Ezekiel 29:20
Ezekiel 29:20 in Multiple Translations
I have given him the land of Egypt as the reward for his labor, because it was done for Me, declares the Lord GOD.
I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.
I have given him the land of Egypt as his recompense for which he served, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord Jehovah.
I have given him the land of Egypt as the reward for his hard work, because they were working for me, says the Lord.
I'm rewarding him for all his work by giving him Egypt because the work they did was for me, declares the Lord God.
I haue giuen him the land of Egypt for his labour, that he serued against it, because they wrought for me, sayth the Lord God.
His wage for which he laboured I have given to him, The land of Egypt — in that they wrought for Me, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah.
I have given him the land of Egypt as his payment for which he served, because they worked for me,’ says the Lord GOD.
I have given him the land of Egypt for his labor with which he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.
And for the service that he hath done me against it: I have given him the land of Egypt, because he hath laboured for me, saith the Lord God.
I will enable them to conquer Egypt as a reward for what they did to Tyre, because I, Yahweh say that it was as though his army was working for me, doing what I wanted them to do, when they destroyed Tyre.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 29:20
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 29:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פְּעֻלָּת/וֹ֙
אֲשֶׁר
עָ֣בַד
בָּ֔/הּ
נָתַ֥תִּי
ל֖/וֹ
אֶת
אֶ֣רֶץ
מִצְרָ֑יִם
אֲשֶׁר֙
עָ֣שׂוּ
לִ֔/י
נְאֻ֖ם
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
יְהוִֽה
פְּעֻלָּת/וֹ֙
pᵉʻullâh
H6468
wages
N-fs | Suff
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָ֣בַד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בָּ֔/הּ
Prep | Suff
נָתַ֥תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָ֣שׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִֽה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 29:20
פְּעֻלָּת/וֹ֙
pᵉʻullâh
H6468
"wages"
N-fs | Suff
Wages or reward is the meaning of this word, describing the payment or result of someone's work or labour. It is often used to refer to the fruit of one's efforts.
Definition: 1) work, recompense, reward 1a) work 1b) wages
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: labour, reward, wages, work. See also: Leviticus 19:13; Isaiah 40:10; Psalms 17:4.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָ֣בַד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
בָּ֔/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
נָתַ֥תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָ֣שׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִֽה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 29:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 29:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 29:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 29:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 29:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:20
- Sermons on Ezekiel 29:20
Context — Egypt the Reward of Nebuchadnezzar
18“Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre. Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw. But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it.
19Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will carry off its wealth, seize its spoil, and remove its plunder. This will be the wages for his army.
20I have given him the land of Egypt as the reward for his labor, because it was done for Me, declares the Lord GOD.
21In that day I will cause a horn to sprout for the house of Israel, and I will open your mouth to speak among them. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 25:9 | behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. |
| 2 | Isaiah 10:6–7 | I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations. |
| 3 | Isaiah 45:1–3 | This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 10:30 | Nevertheless, the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.” |
Ezekiel 29:20 Summary
This verse means that God gave Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar as a reward for his hard work, but not because Nebuchadnezzar was a good person. Instead, God was using Nebuchadnezzar to fulfill His own plans, just like He used other leaders in the Bible, such as Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1-5). This shows that God is in control of all things and can use anyone to accomplish His purposes (Psalm 75:7). It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, and God can use them to bring about His will, even if we don't realize it at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God gave Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar as a reward for his labor?
This means that God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Egypt as a form of payment for the hard work his army did in serving God's purposes, as seen in Ezekiel 29:20 and supported by Jeremiah 25:9.
Is God saying that Nebuchadnezzar's actions were morally right?
No, God is not condoning Nebuchadnezzar's actions as morally right, but rather using him to fulfill His own plans, as stated in Isaiah 10:5-7 and Jeremiah 27:6.
What does it mean that Nebuchadnezzar's labor was done for God?
This means that despite Nebuchadnezzar's own motivations, his actions ultimately served God's purposes, similar to how God used Cyrus in Isaiah 45:1-5 to fulfill His plans.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty over nations?
This verse shows that God is in control of all nations and their leaders, using them to fulfill His plans, as seen in Daniel 2:21 and Psalm 75:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God uses people and nations to fulfill His plans, even if they do not realize it?
- How can I trust that God is working out His purposes in my life and in the world, even when I do not understand what is happening?
- What does it mean for me to 'labor' for God, and how can I ensure that my efforts are aligned with His plans?
- How can I balance the idea that God is sovereign over all things with the reality of human sin and rebellion?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 29:20
I have given him the land of Egypt for labour wherewith he served against it, That is, against Tyre; meaning not Nebuchadnezzar merely or only, but his army also, who did the main of the service and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 29:20
I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:20
I have given him; it is as sure as in his possession; thought he must fight for it, and it will cost blood, yet he shall surely have success. Against it; Tyre. They wrought for me; the proud, revengeful, covetous, and cruel Babylonians designed themselves, and did work for themselves, but God had further, higher, and more excellent ends, his work was doing by them who thought nothing less.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:20
Ezekiel 29:20 I have given him the land of Egypt [for] his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.Ver. 20. I have given him the land of Egypt.] As the great Turk gave his soldiers the rich spoil of Constantinople; and as Tamerlane never forgot the good service of his servants, nor left the same long unrewarded, often saying that day to be lost wherein he had not given them something. Because they wrought for me.] By mine instinct, though beside their own intent. Turkish History, 345. Ibid., 227.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:20
Verse 20. I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour] Because he fulfilled the designs of God against Tyre, God promises to reward him with the spoil of Egypt.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 29:20
20. for his labour] Rather: as his recompense for which he served.because they wrought] Or, for that which they wrought for me. The subject is still Neb. and his army; it was Jehovah’s work in which they served against Tyre.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 29:20
17-20. This is the latest of Ezekiel’s prophecies (572-570 B.C.), and must have been inserted here in order to be in close connection with the original prophecy concerning Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Tyre and invasion of Egypt.
Sermons on Ezekiel 29:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Battling With God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p |
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(Through the Bible) Ezra by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker talks about a man who had been bragging to the king about the power and greatness of God. As a result, the king gave him a lot of gold and silver, but n |
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The Sovereignty of God as to the House of God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and heartfelt relationship with God. He highlights how the prophets in the Bible, such as Hosea and Ezekie |
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Progress of Redemption #04 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the word of God and how it can change people's lives. The sermon takes place in Judea, a Persian province, around 430 BC. T |
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Our Daily Homily - Ezra by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine stirring of Cyrus as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the importance of prayer and obedience in responding to God's call. He reflects on the |
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The Lord Stirred Up the Spirit of Cyrus. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus to fulfill the prophecy of the return of the Jewish captives from Babylon, as foretold by Jeremiah and Isaiah. He |
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Ezra 8:18 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the theme of God's faithful hand at work in the lives of His people, as seen in the restoration of the Jews after their captivity. He highlights God's promis |