King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 30:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 30:15 in the King James Version says “And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No. Sin: or, Pelusium” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No. Sin: or, Pelusium”

Ezekiel 30:15 · KJV

Strength

Context

13

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause their images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.

14

And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in No. Zoan: or, Tanis

15

And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No. Sin: or, Pelusium

16

And I will set fire in Egypt: Sin shall have great pain, and No shall be rent asunder, and Noph shall have distresses daily.

17

The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth shall fall by the sword: and these cities shall go into captivity. Aven: or, Heliopolis Pibeseth: or, Pubastum

Read Ezekiel 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt—סִין (Sîn, Pelusium), Egypt's eastern fortress city guarding against Asian invasion. חֲמָתִי (ḥămātî, 'my wrath') would be poured out (שָׁפַךְ, shāphak) on מָעוֹז מִצְרַיִם (māʿôz miṣrayim, 'the stronghold of Egypt').

And I will cut off the multitude of No—Thebes' הָמוֹן (hāmôn, 'multitude/wealth/population') would be cut off (כָּרַת, kārat, 'cut/destroy'). This verb often describes covenant-breaking consequences—fitting for Egypt, which opposed God's covenant people. Sin (Pelusium) was Egypt's defensive strength; No (Thebes) was her religious and cultural strength. God promises to destroy both military might and cultural glory, leaving Egypt powerless and identity-less.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pelusium's strategic location at Egypt's northeastern frontier made it vital for defense. It fell to foreign powers repeatedly: Persians (525 BC), Greeks, Romans. Thebes' decline after the 6th century BC was permanent; today it's archaeological ruins (Luxor/Karnak). The simultaneous destruction of military strongholds and cultural centers fulfilled Ezekiel's comprehensive judgment oracle.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God target both military strength (Sin) and cultural glory (Thebes)?
  2. What does judgment on Egypt's 'stronghold' teach about the futility of trusting fortifications?
  3. How does targeting specific strategic cities demonstrate detailed prophetic knowledge?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְשָׁפַכְתִּ֣י1 of 10

“And I will pour”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

חֲמָתִ֔י2 of 10

“my fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

עַל3 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

סִ֖ין4 of 10

“upon Sin”

H5512

sin the name of an egyptian town and (probably) desert adjoining

מָע֣וֹז5 of 10

“the strength”

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

מִצְרָ֑יִם6 of 10

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְהִכְרַתִּ֖י7 of 10

“and I will cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת8 of 10
H853

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

הֲמ֥וֹן9 of 10

“the multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

נֹֽא׃10 of 10

“of No”

H4996

no (i.e., thebes), the capital of upper egypt

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 30:15 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 30:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nahum 1:6Revelation 16:1Psalms 11:6

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
PelusiumSettlement · Modern: Tell el Farama · 31.04°N, 32.55°E2 verses across 1 book
ThebesSettlement · Modern: Thebes · 25.72°N, 32.61°E6 verses across 3 books
View all places in Ezekiel 30 →

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