Pharaoh, despite his pride and might, is destined to fall not just like the trees of Eden, but to lie among the "uncircumcised"—those deemed utterly despised and unclean by his own culture, signifying his ultimate disgrace. This stark image highlights that God's judgment is not only about downfall but about utter humiliation and being cast out from all honor.
“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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse directly applies the prophetic allegory of the fallen Assyrian king to Pharaoh and his people. After describing the mighty cedar's (Assyria's) downfall, Ezekiel shifts from the past tense to directly address Egypt, declaring that Pharaoh, despite his perceived glory and greatness, will share a similar fate. This means Egypt, like the mighty trees of Eden, will be brought low and lie with the dishonored dead, a fate scornfully described as being among the uncircumcised.
You might have the greatest power, the most stunning beauty, or the most impressive 'kingdom' in your life. But what happens when pride takes root?
Ezekiel uses a powerful, repeating image here: the trees of Eden. These aren't just any trees; they represent splendor, greatness, and perhaps even a kind of divine favor. But the Lord makes it clear: even the grandest among them will be brought down.
From Glory to the Ground
Imagine the most magnificent tree in a lush garden, reaching towards the sky, admired by all. That's the picture of Egypt's pride under Pharaoh. Yet, God declares, this 'tree' will be felled and sent 'to the world below.' This signifies a complete reversal – from a position of lofty power and influence to a state of utter ruin and humiliation.
A Shameful End
The phrase 'lie among the uncircumcised' is crucial. In the ancient world, circumcision carried significant meaning, often tied to covenant and belonging to God's people. To be 'among the uncircumcised' in this context is to be grouped with the godless, the despised, and those utterly outside of God's favor. It’s a mark of ultimate shame and dishonor, reserved for those who have fallen in battle and are considered refuse.
The prophet's words shift dramatically at the end of the chapter. Who is this grand tree, and why is this judgment so certain?
Ezekiel has been using an extended metaphor, likely comparing Egypt's king (Pharaoh) to the fallen king of Assyria. The stunning declaration at the end of chapter 31 leaves no room for doubt:
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An Allegory Revealed
'This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.' This isn't just a poetic description; it's a direct identification. All the imagery of the grand tree, its envy, its powerful branches, and its inevitable downfall, is applied specifically to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, and his entire nation ('multitude'). The prophecy isn't just about a historical king; it's about the judgment of God upon human arrogance and power wielded against His purposes.
Retribution in Kind
The judgment is often described as 'retribution in kind.' The Egyptians held the uncircumcised in contempt, yet Pharaoh and his people would find themselves lying among them. This speaks to a profound sense of justice where the enemy experiences the very shame they inflicted on others. It's a powerful reminder that God sees the heart and judges accordingly, often in ways that mirror our own pride and disdain for others.
Understand the original words
kāḇôḏ · Hebrew Noun
Used metaphorically to describe status, splendor, or divine favor. In an earthly sense, it refers to human power and royal prestige, which is transient compared to the glory of God.
‘ārēl · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to those who are outside the covenantal relationship with God. Being 'uncircumcised' in this context signifies a state of spiritual alienation and exclusion from the people of God's blessing.
ăḏōnāy YHWH · Hebrew Noun Phrase
The sovereign ruler of all creation, the eternal God of the covenant (Yahweh). The title emphasizes His absolute authority, holiness, and the binding nature of His word.
This prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a time when Egypt, once a powerful ally and potential hope for Israel, was itself a vassal state of Babylon. By comparing Egypt's impending fall to the downfall of the mighty Assyrian empire (previously depicted in the chapter), Ezekiel emphasizes that no nation, no matter how glorious, is beyond God's judgment when pride leads to oppression.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Dominance
The northern kingdom of Israel falls to the Neo-Assyrian Empire, marking a period of significant Assyrian power and influence over the region, setting the stage for future conflicts and exiles.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, prince of Babylon, defeats Egypt at Carchemish, asserting Babylonian dominance. He then begins deporting Judean elites, including Daniel, to Babylon, initiating the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This event marks a profound spiritual and national crisis for the Judeans.
c. 585 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry in Babylon
Ezekiel, a priest exiled to Babylon, begins his prophetic ministry, delivering messages of judgment and hope to the exiles. This chapter is delivered during this period of exile.
550-539 BC
Rise of Persia and Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great unites the Medes and Persians, eventually conquering the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This shift in power offers a new context for the exiles' future.
This passage also describes the downfall of a proud ruler, the king of Tyre, who like Pharaoh in Ezekiel 31, is compared to a majestic tree and brought low due to his pride and sin.
Isaiah 14:12-15This prophetic passage describes the fall of Babylon, likening it to the morning star cast down from heaven, mirroring the theme of a once-great entity brought low by pride and divine judgment.
Exodus 14:30-31This passage recounts the miraculous defeat of Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea, providing a historical parallel to the 'multitude' that Pharaoh and his people would eventually lie with among the slain, highlighting God's power over oppressive rulers.
Jeremiah 44:28This verse echoes the pronouncement of judgment on Egypt, stating that those who are 'slain by the sword' and 'whom they fear' will be the means of their destruction, aligning with the idea of Pharaoh and his multitude lying among the slain.
bensonEzekiel 31:18: "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."
Ezekiel 31:18 . To whom art thou thus like in glory? &c. — To whom, among the great princes of the world, canst thou, O king of Egypt, be so fitly compared, with all th…
barnesEzekiel 31:18: "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."
Application to Pharaoh. The uncircumcised - The Egyptians, at least their nobles, were circumcised. Pharaoh should thus be dishonored with those whom the Egyptians them…
Pharaoh, despite his pride and might, is destined to fall not just like the trees of Eden, but to lie among the "uncircumcised"—those deemed utterly despised and unclean by his own culture, signifying his ultimate disgrace. This stark image highlights that God's judgment is not only about downfall but about utter humiliation and being cast out from all honor.
This verse directly applies the prophetic allegory of the fallen Assyrian king to Pharaoh and his people. After describing the mighty cedar's (Assyria's) downfall, Ezekiel shifts from the past tense to directly address Egypt, declaring that Pharaoh, despite his perceived glory and greatness, will share a similar fate. This means Egypt, like the mighty trees of Eden, will be brought low and lie with the dishonored dead, a fate scornfully described as being among the uncircumcised.
This verse directly applies the prophetic allegory of the fallen Assyrian king to Pharaoh and his people. After describing the mighty cedar's (Assyria's) downfall, Ezekiel shifts from the past tense to directly address Egypt, declaring that Pharaoh, despite his perceived glory and greatness, will share a similar fate. This means Egypt, like the mighty trees of Eden, will be brought low and lie with the dishonored dead, a fate scornfully described as being among the uncircumcised.
"“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 Phara…" — Pharaoh, despite his pride and might, is destined to fall not just like the trees of Eden, but to lie among the "uncircumcised"—those deemed utterly despised and unclean by his own culture, signifyin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
