King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 29:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 29:4 in the King James Version says “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 the... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 29:4 · KJV


Context

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.

5

And I will leave thee thrown into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven. open: Heb. face of the field

6

And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God will put 'hooks in thy jaws' and bring Pharaoh up from his river with fish clinging to his scales. This vivid imagery depicts Egypt's capture and deportation along with her allies. The fish represent nations dependent on Egypt who would share her fate. God's sovereignty extends to controlling and judging the mightiest earthly powers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt circa 568-567 BC, fulfilling this prophecy. Egypt never regained her former glory, becoming a 'base kingdom' (verse 14) under Persian, Greek, and Roman rule. The prophecy's fulfillment validated Ezekiel's ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's control over history's most powerful empires assure you of His sovereignty today?
  2. What does it mean that nations and leaders are accountable to God regardless of their acknowledgment of Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְנָתַתִּ֤י1 of 16

But I will put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

חַחִיים֙2 of 16

hooks

H2397

a ring for the nose (or lips)

בִּלְחָיֶ֔יךָ3 of 16

in thy jaws

H3895

the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone

תִּדְבָּֽק׃4 of 16

shall stick

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

דְּגַ֣ת5 of 16

and I will cause the fish

H1710

fish

יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ6 of 16

of thy rivers

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

בְּקַשְׂקְשֹׂתֶ֖יךָ7 of 16

unto thy scales

H7193

a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal)

וְהַעֲלִיתִ֙יךָ֙8 of 16

and I will bring thee up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִתּ֣וֹךְ9 of 16

out of the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ10 of 16

of thy rivers

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

וְאֵת֙11 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל12 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דְּגַ֣ת13 of 16

and I will cause the fish

H1710

fish

יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ14 of 16

of thy rivers

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

בְּקַשְׂקְשֹׂתֶ֖יךָ15 of 16

unto thy scales

H7193

a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal)

תִּדְבָּֽק׃16 of 16

shall stick

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit


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 29:4 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 29:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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