King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 32:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 32:7 in the King James Version says “And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a clo...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. put: or, extinguish thee”

Ezekiel 32:7 · KJV

Context

5

And I will lay thy flesh upon the mountains, and fill the valleys with thy height.

6

I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, even to the mountains; and the rivers shall be full of thee. the land wherein: or, the land of thy swimming

7

And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. put: or, extinguish thee

8

All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD. bright: Heb. lights of the light in heaven dark: Heb. them dark

9

I will also vex the hearts of many people, when I shall bring thy destruction among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known. vex: Heb. provoke to anger, or, grief

Read Ezekiel 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Cosmic darkening imagery—sun covered, moon darkened, stars veiled—represents judgment affecting heaven and earth. This apocalyptic language appears throughout Scripture (Isaiah 13:10, Joel 2:10, Matthew 24:29) for catastrophic divine intervention. Egypt's fall would seem like world-ending cataclysm to those affected, revealing judgment's comprehensive impact.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples interpreted astronomical phenomena as divine signs. This prophecy used cosmic imagery to emphasize that Egypt's fall represented divine judgment, not mere political change. It was a God-ordained historical earthquake.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should awareness of ultimate cosmic judgment (Christ's return) affect present priorities?
  2. What does apocalyptic imagery reveal about the seriousness of sin and judgment in God's perspective?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֲכַסֶּ֔נּוּ1 of 13

“I will cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בְכַבּֽוֹתְךָ֙2 of 13

“And when I shall put thee out”

H3518

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

שָׁמַ֔יִם3 of 13

“the heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְהִקְדַּרְתִּ֖י4 of 13

“and make”

H6937

to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)

אֶת5 of 13
H853

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

כֹּֽכְבֵיהֶ֑ם6 of 13

“the stars”

H3556

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

שֶׁ֚מֶשׁ7 of 13

“the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

בֶּעָנָ֣ן8 of 13

“with a cloud”

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

אֲכַסֶּ֔נּוּ9 of 13

“I will cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

וְיָרֵ֖חַ10 of 13

“and the moon”

H3394

the moon

לֹא11 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָאִ֥יר12 of 13

“shall not give”

H215

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

אוֹרֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“her light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

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 32:7 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 32:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joel 2:31Matthew 24:29Isaiah 13:10Joel 2:2Ezekiel 30:3Isaiah 34:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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