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD.”
This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”

Ezekiel 32:31-32
Pharaoh will see them and be comforted over all his multitude—Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD. / For I will spread My terror in the land of the living, so that Pharaoh and all his multitude will be laid to rest among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD.”

Exodus 14:27-28
So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were retreating, the LORD swept them into the sea. / The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.

Jeremiah 46:25-26
The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh. / I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives—of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, Egypt will be inhabited as in days of old, declares the LORD.
Isaiah 14:9-15
Sheol beneath is eager to meet you upon your arrival. It stirs the spirits of the dead to greet you—all the rulers of the earth. It makes all the kings of the nations rise from their thrones. / They will all respond to you, saying, “You too have become weak, as we are; you have become like us!” / Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket. …

Daniel 4:10-14
In these visions of my mind as I was lying in bed, I saw this come to pass: There was a tree in the midst of the land, and its height was great. / The tree grew large and strong; its top reached the sky, and it was visible to the ends of the earth. / Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed. …

Revelation 18:7-8
As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’ / Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and grief and famine—and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”

Isaiah 2:12-17
For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled— / against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan, / against all the tall mountains, against all the high hills, …


Treasury of Scripture

To whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shall you be brought down with the trees of Eden to the nether parts of the earth: you shall lie in the middle of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, said the Lord GOD.

art thou

Ezekiel 31:2
Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?

Ezekiel 32:19
Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.

with the

Ezekiel 31:9,16
I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him…

thou shalt

Ezekiel 28:10
Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 32:10,19,21,24
Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall…

1 Samuel 17:26,36
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? …

2 Chronicles 28:22
And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.

Psalm 52:7
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Matthew 13:19
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

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Ezekiel 31
1. A relation unto Pharaoh
3. of the glory of Assyria
10. and the fall thereof for pride
18. The like destruction of Egypt












Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden?
This phrase draws a comparison between Pharaoh and the trees of Eden, symbolizing the height of beauty and splendor. The trees of Eden represent the pinnacle of creation, a place of divine perfection and abundance. In biblical context, Eden is often associated with the ideal state of humanity before the fall, a place of intimate fellowship with God. The rhetorical question emphasizes the unmatched glory and greatness of Pharaoh, likening him to the most majestic of trees. This can be seen as a warning against pride and self-exaltation, as it echoes the fall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-15, who also sought to elevate himself above others.

You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden.
This phrase signifies a dramatic reversal of fortune. The "depths of the earth" is a metaphor for Sheol, the realm of the dead, indicating a descent from glory to humiliation. The imagery of being brought down to the depths suggests judgment and the inevitable downfall of those who exalt themselves. The mention of the trees of Eden in this context implies that even the most glorious and seemingly invincible can be brought low. This is reminiscent of the fate of Babylon in Isaiah 14:15, where the proud are cast down to Sheol.

You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.
Lying among the uncircumcised indicates a state of disgrace and dishonor. In the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and His people, symbolizing purity and separation from the pagan nations. To be among the uncircumcised is to be counted among those outside the covenant, those who are not set apart for God. Being slain by the sword further emphasizes the violent and ignominious end that awaits Pharaoh and his multitude. This reflects the fate of the wicked as described in Psalm 1:5, where the ungodly will not stand in the judgment.

This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”
The declaration by the Lord GOD underscores the certainty and authority of the pronouncement. Pharaoh, representing Egypt, is a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God’s people. The multitude refers to the entire nation or army that follows Pharaoh, indicating that the judgment is not just personal but national. This echoes the fate of other nations that opposed Israel, as seen in the prophecies against Babylon, Assyria, and Tyre. The phrase serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate justice, as seen in the prophetic literature throughout the Old Testament.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt, representing the nation of Egypt, which is being compared to a great tree in this passage.

3. Eden
The biblical garden where God placed Adam and Eve. It symbolizes a place of beauty and divine blessing.

4. The Uncircumcised
A term often used to describe those who are not part of God's covenant people, symbolizing spiritual separation from God.

5. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who declares judgment upon Egypt.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Just as Egypt was brought low despite its greatness, pride can lead to downfall. We must remain humble before God.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is sovereign over all nations and rulers. His judgments are just and serve His divine purposes.

The Illusion of Earthly Glory
Earthly power and glory are temporary. True greatness is found in obedience and submission to God.

The Reality of Divine Justice
God's justice is inevitable. Those who reject His ways will face consequences, just as Egypt did.

The Call to Repentance
This passage serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek God's mercy before judgment comes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 31:18?

2. How does Ezekiel 31:18 illustrate the consequences of pride and arrogance?

3. What lessons can we learn from Egypt's downfall in Ezekiel 31:18?

4. How does Ezekiel 31:18 connect with Proverbs 16:18 on pride's consequences?

5. How can we apply Ezekiel 31:18 to avoid pride in our lives?

6. In what ways does Ezekiel 31:18 encourage humility before God?

7. How does Ezekiel 31:18 illustrate the consequences of pride and arrogance?

8. What historical context is essential to understanding Ezekiel 31:18?

9. How does Ezekiel 31:18 relate to the fall of powerful nations?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 31?

11. What does the Bible say about God versus Satan?

12. Ezekiel 32 overall - How do we reconcile the violent imagery of divine judgment here with other biblical passages that emphasize mercy and compassion?

