King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 29:15 Mean?
“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.”
Ezekiel 29:15 · KJV
Context
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.
17
And it came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryIt shall be the basest of the kingdoms repeats and intensifies verse 14. Neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations promises permanent humility. Egypt's imperial ambitions are permanently ended. For I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations explains how—God will reduce Egypt's power so dominance is impossible. Divine reduction prevents future exaltation. When God humbles, He humbles permanently. No human effort can restore what God has permanently diminished. This is sobering: some consequences of sin last forever. Restoration doesn't always mean return to former status.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Egypt's reduction from superpower to minor kingdom was permanent. Though Egyptian civilization continued, the empire ended. At its peak, Egypt ruled from Libya to Syria; after judgment, Egypt itself was ruled by foreigners for 25+ centuries. The permanent nature of this reduction demonstrates that some divine judgments have lasting historical effects that persist across millennia.
Reflection Questions
- What consequences of sin persist even after restoration?
- How does permanent reduction differ from temporary discipline?
- What does Egypt's example teach about sin's irreversible historical effects?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsהַמַּמְלָכוֹת֙2 of 13
“of the kingdoms”
H4467dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
תִּהְיֶ֣ה3 of 13
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְלֹֽא5 of 13
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א6 of 13
“neither shall it exalt”
H5375to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
ע֖וֹד7 of 13
H5750properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
עַל8 of 13
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃9 of 13
“itself any more above the nations”
H1471a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וְהִ֨מְעַטְתִּ֔ים10 of 13
“for I will diminish”
H4591properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
לְבִלְתִּ֖י11 of 13
H1115properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
רְד֥וֹת12 of 13
“them that they shall no more rule”
H7287to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off
בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃13 of 13
“itself any more above the nations”
H1471a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
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 29:15 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 29:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge