King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 29:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 29:10 in the King James Version says “Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolat... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia. utterly: Heb. wastes of waste from: or, from Migdol to Syene Syene: Heb. Seveneh

Ezekiel 29:10 · KJV


Context

8

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee.

9

And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the LORD: because he hath said, The river is mine, and I have made it.

10

Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia. utterly: Heb. wastes of waste from: or, from Migdol to Syene Syene: Heb. Seveneh

11

No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.

12

And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises judgment 'from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia'—from Egypt's northern to southern extremity. The comprehensiveness of judgment reflects the totality of Egypt's pride. The phrase 'I am against thee' appears repeatedly in these oracles, revealing divine hostility toward systems and powers that oppose His purposes or mislead His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'tower of Syene' (modern Aswan) marked Egypt's southern border with Nubia/Ethiopia. This prophecy encompassed all Egyptian territory from Mediterranean to cataracts, the entire kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's comprehensive judgment of prideful systems assure ultimate justice?
  2. What does it mean that nothing escapes God's notice and judgment—neither individuals nor nations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
לָכֵ֛ן1 of 17
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הִנְנִ֥י2 of 17
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֵלֶ֖יךָ3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֶל4 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְאֹרֶ֑יךָ5 of 17

Behold therefore I am against thee and against thy rivers

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

וְנָתַתִּ֞י6 of 17

and I will make

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת7 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶ֣רֶץ8 of 17

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֗יִם9 of 17

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְחָרְבוֹת֙10 of 17

waste

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

חֹ֣רֶב11 of 17

utterly

H2721

drought or desolation

שְׁמָמָ֔ה12 of 17

and desolate

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

מִמִּגְדֹּ֥ל13 of 17

from the tower

H4024

migdol, a place in egypt

סְוֵנֵ֖ה14 of 17

of Syene

H5482

seven, a place in upper egypt

וְעַד15 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גְּב֥וּל16 of 17

even unto the border

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

כּֽוּשׁ׃17 of 17

of Ethiopia

H3568

cush (or ethiopia), the name of an israelite


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 29:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 29:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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