King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 32:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 32:20 in the King James Version says “They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her mu...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes. she: or, the sword is laid”

Ezekiel 32:20 · KJV

Salvation

Context

18

Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

19

Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.

20

They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes. she: or, the sword is laid

21

The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

22

Asshur is there and all her company: his graves are about him: all of them slain, fallen by the sword:

Read Ezekiel 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword predicts Egypt's military defeat. She is delivered to the sword means God has decreed it. Draw her and all her multitudes commands the executioners to drag Egypt to judgment. The imagery is stark—no dignity, no honor, just corpses dragged to mass graves. This is the fate of proud nations who defy God. All human glory ends in graves. Every empire becomes carrion. Only God's kingdom endures.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt's defeat by Babylon fulfilled this prophecy. Later conquests by Persia, Greece, and Rome kept Egypt subject to foreign powers. The great civilization that built pyramids and ruled the ancient world became subject to others, her glory faded, her power broken. Time and judgment reduce all human empires to graves and ruins.

Reflection Questions

  1. What happens to proud empires that defy God?
  2. How does the grave's indignity reverse earthly glory?
  3. Which kingdom alone endures beyond the grave?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בְּת֥וֹךְ1 of 10

“in the midst”

H8432

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

חַלְלֵי2 of 10

“of them that are slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

חֶ֣רֶב3 of 10

“by the sword”

H2719

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

יִפֹּ֑לוּ4 of 10

“They shall fall”

H5307

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

חֶ֣רֶב5 of 10

“by the sword”

H2719

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

נִתָּ֔נָה6 of 10

“she is delivered”

H5414

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

מָשְׁכ֥וּ7 of 10

“draw”

H4900

to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)

אוֹתָ֖הּ8 of 10
H853

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

וְכָל9 of 10
H3605

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

הֲמוֹנֶֽיהָ׃10 of 10

“her and all her multitudes”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

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 32:20 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 32:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 28:3Ezekiel 32:23-26Ezekiel 32:29-30Proverbs 24:11Jeremiah 22:19Ezekiel 29:8-12

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Ezekiel 32 →

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 32 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 32 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes