King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 29:16 Mean?

Ezekiel 29:16 in the King James Version says “And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they s... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 29:16 · KJV


Context

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,

18

Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel promises Israel will stop trusting Egypt for military help. Which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them explains why Egypt must be humbled—to prevent Israel's recurring temptation to trust Egypt rather than God. Egypt's reduction serves Israel's sanctification. God judges pagan nations partly to remove temptations from His people. Accessible idols must be removed. When we persistently turn to wrong sources for help, God may remove those sources to force us back to Himself. This is severe mercy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Judah's history, an Egyptophile party consistently advocated Egyptian alliance despite prophetic warnings (Isaiah 30-31; Jeremiah 37). After exile, this temptation ended. Egypt's permanent reduction meant future generations of Jews couldn't repeat their ancestors' error. By removing the temptation, God protected His people from recurring sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What false helps must God remove to force us back to Himself?
  2. How does God judge tempters to protect His people?
  3. What does removing accessible idols teach about severe mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְלֹ֣א1 of 15
H3808

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

יִֽהְיֶה2 of 15
H1961

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

עוֹד֩3 of 15
H5750

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

לְבֵ֨ית4 of 15

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל5 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְמִבְטָח֙6 of 15

And it shall be no more the confidence

H4009

properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance

מַזְכִּ֣יר7 of 15

to remembrance

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

עָוֹ֔ן8 of 15

their iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

בִּפְנוֹתָ֖ם9 of 15

when they shall look

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם10 of 15

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְיָ֣דְע֔וּ11 of 15

them but they shall know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֥י12 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֖י13 of 15
H589

i

אֲדֹנָ֥י14 of 15

that I am the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֽה׃15 of 15
H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


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 29:16 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 29:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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