Definition: Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 31:7 together. It’s a really rich and layered verse with some pretty poetic language! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a powerful, long-lived leader (Ezekiel) who was incredibly impressive – long, strong, and full of life. It suggests he wasn’t just physically large, but also possessed a deep and enduring spirit. Let's unpack the parts: “Thus was he fair in his greatness…” - This means Ezekiel is describing someone who had achieved great things and power – a leader who was impressive. “Fair” here doesn't necessarily mean beautiful, it suggests having a good character and being just. “…in the length of his branches…” - "Branches" are like long, spreading lines. This means he was long-lived – he had lived for a very long time. “For his root was by great waters.” - This is the key part! "Great waters" refers to a massive, abundant source of water - likely a river or a large lake. The roots of this tree (or person) were nourished and supported by this immense amount of water. Putting it all together: Ezekiel is saying that this powerful leader was incredibly long-lived because he had access to a massive, continuous source of strength and life – like a deep wellspring of water. He wasn't just surviving; he was thriving because of the foundation provided by his roots. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is about endurance, resilience, and the importance of a strong foundation. It’s a metaphor for someone who has achieved great things through hard work and sustained support. It emphasizes that true strength isn't just about being big, but also about having a reliable source of power and nourishment. Does this make sense? Do you want me to: Explain it further in more detail with examples? Discuss the symbolism behind the "waters"? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?