Ezekiel 29 15

Ezekiel 29:15 kjv

It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

Ezekiel 29:15 nkjv

It shall be the lowliest of kingdoms; it shall never again exalt itself above the nations, for I will diminish them so that they will not rule over the nations anymore.

Ezekiel 29:15 niv

It will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations.

Ezekiel 29:15 esv

It shall be the most lowly of the kingdoms, and never again exalt itself above the nations. And I will make them so small that they will never again rule over the nations.

Ezekiel 29:15 nlt

It will be the lowliest of all the nations, never again great enough to rise above its neighbors.

Ezekiel 29 verses

Ezekiel 29 15 Meaning

This verse signifies a profound judgment and limitation placed upon Egypt. It states that Egypt, which was once a proud and powerful nation like a great sea monster, will be weakened. Its cities will be desolate and given to neighboring nations, and it will be utterly humbled, ceasing to be a dominant force.

Ezekiel 29 15 Context

Ezekiel 29 is part of a prophecy delivered by Ezekiel to the exiles in Babylon. The chapter specifically addresses Egypt, a powerful nation often depicted in Scripture as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people. Egypt's pride and reliance on its own strength made it a target of God's judgment. Pharaoh is often referred to metaphorically as a dragon or sea monster in prophetic literature. This prophecy outlines the complete subjugation of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar and the eventual weakening of Egypt as a world power, a process that unfolds over centuries. The judgment is framed as a divine action, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all nations, even the mighty.

Ezekiel 29 15 Word Analysis

• And (וְ, ve): A conjunctive particle, indicating continuation or consequence.
• it (הִיא, hee): Pronoun referring to Egypt.
• shall (תהיה, tihyeh): Future tense of the verb "to be," indicating what will happen.
• the (בתולות, bethulah): Article indicating definiteness.
• kingdom (מַמְלָכָה, mamlakah): Kingdom, dominion, rule. Refers to Egypt's royal authority and sphere of influence.
• of (מִן, min): Preposition indicating separation or source.
• Egypt (מִצְרָ֑יִם, Mitzrayim): Egypt, referring to the nation and land.
• shall (תהיה, tihyeh): Future tense of "to be," continuing the prophecy.
• the (בתולות, bethulah): Article.
• lowliest (הַצְּעִירָה, hatza'irah): Youngest, smallest, least. Emphasizes a significant decline in status.
• kingdom (מַמְלָכָה, mamlakah): Kingdom, dominion.
• of (בַּלַּ(()=>{(of))): The preposition bet can imply "in" or "among."
• all (כָּל, kol): All, every.
• the (מַמְלָכ֑וֹת, mamlakhoth): The plural definite article.
• kingdoms (מַמְלָכ֑וֹת, mamlakhoth): Kingdoms, realms.
• of (הָאָרֶץ, ha'arets): of the earth, land.
• neither (וְלֹא, veloh): Conjunction "and" + negation "not," signifying continuation with negation.
• shall (תהיה, tihyeh): Future tense of "to be."
• it (מִצְרַ($"{Egypt})"): Egypt.
• exalt (תִּתְנַשֵּׂא, titnasse): To be raised up, exalted, lifted.
• itself (ע֔וֹד, od): Again, any more, further.
• above (מִן, min): From, out of.
• the (גֹּיִים, goyim): Nations, peoples.
• nations (גּוֹיִם, goyim).
• neither (וְלֹא, veloh): And not.
• shall (תִּקְטָן, tiqtan): From qatän, to be small, diminish.
• it (לְמִקְטָן, lemiqtan): For a small thing.
• be (יִהְיֶה, yihyeh): To be.
• exalted (לִתְעֵבָה, lit'evah): A thing abhorrent, abominable. (Note: This is often rendered as "for a little thing" or "greatly degraded". The Hebrew root here could carry a sense of degradation leading to contempt.)
• above (ע֑ל, al): Upon, over.
• the (הַשָּׁמַ("${heavens})"): The heavens.
• heavens (הַשָּׁמַ("${heavens})").

Word Group Analysis

• "the lowliest kingdom of all the kingdoms of the earth": This phrase starkly contrasts Egypt's former status with its future humbled state. It signifies a fall from paramount importance to the least significant among nations.
• "neither shall it exalt itself above the nations": This speaks to the loss of Egypt's self-proclaimed or perceived superiority and its enforced humility on the global stage.
• "neither shall it be exalted, to be abhorred": This indicates that Egypt will not only be brought low but will also be despised and viewed with contempt, a further degradation of its dignity and influence.

Ezekiel 29 15 Bonus Section

The imagery of Egypt as a sea creature is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy. It often symbolizes worldly power that opposes God's divine plan and His people. This defeat of Egypt mirrors the cosmic battle against chaos defeated by God in creation accounts (e.g., Psalm 74). The humbling of a powerful nation like Egypt serves as a testament to God's power over all earthly authorities, reminding other nations, including Israel and Judah, of the consequences of pride and apostasy. The prophecy's enduring relevance lies in its depiction of divine justice and the cyclical nature of nations rising and falling according to God's sovereign will.

Ezekiel 29 15 Commentary

Ezekiel 29:15 is a prophecy of Egypt's ultimate dethronement and permanent reduction in status. The nation, once a mighty power often symbolized by a proud, immense creature of the sea (like the Rahab mentioned in other prophetic passages), is destined to become insignificant. Its former glory and independent might will be entirely stripped away. The declaration that it will become the "lowliest kingdom" signifies a reversal of fortune, being reduced to a level far below other nations. Furthermore, it is stated that Egypt will "neither exalt itself above the nations" nor will it be elevated to any significant standing. The additional phrase, "nor shall it be exalted, to be abhorred" (or similar translations), suggests a contemptuous regard for Egypt, marking a deep disgrace. This prophecy was historically fulfilled in various stages through the conquests by Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, culminating in Egypt's long period of foreign domination and lack of sovereign power. The ultimate message is one of God's absolute sovereignty and His judgment upon arrogant, self-reliant nations.