Old Testament
Ezekiel 19:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, a mother lioness raises one of her cubs, nurturing him until he becomes a powerful young lion.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
She raised one of her cubs, and he grew into a young lion. He learned to hunt prey and devoured men.
And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a mother lioness raises one of her cubs, nurturing him until he becomes a powerful young lion. As he matures, he learns the skills necessary to hunt and survive. This young lion becomes fierce and begins to prey on men, showcasing his strength and dominance. The imagery of the lion symbolizes power and the instinct to conquer. The transformation from a cub to a hunter reflects the journey of growth and the development of abilities. This passage illustrates the harsh realities of nature, where survival often means becoming a predator. It serves as a reminder of the potential within each of us to grow and take charge of our lives, even in challenging circumstances. The lion's journey from innocence to strength can resonate with anyone facing their own battles in life, encouraging us to embrace our inner strength and capabilities as we navigate our paths. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of nurturing our potential and the impact of our choices on our journey.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 19:3 to your life
Consider the areas in your life where you need to grow stronger. Embrace challenges as opportunities to develop your skills and abilities. Just like the young lion, you have the potential to overcome obstacles and assert your strength. Nurture your talents and take charge of your journey. Remember, growth often comes from facing difficulties head-on, so be courageous in your pursuits.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 19:3 mean?
Ezekiel 19:3 describes a mother lioness raising her cub, which grows into a powerful young lion. This verse symbolizes growth, strength, and the instinct to dominate as the young lion learns to hunt and prey on men.
What is the significance of the young lion in Ezekiel 19:3?
The young lion in Ezekiel 19:3 represents the development of power and the ability to overcome challenges. It illustrates the journey from innocence to strength, highlighting the potential within individuals to assert themselves in difficult situations.
What does the imagery of the lion symbolize in Ezekiel 19:3?
In Ezekiel 19:3, the lion symbolizes power, dominance, and survival instincts. The transformation from cub to hunter reflects the natural progression of growth and the necessity of developing skills to thrive.
How can I apply the lessons from Ezekiel 19:3 to my life?
You can apply the lessons from Ezekiel 19:3 by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Like the young lion, focus on nurturing your talents and facing difficulties to develop your strength and capabilities.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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