King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 30:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 30:4 in the King James Version says “And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they s...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down. pain: or, fear”

Ezekiel 30:4 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

2

Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Howl ye, Woe worth the day!

3

For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen.

4

And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down. pain: or, fear

5

Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword. Libya: Heb. Phut men: Heb. children

6

Thus saith the LORD; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, saith the Lord GOD. from: or, from Migdol to Syene

Read Ezekiel 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'sword' represents military conquest, specifically Babylon's invasion. Egypt's 'pain' and Ethiopia's 'great pain' indicate widespread suffering. The phrase 'they shall take away her multitude' depicts deportation and plundering. God's judgments often come through secondary causes (pagan armies) while remaining sovereignly directed by Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns brought destruction throughout the region. Egypt and her allies (including Ethiopia/Cush) experienced military defeat and economic devastation, fulfilling these prophecies within decades.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you recognize God's sovereign hand in historical events that appear to be merely political or military?
  2. What does it mean that God accomplishes His purposes through both believers and unbelievers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּבָאָ֥ה1 of 13

“shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

חֶ֙רֶב֙2 of 13

“And the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם3 of 13

“in Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְהָיְתָ֤ה4 of 13
H1961

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

חַלְחָלָה֙5 of 13

“and great pain”

H2479

writhing (in childbirth); by implication, terror

בְּכ֔וּשׁ6 of 13

“shall be in Ethiopia”

H3568

cush (or ethiopia), the name of an israelite

בִּנְפֹ֥ל7 of 13

“shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

חָלָ֖ל8 of 13

“when the slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם9 of 13

“in Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְלָקְח֣וּ10 of 13

“and they shall take away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הֲמוֹנָ֔הּ11 of 13

“her multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

וְנֶהֶרְס֖וּ12 of 13

“shall be broken down”

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

יְסֹֽדוֹתֶֽיהָ׃13 of 13

“and her foundations”

H3247

a foundation (literally or figuratively)

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 30:4 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 30:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 29:19Ezekiel 29:8Jeremiah 50:15Jeremiah 50:35-37Psalms 48:6-7Isaiah 19:16-17

Places in This Verse

Cush 1Region · Modern: Meroe · 16.94°N, 33.75°E19 verses across 7 books
EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Ezekiel 30 →

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