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⇱ Ezekiel 19:3 She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men.

Bible > Ezekiel > Chapter 19 > Verse 3
◄ Ezekiel 19:3 ►
New International Version
She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a strong lion. He learned to tear the prey and he became a man-eater.

New Living Translation
She raised one of her cubs to become a strong young lion. He learned to hunt and devour prey, and he became a man-eater.

English Standard Version
And she brought up one of her cubs; he became a young lion, and he learned to catch prey; he devoured men.

Berean Standard Bible
She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men.

King James Bible
And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.

New King James Version
She brought up one of her cubs, And he became a young lion; He learned to catch prey, And he devoured men.

New American Standard Bible
‘When she brought up one of her cubs, He became a young lion, And he learned to tear his prey; He devoured people.

NASB 1995
When she brought up one of her cubs, He became a lion, And he learned to tear his prey; He devoured men.

NASB 1977
‘When she brought up one of her cubs, He became a lion, And he learned to tear his prey; He devoured men.

Legacy Standard Bible
So she brought up one of her cubs; He became a lion, And he learned to tear his prey; He devoured men.

Amplified Bible
‘When she [the royal mother-city] brought up [Jehoahaz] one of her cubs, He became a [young] lion, And he learned to catch and tear the prey; He devoured men.

Christian Standard Bible
She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After he learned to tear prey, he devoured people.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After he learned to tear prey, he devoured people.

American Standard Version
And she brought up one of her whelps: he became a young lion, and he learned to catch the prey; he devoured men.

Contemporary English Version
She taught one of them to hunt, and he learned to eat people.

English Revised Version
And she brought up one of her whelps; he became a young lion: and he learned to catch the prey, he devoured men.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
One of the cubs she raised became a young lion. He learned to tear apart the animals he hunted. He ate people.

Good News Translation
She raised a cub and taught him to hunt; he learned to eat people.

International Standard Version
She raised one cub in particular, teaching that fierce lion to become a hunter-prowler— to eat human beings.

NET Bible
She reared one of her cubs; he became a young lion. He learned to tear prey; he devoured people.

New Heart English Bible
She brought up one of her cubs: he became a young lion, and he learned to catch the prey; he devoured men.

Webster's Bible Translation
And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men.

World English Bible
She brought up one of her cubs. He became a young lion. He learned to catch the prey. He devoured men.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And she brings up one of her whelps, "" He has been a young lion, "" And he learns to tear prey, "" He has devoured man.

Young's Literal Translation
And she bringeth up one of her whelps, A young lion it hath been, And it learneth to tear prey, man it hath devoured.

Smith's Literal Translation
And she will bring up one of her whelps: it was a young lion, and it will learn to rend the prey eating man.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And she brought out one of her whelps, and he became a lion: and he learned to catch the prey, and to devour men.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And she led away one of her little ones, and he became a lion. And he learned to seize prey and to consume men.

New American Bible
One cub she raised up, a young lion he became; He learned to tear apart prey, he devoured people.

New Revised Standard Version
She raised up one of her cubs; he became a young lion, and he learned to catch prey; he devoured humans.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And one of her whelps grew up and became a young lion, and he learned to catch prey; and he devoured men.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And one of her cubs grew, and was a male lion, and he learned to tear apart prey and he ate a son of man
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And she brought up one of her whelps, He became a young lion; And he learned to catch the prey, He devoured men.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And one of her whelps sprang forth; he became a lion, and learned to take prey, he devoured men.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
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. 3She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men. 4When the nations heard of him, he was trapped in their pit. With hooks they led him away to the land of Egypt.…

Cross References
Genesis 49:9
Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?

Hosea 5:14
For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them.

Revelation 5:5
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Amos 3:4
Does a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Does a young lion growl in his den if he has caught nothing?

Jeremiah 4:7
A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited.

Isaiah 5:29
Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away, and no one can rescue it.

Revelation 10:3
Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices.

Nahum 2:11-12
Where is the lions’ lair or the feeding ground of the young lions, where the lion and lioness prowled with their cubs, with nothing to frighten them away? / The lion mauled enough for its cubs and strangled prey for the lioness. It filled its dens with the kill, and its lairs with mauled prey.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Isaiah 31:4
For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.

Jeremiah 50:44
Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?”

Daniel 7:4
The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man and given the mind of a man.

2 Samuel 1:23
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.

Proverbs 28:15
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

Micah 5:8
Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them.