13. Ezekiel 18:31 - Is it scientifically or psychologically plausible for people to instantly acquire a 'new heart' and 'new spirit'?

14. What does 'fathers ate sour grapes' mean?
What Does Ezekiel 31:18 Mean
Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden?

“Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden?” (Ezekiel 31:18)

• The question is rhetorical. God acknowledges Egypt’s towering splendor, just as He earlier portrayed Assyria as a majestic cedar (Ezekiel 31:3-5).

• “Trees of Eden” pictures the primeval garden—creation’s ideal. By setting Pharaoh among those trees, the Lord shows how exalted Egypt appeared in worldly eyes, rivaling even Eden’s grandeur (Genesis 2:8-9).

• Yet the query carries a warning: if even Eden’s choicest trees have fallen, what hope has Egypt? Similar taunts meet other proud rulers (Daniel 4:10-12; Ezekiel 28:13).


You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden.

“You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden.” (Ezekiel 31:18)

• “Depths of the earth” points to Sheol—the realm of the dead. Mighty nations that once seemed unshakable now lie felled side by side (Isaiah 14:15; Ezekiel 28:8).

• God’s justice is consistent: because Assyria fell (Ezekiel 31:11-14), Egypt will follow. Worldly glory never guarantees lasting security (Psalm 9:17).

• The prophetic perfect: future judgment is spoken of as already accomplished, underscoring the certainty of God’s decree.


You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.

“You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.” (Ezekiel 31:18)

• “Uncircumcised” signals disgrace and alienation from God’s covenant blessings (Genesis 17:14). Pharaoh’s proud claims of divinity (Ezekiel 29:3) end in shame.

• Slain by the sword: Egypt will not fade peacefully; it will suffer violent overthrow, a theme repeated in Ezekiel 32:24-32.

• This fate reverses Egypt’s treatment of Israel. The nation that once wielded swords against God’s people (Exodus 1:10-16) now falls under His sword (Ezekiel 30:22-26).


This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.

“This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 31:18)

• The oracle’s target is specific: “Pharaoh and all his multitude.” No segment of Egyptian society escapes; leaders and followers share the same destiny (Jeremiah 46:25-26).

• “Declares the Lord GOD” seals the verdict. Human power bows to divine sovereignty (Proverbs 21:1; Revelation 19:16).

• Every earlier image—cedar, Eden, heights, depths—funnels into this closing identification, making plain that the prophecy is not mere allegory but a concrete, historical judgment.


summary

Ezekiel 31:18 caps a vivid parable: Egypt, once as glorious as the trees of Eden, will crash to the very depths of the earth. Pharaoh’s unrivaled splendor cannot shield him from God’s sword. Like other proud nations, he will lie in dishonor among the uncircumcised dead. The Lord’s pronouncement is final and universal, reminding every generation that exaltation apart from Him ends in humiliation, while His word stands sure forever.

(18) To whom art thou thus like.--In this closing verse the whole chapter is brought to a point. Egypt, like Assyria in glory, shall be like her in experience of the judgments of God. On "uncircumcised" comp. Note on Ezekiel 28:10.

Verse 18. - To whom art thou thus like, etc.? As in Ver. 10, the prophet passes from the past to the present, from the third person to the second, and as it were says to Hophra, "Thou art the man! all that I have said of Assyria is true of thee." This is Pharaoh and all his multitude. In the midst of thin uncircumcised (see note on Ezekiel 28:10). As a matter of fact, the Egyptians practiced circumcision, and Ezekiel must be thought of as using the term as simply an epithet of scorn.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Who
מִ֨י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

then
כָּ֛כָה (kā·ḵāh)
Adverb
Strong's 3602: Just so

is like you
דָמִ֥יתָ (ḏā·mî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1819: To compare, to resemble, liken, consider

in glory
בְּכָב֥וֹד (bə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness

and greatness
וּבְגֹ֖דֶל (ū·ḇə·ḡō·ḏel)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1433: Magnitude

among the trees
בַּעֲצֵי־ (ba·‘ă·ṣê-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

of Eden?
עֵ֑דֶן (‘ê·ḏen)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5731: Eden -- the garden home of Adam and Eve

You also will be brought down
וְהוּרַדְתָּ֨ (wə·hū·raḏ·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

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

the depths
תַּחְתִּ֗ית (taḥ·tîṯ)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 8482: Lowermost, the depths

of the earth
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

to be with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

the trees
עֲצֵי־ (‘ă·ṣê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

of Eden.
עֵ֜דֶן (‘ê·ḏen)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5731: Eden -- the garden home of Adam and Eve

You will lie
תִּשְׁכַּב֙ (tiš·kaḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7901: To lie down

among
בְּת֨וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

the uncircumcised,
עֲרֵלִ֤ים (‘ă·rê·lîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6189: Having foreskin (uncircumcised)

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

those slain
חַלְלֵי־ (ḥal·lê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2491: Pierced, polluted

by the sword.
חֶ֔רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

This
ה֤וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is Pharaoh
פַרְעֹה֙ (p̄ar·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his multitude,
הֲמוֹנֹ֔ה‪‬ (hă·mō·w·nōh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1995: A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth

declares
נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD.’”
יְהוִֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 31:18 To whom are you thus like (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 31:17
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