Old Testament
Ezekiel 19:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the mother lioness saw that her waiting was in vain and her hope was gone, she took another of her cubs and raised him into a young lion.
Compare translations
Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.
What Ezekiel 19:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a mother lioness who has been waiting for her cubs to grow strong and thrive. However, her patience has run out, and she realizes that her hopes for one particular cub are dashed. Instead of giving up, she takes another cub and raises it to become a strong young lion. This reflects a powerful instinct to adapt and persevere in the face of disappointment. The mother lioness symbolizes resilience and the ability to move forward, even when things don’t go as planned. It’s a reminder that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes we must change our approach to nurture new possibilities. This story encourages us to embrace change and find strength in new beginnings, even when we feel let down. It teaches us that hope can be renewed through new opportunities and that we can still achieve greatness, even after setbacks. The lioness’s actions inspire us to take charge of our circumstances and raise our own potential, no matter the challenges we face along the way.
How to apply Ezekiel 19:5 to your life
When faced with disappointment, remember that it’s okay to change your approach. Like the mother lioness, look for new opportunities to nurture and grow. Embrace the idea that setbacks can lead to new paths and possibilities. Stay hopeful and keep moving forward, even when things seem bleak. Your potential is still within reach, waiting to be realized through your efforts and determination.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 19:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 19:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 19:5 symbolize about resilience?
Ezekiel 19:5 uses the imagery of a mother lioness to symbolize resilience in the face of disappointment. When her hopes for one cub are dashed, she adapts by nurturing another cub instead. This reflects the idea that even when plans do not unfold as expected, we can find strength in new opportunities and continue to strive for success.
How can I apply the message of Ezekiel 19:5 in my life?
You can apply the message of Ezekiel 19:5 by embracing change when faced with setbacks. Instead of dwelling on disappointments, look for new opportunities to grow and develop. This verse encourages you to remain hopeful and proactive, reminding you that your potential can still be realized through perseverance and adaptability.
What does the mother lioness represent in this verse?
In Ezekiel 19:5, the mother lioness represents adaptability and the instinct to persevere despite challenges. Her decision to raise another cub after losing hope for one signifies the importance of moving forward and finding new paths to success, embodying the spirit of resilience and renewal.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 19:5?
Ezekiel 19:5 encompasses themes of resilience, adaptation, hope, and new beginnings. It illustrates how life can be unpredictable and emphasizes the importance of adjusting our approach in the face of disappointment, encouraging us to find strength in new opportunities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.