King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 29:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 29:15 in the King James Version says “It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,

Read Ezekiel 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It 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.

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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

  1. What consequences of sin persist even after restoration?
  2. How does permanent reduction differ from temporary discipline?
  3. What does Egypt's example teach about sin's irreversible historical effects?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מִן1 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמַּמְלָכוֹת֙2 of 13

“of the kingdoms”

H4467

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

תִּהְיֶ֣ה3 of 13
H1961

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

שְׁפָלָ֔ה4 of 13

“It shall be the basest”

H8217

depressed, literally or figuratively

וְלֹֽא5 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א6 of 13

“neither shall it exalt”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

ע֖וֹד7 of 13
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

עַל8 of 13
H5921

above, 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”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְהִ֨מְעַטְתִּ֔ים10 of 13

“for I will diminish”

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

לְבִלְתִּ֖י11 of 13
H1115

properly, 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”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃13 of 13

“itself any more above the nations”

H1471

a 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

Zechariah 10:11Ezekiel 30:13Ezekiel 31:2Ezekiel 17:14Ezekiel 32:2Ezekiel 17:6

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Ezekiel 29 →

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