King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 29:2 Mean?
“Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:”
Ezekiel 29:2 · KJV
Context
1
In the tenth year, in the tenth month, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2
Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:
3
Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
4
But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod commands Ezekiel to 'set thy face against Pharaoh' and 'all Egypt,' demonstrating that judgment addresses both leaders and systems. Egypt represented worldly power, wisdom, and wealth—all alternatives to trusting God. Prophesying against Egypt confronted Judah's residual Egypt-dependence, revealing that God alone is reliable refuge.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Egypt had dominated ancient Near Eastern politics for millennia. Judah repeatedly sought Egyptian alliances against Mesopotamian powers (Assyria, Babylon) despite prophetic warnings. Isaiah (chapters 30-31) and Jeremiah (chapter 46) also prophesied against Egypt.
Reflection Questions
- How do worldly systems and powers compete for the trust that belongs to God alone?
- What does it mean to make God your refuge rather than human institutions or resources?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsבֶּן1 of 13
“Son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שִׂ֣ים3 of 13
“set”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
פָּנֶ֔יךָ4 of 13
“thy face”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
עַל5 of 13
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְהִנָּבֵ֣א9 of 13
“and prophesy”
H5012to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
עָלָ֔יו10 of 13
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַל11 of 13
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֻּלָּֽהּ׃13 of 13
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
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 29:2 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 29:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge