King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 32:26 Mean?

Ezekiel 32:26 in the King James Version says “There is Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the ... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

There is Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.

Ezekiel 32:26 · KJV


Context

24

There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

25

They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword: though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of them that be slain.

26

There is Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.

27

And they shall not lie with the mighty that are fallen of the uncircumcised, which are gone down to hell with their weapons of war: and they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities shall be upon their bones, though they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living. with their: Heb. with weapons of their war

28

Yea, thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain with the sword.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There is Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude continues cataloging fallen nations in Sheol. Her graves are round about him describes burial. All of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword repeats their fate. Though they caused their terror in the land of the living notes past power. Meshech and Tubal were regions in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), representing distant northern powers. Even remote nations don't escape divine judgment. Geographic distance provides no protection. God's sovereignty extends globally; His justice is universal. No nation is too remote, too powerful, or too secure to escape accountability. All must answer to the Creator.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Meshech and Tubal (Ezekiel 38:2-3; 39:1) were northern tribal groups later absorbed into various empires. Their inclusion demonstrates judgment's comprehensive scope—not just major powers but also minor kingdoms. Every nation, regardless of size or location, faces divine accountability. Geography doesn't exempt anyone from justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes us think distance or remoteness protects from judgment?
  2. How does universal jurisdiction demonstrate God's comprehensive sovereignty?
  3. What nations today assume they're beyond divine accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
שָׁ֣ם1 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מֶ֤שֶׁךְ2 of 16

There is Meshech

H4902

meshek, a son of japheth, and the people descended from him

תֻּבַל֙3 of 16

Tubal

H8422

tubal, a postdiluvian patriarch and his posterity

וְכָל4 of 16
H3605

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

הֲמוֹנָ֔הּ5 of 16

and all her multitude

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֖יו6 of 16

are round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

קִבְרוֹתֶ֑יהָ7 of 16

her graves

H6913

a sepulcher

כֻּלָּ֤ם8 of 16
H3605

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

עֲרֵלִים֙9 of 16

him all of them uncircumcised

H6189

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

מְחֻ֣לְלֵי10 of 16

slain

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

חֶ֔רֶב11 of 16

by the sword

H2719

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

כִּֽי12 of 16
H3588

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

נָתְנ֥וּ13 of 16

though they caused

H5414

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

חִתִּיתָ֖ם14 of 16

their terror

H2851

fear

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ15 of 16

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חַיִּֽים׃16 of 16

of the living

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin


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 32:26 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 32:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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