Ezekiel 19:6
And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.

2 Kings 23:31,32
Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah…

2 Chronicles 36:1,2
Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem…

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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














She brought up one of her cubs
This phrase refers to the mother lioness, symbolizing the nation of Israel or specifically the royal line of Judah. The "cubs" represent the young princes or kings. In the historical context, this could refer to Jehoahaz, son of Josiah, who was made king after his father's death. The imagery of a lioness and her cubs is used to depict strength and potential, as lions were common symbols of power and royalty in the ancient Near East.

and he became a young lion
The transformation from a cub to a young lion signifies the maturation and rise to power of the young king. In the context of Ezekiel, this could be seen as Jehoahaz's brief reign as king. The lion imagery continues to emphasize strength and authority, but also hints at potential aggression and dominance, which were characteristics expected of a ruler. This transformation also reflects the expectations placed on the young king to lead and protect his people.

After learning to tear his prey
This phrase indicates the development of the young king's ability to rule and exert power, possibly through military conquests or political maneuvers. The act of tearing prey suggests a violent or aggressive approach to leadership, which aligns with the historical accounts of Jehoahaz's reign, marked by conflict and struggle. This imagery also connects to the broader biblical theme of leaders being shepherds or protectors of their people, though in this case, it suggests a more predatory role.

he devoured men
The culmination of the young lion's development is depicted in his destructive actions. This phrase can be interpreted as the king's oppressive rule or the consequences of his leadership, leading to the suffering or downfall of his subjects. Historically, Jehoahaz's reign was short-lived, and he was eventually taken captive by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt. This outcome serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the moral responsibilities of leadership. Theologically, it reflects the consequences of straying from God's covenant and the resulting judgment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lioness
Symbolically represents the nation of Israel, particularly the royal line of Judah. The imagery of a lioness is used to depict strength and nobility.

2. The Cub
Represents one of the kings of Judah, likely Jehoahaz, who was taken captive by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. The cub growing into a young lion symbolizes his rise to power and influence.

3. The Young Lion
This refers to the king's development into a ruler who exercises authority and power, but also engages in destructive behavior, as indicated by "devoured men."

4. Prey
Symbolizes the nations or people that the king oppresses or conquers, reflecting the aggressive and often unjust actions of the rulers of Judah.

5. Devouring Men
This phrase indicates the king's oppressive and violent rule, leading to the suffering and destruction of his own people and others.
Teaching Points
The Responsibility of Leadership
Leaders are entrusted with power and influence, which should be used to serve and protect, not to oppress and destroy. The young lion's actions serve as a warning against the misuse of authority.

Consequences of Sinful Actions
The devouring nature of the young lion reflects the destructive consequences of sin and disobedience to God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning leadership with God's principles.

Symbolism of the Lion
The lion is a powerful symbol in Scripture, representing both noble leadership and destructive power. Understanding this duality can help us discern the character of leaders and the nature of their rule.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Despite the power of earthly rulers, God's sovereignty prevails. The captivity of the king serves as a reminder that God holds ultimate authority and will judge unrighteousness.

Hope for Restoration
While the passage highlights judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration through repentance and alignment with God's will, as seen throughout the prophetic books.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 19:3?

2. How does Ezekiel 19:3 illustrate the consequences of ungodly leadership?

3. What lessons can we learn from the lioness's actions in Ezekiel 19:3?

4. How does Ezekiel 19:3 connect to Proverbs' teachings on wisdom and folly?

5. How can we apply Ezekiel 19:3 to modern-day leadership challenges?

6. What does Ezekiel 19:3 teach about the impact of parental influence on children?

7. What is the significance of the lion imagery in Ezekiel 19:3?

8. How does Ezekiel 19:3 reflect the fate of Israel's leaders?

9. What historical context surrounds the lament in Ezekiel 19:3?

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

11. Could the metaphorical language in Ezekiel 19 reflect scientific or historical inaccuracies about the fate of these 'lion cubs'?

12. What is the significance of the Tribe of Judah?

13. How can Ezekiel 19:2-9 be harmonized with the historical records of Judah's exiles, given the imagery of lion cubs taken captive?

14. How does the Bible describe lions' strength and power?
What Does Ezekiel 19:3 Mean
She brought up one of her cubs

- In the lament, the “lioness” is the nation—specifically the royal house of Judah (compare Genesis 49:9; 2 Kings 23:31).

