King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 32:29 Mean?

Ezekiel 32:29 in the King James Version says “There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword: the... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit. laid: Heb. given, or, put

Ezekiel 32:29 · KJV


Context

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.

29

There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit. laid: Heb. given, or, put

30

There be the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

31

Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted over all his multitude, even Pharaoh and all his army slain by the sword, saith the Lord GOD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes—Sheol's roll call continues: אֱדוֹם (ʾĔdôm, Edom), Israel's perpetual enemy from Esau's line. Which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised—Despite בִּגְבוּרָתָם (bigbûrātām, 'their might'), they're among חַלְלֵי־חֶרֶב (ḥallê-ḥereb, 'slain of the sword').

And with them that go down to the pit—Edom, who gloated over Jerusalem's fall (Psalm 137:7, Obadiah 10-14), joins other judged nations in Sheol. Her violence against brother Jacob brought judgment (Obadiah 10). Edom's kings and princes, despite royal status, descend to the pit. No earthly title grants exemption from judgment; wickedness is judged regardless of rank (Romans 2:11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Edom (southeast of Dead Sea) opposed Israel from the Exodus onward (Numbers 20:14-21). When Jerusalem fell (586 BC), Edom rejoiced and plundered (Obadiah 10-14, Lamentations 4:21-22). Babylon later conquered Edom (circa 553 BC); then Nabateans displaced them (circa 312 BC). By the 1st century AD, 'Edom' meant Idumea (small region). Edomite identity vanished—literally descended to the pit as prophesied.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Edom's judgment teach about betraying covenant relationships?
  2. How does rejoicing over others' judgment invite judgment on ourselves?
  3. What does the inclusion of 'kings and princes' in Sheol teach about rank in God's eyes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
שָׁ֣מָּה1 of 18
H8033

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

אֱד֗וֹם2 of 18

There is Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

מְלָכֶ֙יהָ֙3 of 18

her kings

H4428

a king

וְכָל4 of 18
H3605

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

נְשִׂיאֶ֔יהָ5 of 18

and all her princes

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

אֲשֶׁר6 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִתְּנ֥וּ7 of 18

are laid

H5414

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

בִגְבוּרָתָ֖ם8 of 18

which with their might

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

אֶת9 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

חַלְלֵי10 of 18

by them that were slain

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

חָ֑רֶב11 of 18

by the sword

H2719

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

הֵ֛מָּה12 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֶת13 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

עֲרֵלִ֥ים14 of 18

with the uncircumcised

H6189

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

יִשְׁכָּ֖בוּ15 of 18

they shall lie

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

וְאֶת16 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

יֹ֥רְדֵי17 of 18

and with them that go down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

בֽוֹר׃18 of 18

to the pit

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)


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 32:29 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 32:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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