King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 29:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 29:17 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Ezekiel 29:17 · KJV

Context

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:

19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army. take her spoil: Heb. spoil her spoil, and prey her prey

Read Ezekiel 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But they shall know that I am the Lord GOD concludes with the recognition formula. Through Egypt's humbling, Israel learns that Yahweh alone deserves trust. The entire Egyptian judgment serves pedagogical purposes for Israel—teaching through example not to trust human power. God's judgments on other nations often serve to instruct His people. We should learn from others' judgments rather than repeat their errors. Observing divine justice should produce wisdom—if God judges them for that, He'll judge us for it too. Egypt's permanent humbling teaches: trust God alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-exilic Judaism did indeed stop trusting Egypt militarily. The lesson was learned. Later Jewish resistance to Greek and Roman oppression demonstrated reliance on God rather than foreign alliances. The Maccabees and later zealots resisted compromise with pagan powers. Egypt's reduction accomplished its purpose—teaching Israel to trust Yahweh alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. What lessons should we learn from God's judgment of others?
  2. How does observing divine justice produce wisdom for our own lives?
  3. What false confidences must we abandon to trust God alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 12
H1961

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

בְּעֶשְׂרִ֤ים2 of 12

“and twentieth”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וָשֶׁ֙בַע֙3 of 12

“And it came to pass in the seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנָ֔ה4 of 12

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בָּֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן5 of 12

“in the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

בְּאֶחָ֣ד6 of 12

“month in the first”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ7 of 12

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָיָ֥ה8 of 12
H1961

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

דְבַר9 of 12

“the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֵלַ֥י11 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹֽר׃12 of 12

“came unto me saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 29:17 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 29:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 29:1Ezekiel 24:1Ezekiel 1:2

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