Ezekiel 32 27

Ezekiel 32:27 kjv

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.

Ezekiel 32:27 nkjv

They do not lie with the mighty Who are fallen of the uncircumcised, Who have gone down to hell with their weapons of war; They have laid their swords under their heads, But their iniquities will be on their bones, Because of the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.

Ezekiel 32:27 niv

But they do not lie with the fallen warriors of old, who went down to the realm of the dead with their weapons of war?their swords placed under their heads and their shields resting on their bones?though these warriors also had terrorized the land of the living.

Ezekiel 32:27 esv

And they do not lie with the mighty, the fallen from among the uncircumcised, who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war, whose swords were laid under their heads, and whose iniquities are upon their bones; for the terror of the mighty men was in the land of the living.

Ezekiel 32:27 nlt

They are not buried in honor like their fallen heroes, who went down to the grave with their weapons ? their shields covering their bodies and their swords beneath their heads. Their guilt rests upon them because they brought terror to everyone while they were still alive.

Ezekiel 32 verses

Ezekiel 32 27 Meaning

This verse speaks of the fallen kings of the nations, who, though they were once mighty and feared, now lie in Sheol (the grave or the underworld) amongst the uncircumcised (those outside of God's covenant). They are laid to rest with their weapons of war beneath them, a testament to their earthly power that has now perished. Despite their past glory and terror, they offer no comfort or reassurance to the nations who once looked to them. Their destruction serves as a warning and a judgment.

Ezekiel 32 27 Context

Ezekiel chapter 32 is a lament and prophecy directed at Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. This specific verse, Ezekiel 32:27, broadens the scope to include the mighty rulers of various nations, effectively equating Pharaoh's fallen status with that of other powerful, but now deceased, kings. Historically, Egypt under Pharaoh was a significant world power, often an antagonist to Israel and Judah, engaging in alliances and political maneuvers that ultimately led to their downfall. The prophecy of Ezekiel comes during the Babylonian exile, a time when Judah was subjugated and experienced the terror of a conquering empire. Therefore, this verse speaks to a broader theme of divine judgment against prideful and oppressive earthly powers, who, despite their former might and influence, find no solace or status in the grave. It's a profound statement on the transience of worldly power in the face of God's eternal sovereignty.

Ezekiel 32 27 Word Analysis

• And they shall not lie with the mighty (Waw lo' yishkavoo im gibborim):
  • Waw (וְ): A conjunctive particle, "and." Connects this statement to the preceding ones about fallen rulers.
  • lo' (לֹ): A particle of negation, "not." Emphasizes the absence of honor in their burial.
  • yishkavoo (יִשְׁכָּבוּ): From the root shakah (שָׁכַב), meaning "to lie down," "to lie," often used in reference to sleeping or resting in death. Here, it signifies resting in a place of honor in the grave.
  • im (אֶת): A preposition, "with."
  • gibborim (גִּבֹּרִים): Plural of gibbor (גִּבֹּר), meaning "mighty one," "strong man," "warrior," or "hero." In this context, it refers to powerful and renowned kings or leaders who are honored even in death.
• that are fallen (Noflim):
  • Noflim (נֹפְלִים): Present participle, plural, from the root naphal (נָפַל), meaning "to fall." Refers to those who have been defeated in battle and lie dead.
• among the uncircumcised (Sheol shikkavehu nitzihtim):
  • Sheol (שְׁאוֹל): Hebrew term for the grave, the underworld, a place of darkness and the dead. It's a common place for all, but being among the "uncircumcised" carries a further mark of ignominy.
  • Shikkavehu (שִׁכַּבֵהוּ): (Often rendered as "lie them" or "they are laid"). This verb reinforces the idea of their placement and repose in the grave.
  • Nitzihtim (נִצְחִים): This word, sometimes translated as "eternal" or "perpetual," is a key word. In the context of Sheol, it indicates the unending nature of their presence in that realm of death, often in contrast to the transient nature of their earthly power. The specific rendering can vary, but it highlights the finality and the perceived state of their permanence in the afterlife as opposed to a honorable rest among the glorified dead. However, when translated as "uncircumcised" (as in many LXX/Syriac traditions influencing English), it refers to their separation from God's covenant people. In this verse's phrasing, the context implies they lie with the uncircumcised, emphasizing their lack of distinction and spiritual impurity.
• with their weapons of war (Chalil chalilchah tzev ha-milchamah):
  • Chalil (חָלִיל): From the root chalal (חָלַל), meaning "to pierce," "to wound," "to desecrate," or "to profanely play" (like a pipe). Here it refers to their weapons, possibly implying they were defeated or "pierced" by them, or their weapons are a testament to their violent past.
  • chalilchah (חֲלִילָךְ): (POSSIBLY: This specific form might not directly correspond to a common root for weapons of war as a noun, it could relate to something 'pierced' or 'penetrated', implying their brokenness). It can also refer to a pipe or flute, but this would be a contrast to their weapons of war. If understood in context of their final resting place and their weapons, it signifies their weaponry that was used for conquest now lying beneath them as a sign of their defunct power. The implication is their "weapons of war" were laid to rest with them.
  • tzev (צֶב): Can refer to a "supply" or "weapons" of war.
  • ha-milchamah (הַמִּלְחָמָה): The definite article "the" and milchamah (מִלְחָמָה), "war," "battle." Their arsenal of warfare.
• And they shall lie on the swords (Lo' yishkav ben ha-cheluchah):
  • Lo' (לֹ): "Not."
  • yishkav (יִשְׁכַּב): "He shall lie down" (singular, or perhaps intended as general). This phrasing suggests their condition of resting not in beds of honor but upon the very instruments of their destructive power, now a symbol of their defeat.
  • ben (בֵּין): "Between," "among."
  • ha-cheluchah (הַחֲלֻחָה): From the root chalal (חָלַל), implying that which is pierced or slain, possibly referring to their swords that have seen bloodshed, or swords that have pierced them, or their very selves that are pierced by death. This phrase emphasizes their association with the instruments of death and defeat, rather than a triumphant repose.

Ezekiel 32 27 Bonus Section

The imagery of rulers and their weapons of war lying together in the grave serves as a powerful metaphor. It communicates the futility of trusting in human might for ultimate security. The inclusion of "uncircumcised" suggests their spiritual state and separation from God's covenant blessings, indicating a lack of divine favor even in their posthumous resting place. The emphasis is on their earthly power's utter annihilation, rendering them unable to provide any strength or reassurance to those who once relied on them. This mirrors the concept of "Vanity of Vanities" expressed in Ecclesiastes – all is but striving after wind when divorced from God. The utter demise and undistinguished burial of these powerful figures stand as a testament to God's sovereignty over all nations and earthly powers.

Ezekiel 32 27 Commentary

This verse vividly illustrates the ultimate equalizer: death and divine judgment. The mighty kings, once feared and powerful, find no distinguished place in Sheol. They lie among the "uncircumcised," a stark contrast to the esteemed patriarchs and heroes who might be honored in death within the covenant community. Their weapons of war, symbols of their earthly might and violence, are placed beneath them, not to be wielded again, but as a grim reminder of their perishable power and their defeat. Their fate serves as a prophetic declaration that no amount of worldly strength or terror can shield one from God's judgment. Nations that sought refuge in these kings for their power now find no comfort because these kings themselves are vanquished. This underscores the vanity of seeking security and glory in human rulers rather than in the eternal God.