King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 32:9 Mean?

Ezekiel 32:9 in the King James Version says “I will also vex the hearts of many people, when I shall bring thy destruction among the nations, into the countries whic...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 32:9 · KJV

Context

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

10

Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall.

11

For thus saith the Lord GOD; The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon thee.

Read Ezekiel 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. God announces that Egypt's downfall will disturb distant nations. The Hebrew akis (אַכְעִיס, "vex" or "provoke") literally means to grieve, irritate, or trouble—Egypt's catastrophic judgment will send shockwaves of fear through the international community. When I shall bring thy destruction emphasizes divine agency: Yahweh orchestrates even pagan Babylon's conquest of pagan Egypt to demonstrate His sovereignty.

The phrase among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known indicates Egypt's fame and fall will reach beyond its sphere of influence. Ancient Egypt was a global superpower; news of its collapse would travel to distant lands never touched by Egyptian diplomacy or trade. The psychological impact—"vexing hearts"—reveals how Egypt's seeming invincibility created false security for surrounding nations. When the mighty fall, the vulnerable tremble.

This principle applies to all human powers: political systems, economic empires, cultural hegemonies—all are subject to God's sovereign judgment. The NT echoes this in Revelation 18, where Babylon's fall causes worldwide mourning and terror. Those who trust in human strength rather than divine providence will be shaken when their false securities collapse.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This is part of a seven-oracle series against Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32), delivered 587-585 BC during Jerusalem's siege and fall. Egypt had encouraged Judah's rebellion against Babylon, promising military support that never materialized (Jeremiah 37:5-7). Pharaoh Hophra (589-570 BC) made a brief, ineffective attempt to relieve Jerusalem, then retreated, sealing Judah's doom.

Historically, Nebuchadnezzar invaded Egypt circa 568-567 BC (Ezekiel 29:17-20), fulfilling these prophecies. Though not permanently conquered, Egypt never regained its former glory. The psychological impact on surrounding nations was precisely as predicted: if mighty Egypt could fall to Babylon, no nation was safe. This validated Ezekiel's message that Babylon was God's instrument of judgment, not merely a military power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'Egypts'—seemingly invincible institutions or powers—do people trust instead of God?
  2. How should the certainty of every human empire's eventual fall affect where we place our ultimate security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהִ֨כְעַסְתִּ֔י1 of 12

“I will also vex”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

לֵ֖ב2 of 12

“the hearts”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עַמִּ֣ים3 of 12

“people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

רַבִּ֑ים4 of 12

“of many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

בַּהֲבִיאִ֤י5 of 12

“when I shall bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שִׁבְרְךָ֙6 of 12

“thy destruction”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם7 of 12

“among the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

עַל8 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲרָצ֖וֹת9 of 12

“into the countries”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 12
H834

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

לֹֽא11 of 12
H3808

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

יְדַעְתָּֽם׃12 of 12

“which thou hast not known”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 32:9 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 32:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 18:10-15Ezekiel 29:12Revelation 11:18Jeremiah 25:15-25Ezekiel 30:26Ezekiel 30:23

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