- To “bring up” a cub points to the nurturing responsibility God entrusted to Judah’s leaders (see Deuteronomy 17:18-20).

- Jehoahaz fits the historical picture: after Josiah’s death, “the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king” (2 Kings 23:30-31).

- Despite Judah’s decline, God’s covenant promises still allowed a new prince to rise, showing His faithfulness even in dark times (Psalm 89:28-30).

He became a young lion

- A “young lion” conveys full strength and authority. Jehoahaz reigned only three months, yet he immediately wielded royal power (2 Kings 23:31-32).

- The image is not merely political; it carries moral weight: leadership is meant to protect (Psalm 72:4), but this lion’s power foreshadows abuse (Proverbs 28:15).

- God had warned that kings must rule in the fear of the Lord or face judgment (Jeremiah 22:2-5). The metaphor underlines accountability.

After learning to tear his prey

- “Learning” implies deliberate practice. Jehoahaz quickly absorbed the ruthless methods of surrounding pagan rulers (2 Kings 23:32).

- The prey is his own people; injustice inside Judah was the training ground (Micah 3:1-3).

- Such conduct shows how personal sin in leadership becomes systemic corruption (Isaiah 1:23-24).

- The repetition of violent imagery prepares the reader for the divine response soon described in verses 4-9.

He devoured men

- The phrase stresses bloodshed and oppression. Jehoahaz’s short reign was marked by “evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 23:32).

- Devouring men violates covenant law, which commands the king to “execute justice and righteousness, and deliver the oppressed” (Jeremiah 22:3).

- Because the king consumed his subjects rather than cared for them, God allowed Pharaoh Neco to capture him, fulfilling the warning that a violent ruler’s life is cut short (Proverbs 28:17; Ezekiel 19:4).

- The devastation underscores Romans 6:23: sin’s wages reach leaders and nations alike.

summary

Ezekiel 19:3 paints a vivid portrait of a Judahite prince—historically Jehoahaz—who rose under the nation’s care, seized kingly strength, practiced oppression, and ultimately harmed his own people. The verse exposes the tragedy of God-given authority twisted into violence, affirming that when leaders ignore covenant responsibilities, divine judgment swiftly follows.

(3) It became a young lion.--There can be no doubt (see Ezekiel 19:4) of the reference of this to Jehoahaz. After the death of Josiah, "the people of the land took Jehoahaz, the son of Josiah . . . and made him king" (2Kings 23:30). In Ezekiel 19:6 Jehoiachin is also spoken of particularly. These two are mentioned as examples of all the other kings after Josiah. Jehoiakim and Zedekiah are simply passed over, although it may be that the prophet looked upon them as creatures of Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar rather than as legitimate kings of Israel. Jehoiakim, moreover, died in Jerusalem, and Zedekiah was at this moment still upon the throne.

It devoured men.--This at once keeps up the figure, and has also its special justification in the evil courses of Jehoahaz (2Kings 23:32). He is represented as growing up and being like the heathen kings around. See also, in Ezekiel 19:2, Israel as a whole is represented as going aside from her high calling as a theocracy, and making herself "like the nations round about." . . .

Verse 3. - The whelp, as ver. 4 shows, is Jehoahaz, also known as Shallum (Jeremiah 22:11), who "did evil" in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 23:32), the words that follow pointing to cruelty and oppression like that of Zedekiah. The passage finds a somewhat striking parallel in AEschylus, 'Agam.,' 695-715.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
She brought up
וַתַּ֛עַל (wat·ta·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

one
אֶחָ֥ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

of her cubs,
מִגֻּרֶ֖יהָ (mig·gu·re·hā)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1482: A cub, of the lion

and he became
הָיָ֑ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a young lion.
כְּפִ֣יר (kə·p̄îr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3715: A village, a young lion

After learning
וַיִּלְמַ֥ד (way·yil·maḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3925: To exercise in, learn

to tear
לִטְרָף־ (liṭ·rāp̄-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2963: To pluck off, pull to pieces, to supply with food

[his] prey,
טֶ֖רֶף (ṭe·rep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2964: Something torn, a fragment, a fresh leaf, prey, food

he devoured
אָכָֽל׃ (’ā·ḵāl)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

men.
אָדָ֥ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 19:3 She brought up one of her cubs: (Ezek. Eze Ezk)