King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 29:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 29:14 in the King James Version says “And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom. habitation: or, birth base: Heb. low”

Ezekiel 29:14 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered:

14

And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom. habitation: or, birth base: Heb. low

15

It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

16

And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros promises restoration. Into the land of their habitation specifies return to homeland. Pathros was Upper (southern) Egypt. And they shall be there a base kingdom declares Egypt's reduced status. Base (shefelah) means lowly, humble, insignificant. Egypt will exist but never again as a superpower. This is permanent humbling. God grants restoration but not return to former glory. Egypt survives but as a minor power. Pride is permanently broken. The nation continues but greatness is lost forever.

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Historical & Cultural Context

From Nebuchadnezzar onward, Egypt never regained empire status. Subject to Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, Arabs, Ottomans, and European colonialism, Egypt remained a subject nation for millennia until modern independence. The prophecy of becoming 'a base kingdom' was precisely fulfilled—Egypt exists but as shadow of former glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. What's the difference between survival and restoration to glory?
  2. How does permanent humbling differ from temporary discipline?
  3. What does Egypt's reduction teach about the lasting effects of divine judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֤י1 of 15

“And I will bring again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

שְׁב֣וּת3 of 15

“the captivity”

H7622

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

מִצְרַ֔יִם4 of 15

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֤י5 of 15

“And I will bring again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֹתָם֙6 of 15
H853

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

אֶ֖רֶץ7 of 15

“into the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פַּתְר֔וֹס8 of 15

“of Pathros”

H6624

pathros, a part of egypt

עַל9 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶ֖רֶץ10 of 15

“into the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מְכֽוּרָתָ֑ם11 of 15

“of their habitation”

H4351

origin (as if a mine)

וְהָ֥יוּ12 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָׁ֖ם13 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מַמְלָכָ֥ה14 of 15

“kingdom”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

שְׁפָלָֽה׃15 of 15

“and they shall be there a base”

H8217

depressed, literally or figuratively

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 29:14 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 29:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 30:14Isaiah 11:11Jeremiah 44:11 Chronicles 1:12Genesis 10:14

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
PathrosRegion · Modern: Upper Egypt · 24.10°N, 32.70°E5 verses across 3 books
View all places in Ezekiel 29 →

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