Ezekiel 29:15
Ezekiel 29:15 in Multiple Translations
Egypt will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the nations. For I will diminish Egypt so that it will never again rule over the nations.
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.
It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it any more lift itself up above the nations: and I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.
It will be the lowest of the kingdoms, and never again will it be lifted up over the nations: I will make them small, so that they may not have rule over the nations.
Egypt will be the lowest of kingdoms and won't ever be more important than other nations again. I will bring Egypt down so that it won't ever be able to rule over the nations again.
It shall be the smallest of the kingdomes, neither shall it exalt it selfe any more aboue the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule the nations.
Of the kingdoms it is lowest, And it lifteth not up itself any more above the nations, And I have made them few, So as not to rule among nations.
It will be the lowest of the kingdoms. It won’t lift itself up above the nations any more. I will diminish them so that they will no longer rule over the nations.
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.
It shall be the lowest among other kingdoms, and it shall no more be exalted over the nations, and I will diminish them that they shall rule no more over the nations.
It will be the least important of all the nations; it will never again be greater than the nearby countries. I will cause Egypt to be very weak, with the result that it will never again rule over other nations.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 29:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 29:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִן
הַ/מַּמְלָכוֹת֙
תִּהְיֶ֣ה
שְׁפָלָ֔ה
וְ/לֹֽא
תִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א
ע֖וֹד
עַל
הַ/גּוֹיִ֑ם
וְ/הִ֨מְעַטְתִּ֔י/ם
לְ/בִלְתִּ֖י
רְד֥וֹת
בַּ/גּוֹיִֽם
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/מַּמְלָכוֹת֙
mamlâkâh
H4467
kingdom
Art | N-fp
תִּהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
שְׁפָלָ֔ה
shâphâl
H8217
low
Adj
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fs
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/גּוֹיִ֑ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
וְ/הִ֨מְעַטְתִּ֔י/ם
mâʻaṭ
H4591
to diminish
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs | Suff
לְ/בִלְתִּ֖י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Prep | Conj
רְד֥וֹת
râdâh
H7287
to rule
V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ/גּוֹיִֽם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 29:15
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/מַּמְלָכוֹת֙
mamlâkâh
H4467
"kingdom"
Art | N-fp
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
תִּהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שְׁפָלָ֔ה
shâphâl
H8217
"low"
Adj
This word means to be low or humble, either in physical height or in social status, often used to describe someone's character or condition. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. It signifies a lack of pride or arrogance.
Definition: 1) low, humble 1a) low (in height) 1b) low (in station), humble (of condition or spirit) 1c) humiliated 1d) lowly (as subst)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly). See also: Leviticus 13:20; Ecclesiastes 12:4; Psalms 138:6.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/גּוֹיִ֑ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
וְ/הִ֨מְעַטְתִּ֔י/ם
mâʻaṭ
H4591
"to diminish"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to make something smaller or less. It can describe reducing a quantity or making something less effective. The KJV translates it as diminish or make few.
Definition: 1) to be or become small, be few, be diminished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to be too small 1b) (Piel) to become few 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make small, make few, diminish 1c2) to give less
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: suffer to decrease, diminish, (be, [idiom] borrow a, give, make) few (in number, -ness), gather least (little), be (seem) little, ([idiom] give the) less, be minished, bring to nothing. See also: Exodus 12:4; 2 Kings 4:3; Psalms 107:38.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֖י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
רְד֥וֹת
râdâh
H7287
"to rule"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to have power or control over someone or something. It can also mean to scrape or crumble something, like scraping out a bowl.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, dominate, tread down 1a) (Qal) to have dominion, rule, subjugate 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to dominate
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (come to, make to) have dominion, prevail against, reign, (bear, make to) rule,(-r, over), take. See also: Genesis 1:26; 2 Chronicles 8:10; Psalms 49:15.
בַּ/גּוֹיִֽם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 29:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Desolation of Egypt
13For this is what the Lord GOD says: At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the nations to which they were scattered.
14I will restore Egypt from captivity and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom.
15Egypt will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the nations. For I will diminish Egypt so that it will never again rule over the nations.
16Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.” 17In the twenty-seventh year, on the first day of the first month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 10:11 | They will pass through the sea of distress and strike the waves of the sea; all the depths of the Nile will dry up. The pride of Assyria will be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will depart. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 30:13 | This is what the Lord GOD says: I will destroy the idols and put an end to the images in Memphis. There will no longer be a prince in Egypt, and I will instill fear in that land. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 17:14 | so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 17:6 | It sprouted and became a spreading vine, low in height, with branches turned toward him; yet its roots remained where it stood. So it became a vine and yielded branches and sent out shoots. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 32:2 | “Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: ‘You are like a lion among the nations; you are like a monster in the seas. You thrash about in your rivers, churning up the waters with your feet and muddying the streams.’ |
| 6 | Ezekiel 31:2 | “Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude: ‘Who can be compared to your greatness? |
| 7 | Nahum 3:8–9 | Are you better than Thebes, stationed by the Nile with water around her, whose rampart was the sea, whose wall was the water? Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and Libya were her allies. |
| 8 | Daniel 11:42–43 | He will extend his power over many countries, and not even the land of Egypt will escape. He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and over all the riches of Egypt, and the Libyans and Cushites will also submit to him. |
Ezekiel 29:15 Summary
This verse means that Egypt will no longer be a powerful or dominant nation, but will instead be humble and submissive to God's will (Ezekiel 29:15). This is a reminder to us that God is sovereign over all nations and that we should trust in Him alone, not in earthly powers or institutions (Psalm 33:10-11). Just as Egypt is called to humility, we too can learn to humble ourselves and submit to God's will in our own lives. By trusting in God and submitting to His will, we can experience true freedom and joy (Romans 6:17-18).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Egypt to be the lowliest of kingdoms?
This means that Egypt will no longer be a powerful or dominant nation, but rather will be humble and submissive, as God has ordained (Ezekiel 29:15, Isaiah 19:23).
Will Egypt ever regain its former glory?
According to the Bible, Egypt will not regain its former glory or rule over the nations again, as God has promised to diminish it (Ezekiel 29:15, Ezekiel 30:13).
How does this verse relate to Israel's history?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy about Egypt and Israel, and it serves as a reminder to Israel not to trust in Egypt for security or protection, but rather to trust in God alone (Ezekiel 29:16, Exodus 14:13).
Is this prophecy still relevant today?
Yes, this prophecy is still relevant today, as it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His faithfulness to His people, and it encourages us to trust in Him alone (Psalm 33:10-11, Ezekiel 29:15).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty over my life, just as He is sovereign over nations?
- How can I avoid making idols out of earthly powers or institutions, and instead put my trust in God alone?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to humble myself and submit to God's will, just as Egypt is called to do in this verse?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to pray for and support the spread of the Gospel in Egypt and other nations?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 29:15
And it shall be the basest of the kingdoms,.... That belonged to the Persian monarchy, or to the Macedonian empire, being more kept under than the rest, lest it should regain its former strength and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 29:15
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. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:15
The basest; the most abject, debased, and most underling. It is likely the kings to whom Egypt was tributary kept them lowest, as knowing how dangerous that kingdom might be, as it recovered its ancient greatness; and the word seems to intimate this, for it is more than the kingdoms it shall be depressed. Neither shall it exalt itself; its masters would so watch and check it. I will diminish them; beside the hard and cruel usages of the Persian kings, which might be unjust enough, God’ s most just judgment should follow them to lessen their numbers, power, wealth, and honour. They shall no more rule over the nations; though once they had subdued and ruled, yet should they not any more. In the times of the Ptolemies, though it was considerable, yet then it was not a kingdom that ruled the nations about her, though she made war upon them.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:15
Ezekiel 29:15 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.Ver. 15. It shall be the basest of the kingdoms.] And worthily, for their worshipping the basest creatures, but especiailly for their faithlessness to God’ s Israel. For I will diminish them.] As God hath likewise done the Persians at this day - who have undone their confederates, the Egyptians and Georgians - and the Grecians no less, who have now lost their liberty, and are so degenerate, by means of the Turkish oppression, that in all Graecia is hardly to be found any small remembrance of the glory thereof. Turkish History. Ibid., 260.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:15
15. The basest of the kingdoms — Compare Ezekiel 17:14. Egypt never recovered from the conquest of Nebuchadnezzar.