King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 32:30 Mean?

Ezekiel 32:30 in the King James Version says “There be the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their te... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 32:30 · KJV


Context

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.

32

For I have caused my terror in the land of the living: and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that are slain with the sword, even Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There be the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians—נְסִיכֵי צָפוֹן (nĕsîkhê ṣāphôn, 'princes of the north')—likely rulers of Syrian/Aramean states. צִידֹנִים (Ṣîdōnîm, Sidonians)—Phoenician city already judged (28:20-23).

Which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might—Despite חִתִּיתָם (ḥittîtām, 'their terror/dread'), they're now בּוֹשִׁים (bôshîm, 'ashamed') מִגְבוּרָתָם (migbûrātām, 'of their might'). Warriors who terrorized others now experience shame—their might proved empty. And they lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword—The refrain: among עֲרֵלִים (ʿărēlîm, 'uncircumcised'), with חַלְלֵי־חֶרֶב (ḥallê-ḥereb, 'slain of the sword'). And bear their shame with them that go down to the pit—כְלִמָּה (kĕlimmāh, 'shame/disgrace') accompanies them to בּוֹר (bôr, 'pit'). Earthly terror becomes eternal shame.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Northern kingdoms (Syrian/Aramean states) and Sidon fell to Assyria (8th century BC), then Babylon (6th century BC). Their feared armies proved impotent before God's judgment. 'Princes of the north' became historical footnotes—exact identities now uncertain, illustrating how thoroughly they 'descended to the pit.' Their terror, once formidable, became shameful memory.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the irony of terrorists becoming ashamed of their might?
  2. How does earthly terror transform into eternal shame?
  3. What does the fate of 'princes of the north' (now barely remembered) teach about lasting significance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
שָׁ֣מָּה1 of 23
H8033

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

נְסִיכֵ֥י2 of 23

There be the princes

H5257

properly, something poured out, i.e., a libation; by implication, a prince (as anointed)

צָפ֛וֹן3 of 23

of the north

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

כֻּלָּ֖ם4 of 23
H3605

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

וְכָל5 of 23
H3605

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

צִֽדֹנִ֑י6 of 23

all of them and all the Zidonians

H6722

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

אֲשֶׁר7 of 23
H834

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

י֥וֹרְדֵי8 of 23

which are gone 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

אֶת9 of 23
H854

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

חַלְלֵי10 of 23

with the slain

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

בְּחִתִּיתָ֤ם11 of 23

with their terror

H2851

fear

מִגְבֽוּרָתָם֙12 of 23

of their might

H1369

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

בּוֹשִׁ֔ים13 of 23

they are ashamed

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

וַיִּשְׁכְּב֤וּ14 of 23

and they lie

H7901

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

עֲרֵלִים֙15 of 23

uncircumcised

H6189

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

אֶת16 of 23
H854

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

חַלְלֵי17 of 23

with the slain

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

חֶ֔רֶב18 of 23

by the sword

H2719

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

וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ19 of 23

and bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כְלִמָּתָ֖ם20 of 23

their shame

H3639

disgrace

אֶת21 of 23
H854

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

י֥וֹרְדֵי22 of 23

which are gone 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׃23 of 23

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 32:30 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 32:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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