King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 30:9 Mean?

Ezekiel 30:9 in the King James Version says “In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.

Ezekiel 30:9 · KJV


Context

7

And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted.

8

And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be destroyed. destroyed: Heb. broken

9

In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.

10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.

11

He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God would send 'messengers' in ships to terrify 'the careless Ethiopians,' bringing 'great pain' as in Egypt's day. Ethiopia's false security ('carelessness') would be shattered by witnessing Egypt's judgment. This reveals that God's judgments serve warning purposes for others. Events in history teach spiritual lessons for those who have eyes to see.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ethiopia (Cush) bordered Egypt to the south, sometimes ruling Egypt (25th Dynasty). Their close relationship made Egypt's fate particularly relevant. Babylon's Egyptian campaign brought terror throughout the region.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should you respond to God's judgments in others' lives—with fear and self-examination or with complacent presumption?
  2. What warnings is God providing through current events for those willing to pay attention?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
בְּי֣וֹם1 of 18

In that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא2 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יֵצְא֨וּ3 of 18

go forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מַלְאָכִ֤ים4 of 18

shall messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

מִלְּפָנַי֙5 of 18

from me

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בַּצִּ֔ים6 of 18

in ships

H6716

a ship (as a fixture)

לְהַחֲרִ֖יד7 of 18

afraid

H2729

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

אֶת8 of 18
H853

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

כּ֣וּשׁ9 of 18

Ethiopians

H3568

cush (or ethiopia), the name of an israelite

בֶּ֑טַח10 of 18

to make the careless

H983

properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

וְהָיְתָ֨ה11 of 18
H1961

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

חַלְחָלָ֤ה12 of 18

and great pain

H2479

writhing (in childbirth); by implication, terror

בָהֶם֙13 of 18
H0
בְּי֣וֹם14 of 18

In that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מִצְרַ֔יִם15 of 18

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

כִּ֥י16 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִנֵּ֖ה17 of 18
H2009

lo!

בָּאָֽה׃18 of 18

for lo it cometh

H935

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


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 30:9 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 30:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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