Ezekiel 30:4
Ezekiel 30:4 in Multiple Translations
A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, its wealth is taken away, and its foundations are torn down.
And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.
And a sword shall come upon Egypt, and anguish shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt; and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.
And a sword will come on Egypt, and cruel pain will be in Ethiopia, when they are falling by the sword in Egypt; and they will take away her wealth and her bases will be broken down.
A sword will come to attack Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when people are killed in Egypt, when it's robbed of its wealth and the country ruined.
And the sword shall come vpon Egypt, and feare shall be in Ethiopia, when the slaine shall fall in Egypt, when they shall take away her multitude, and when her foundations shall be broken downe.
And come in hath a sword to Egypt, And there hath been great pain in Cush, In the falling of the wounded in Egypt, And they have taken its store, And broken down have been its foundations.
A sword will come on Egypt, and anguish will be in Ethiopia, when the slain fall in Egypt. They take away her multitude, and her foundations are broken down.
And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Cush, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.
And the sword shall come upon Egypt: and there shall be dread in Ethiopia, when the wounded shall fall in Egypt, and the multitude thereof shall be taken away, and the foundations thereof shall be destroyed.
An enemy army [PRS] will come to attack Egypt with their swords, and there will be great distress among the people in Ethiopia. Many people will be killed in Egypt; everything valuable will be taken away, and even the foundations of the buildings will be torn down.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 30:4
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 30:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בָאָ֥ה
חֶ֨רֶב֙
בְּ/מִצְרַ֔יִם
וְ/הָיְתָ֤ה
חַלְחָלָה֙
בְּ/כ֔וּשׁ
בִּ/נְפֹ֥ל
חָלָ֖ל
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
וְ/לָקְח֣וּ
הֲמוֹנָ֔/הּ
וְ/נֶהֶרְס֖וּ
יְסוֹדֹתֶֽי/הָ
וּ/בָאָ֥ה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
חֶ֨רֶב֙
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
בְּ/מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הָיְתָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
חַלְחָלָה֙
chalchâlâh
H2479
anguish
N-fs
בְּ/כ֔וּשׁ
Kûwsh
H3568
Ethiopia
Prep | N-proper
בִּ/נְפֹ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חָלָ֖ל
châlâl
H2491
slain
Adj
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
וְ/לָקְח֣וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
הֲמוֹנָ֔/הּ
hâmôwn
H1995
crowd
N-ms | Suff
וְ/נֶהֶרְס֖וּ
hâraç
H2040
to overthrow
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
יְסוֹדֹתֶֽי/הָ
yᵉçôwd
H3247
foundation
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 30:4
וּ/בָאָ֥ה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
חֶ֨רֶב֙
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
בְּ/מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | 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.
וְ/הָיְתָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-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.
חַלְחָלָה֙
chalchâlâh
H2479
"anguish"
N-fs
This Hebrew word describes intense pain or anguish, like the kind experienced in childbirth. It can also imply terror or writhing, and is used to convey strong emotions in the Bible.
Definition: pain, trembling, terror, writhing, anguish
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: (great, much) pain. See also: Isaiah 21:3; Ezekiel 30:9; Nahum 2:11.
בְּ/כ֔וּשׁ
Kûwsh
H3568
"Ethiopia"
Prep | N-proper
Cush refers to Ethiopia or a Benjamite in Psalm 7:1. It means black, referencing the dark skin of its people.
Definition: § Cush = "black" a Benjamite mentioned only in the title of Ps 7:1
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Chush, Cush, Ethiopia. See also: Genesis 2:13; Isaiah 18:1; Psalms 7:1.
בִּ/נְפֹ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
חָלָ֖ל
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | 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.
וְ/לָקְח֣וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
הֲמוֹנָ֔/הּ
hâmôwn
H1995
"crowd"
N-ms | Suff
Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound 1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar 1b) tumult, confusion 1c) crowd, multitude 1d) great number, abundance 1e) abundance, wealth
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult. See also: Genesis 17:4; Isaiah 33:3; Psalms 37:16.
וְ/נֶהֶרְס֖וּ
hâraç
H2040
"to overthrow"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
This Hebrew word means to overthrow or destroy something, like breaking down a wall or throwing something to the ground. It is used to describe God's power and judgment.
Definition: 1) to tear down, break down, overthrow, beat down, break, break through, destroy, pluck down, pull down, throw down, ruined, destroyer, utterly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to throw down, tear down 1a2) to break through 1a3) to break down, break away 1b) (Niphal) to be torn down, be thrown down 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to overthrow, tear down 1c2) destroyer (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break (down, through), destroy, overthrow, pluck down, pull down, ruin, throw down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 15:7; Isaiah 49:17; Psalms 11:3.
יְסוֹדֹתֶֽי/הָ
yᵉçôwd
H3247
"foundation"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a literal or figurative foundation, like the base of a building or the starting point of a plan. It's used in descriptions of construction and repair in the Bible. The concept is essential in understanding biblical architecture and planning.
Definition: 1) foundation, base 1a) foundation 1b) base, bottom
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: bottom, foundation, repairing See also: Exodus 29:12; 2 Chronicles 24:27; Psalms 137:7.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 30:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 30:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 30:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 30:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 30:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 30:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 30:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 30:4
- Sermons on Ezekiel 30:4
Context — A Lament for Egypt
2“Son of man, prophesy and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Wail, ‘Alas for that day!’
3For the day is near, the Day of the LORD is near. It will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.
4A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, its wealth is taken away, and its foundations are torn down.
5Cush, Put, and Lud, and all the various peoples, as well as Libya and the men of the covenant land, will fall with Egypt by the sword. 6For this is what the LORD says: The allies of Egypt will fall, and her proud strength will collapse. From Migdol to Syene they will fall by the sword within her, declares the Lord GOD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 29:19 | Therefore 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. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 29:8 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will bring a sword against you and cut off from you man and beast. |
| 3 | Isaiah 16:7 | Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken. |
| 4 | Isaiah 19:16–17 | In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them. The land of Judah will bring terror to Egypt; whenever Judah is mentioned, Egypt will tremble over what the LORD of Hosts has planned against it. |
| 5 | Psalms 48:6–7 | Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor. With a wind from the east You wrecked the ships of Tarshish. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 50:15 | Raise a war cry against her on every side! She has thrown up her hands in surrender; her towers have fallen; her walls are torn down. Since this is the vengeance of the LORD, take out your vengeance upon her; as she has done, do the same to her. |
| 7 | Isaiah 19:2 | “So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. |
| 8 | Revelation 18:9–10 | Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” |
| 9 | Ezekiel 29:12 | I will make the land of Egypt a desolation among desolate lands, and her cities will lie desolate for forty years among the ruined cities. And I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them throughout the countries. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 50:35–37 | A sword is against the Chaldeans, declares the LORD, against those who live in Babylon, and against her officials and wise men. A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror. A sword is against her horses and chariots and against all the foreigners in her midst, and they will become like women. A sword is against her treasuries, and they will be plundered. |
Ezekiel 30:4 Summary
Ezekiel 30:4 tells us that God will bring judgment on Egypt, using the metaphor of a sword to represent war and violence. This is a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations, and that He will judge those who reject Him (as seen in Romans 1:18-25). Just like Egypt, we can become proud and self-sufficient, but God calls us to trust in Him alone (Proverbs 3:5-6). As we reflect on this verse, let's ask God to help us trust in His power and provision, rather than in our own strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'sword' represent in Ezekiel 30:4?
The 'sword' in this verse likely represents God's judgment and the violence of war, as seen in other passages like Jeremiah 25:31 and Ezekiel 21:14-17.
Who is Cush in Ezekiel 30:4?
Cush refers to the kingdom of Cush, which is an ancient name for Ethiopia, as mentioned in 2 Kings 19:9 and Isaiah 18:1.
What does it mean for Egypt's 'foundations to be torn down'?
The phrase 'foundations being torn down' is a metaphor for the complete destruction of Egypt's power and stability, much like the tower of Babel was destroyed in Genesis 11:1-9, symbolizing God's judgment on human pride.
Is this prophecy about Egypt still relevant today?
While the specific events of Ezekiel 30:4 may have occurred in the past, the principles of God's judgment on nations that reject Him remain relevant, as seen in passages like Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 20:11-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God's judgment can be seen in the world today, and how can I respond to it?
- How does the idea of God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in Ezekiel 30:4, shape my understanding of world events?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and provision, rather than in human wealth or strength, as Egypt did?
- What are some areas in my own life where I need to surrender my 'foundations' to God, and allow Him to build new ones?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 30:4
And the sword shall come upon Egypt,.... The sword of the Chaldeans shall come upon the Egyptians, by which they should be cut off; it having a commission from the Lord for that purpose: and great
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 30:4
And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 30:4
The sword: see . In Ethiopia; next neighbour and ally to Egypt; they shall tremble at so great danger, so near, and they uncertain whether it will come on them, but very certain to be ruined if it does come, and as certain that they have cause to suspect it will come on them. When the slain shall fall in Egypt; when the Egyptians, under the eye of the Ethiopians, shall fall in battle, and at the taking of their towns. They shall take away her multitude; in miserable captivity carry them to Babylon, by whole droves. Her foundations, their government, laws, counsellors, strong holds, which are to a nation as foundations to a house, are destroyed.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 30:4
Ezekiel 30:4 And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.Ver. 4. Great pain.] Heb., Pain upon pain, as the throes in childbirth.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 30:4
4. great pain] anguish, a late word, cf. Ezekiel 30:9. her multitude] Ch. Ezekiel 29:19; cf. Ezekiel 29:10; cf. Ezekiel 29:15, ch. Ezekiel 31:2. Her “foundations” is suggested by the idea of a building overthrown. Reference is hardly to the allies and mercenaries on whom Egypt relied in war, rather to the classes and institutions in which the strength of the state lay.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 30:4
4. Multitude — See Ezekiel 29:19. Her foundations shall be broken down — The national power of Egypt was as strong as her temple walls, but both should feel the shock of invasion.
Sermons on Ezekiel 30:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Papacy Is the Antichrist 1 of 3 (1888) - Part 3 by J.A. Wylie | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the depiction of judgment and the destruction of Babylon in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes that this day of wrath will be one of the |
|
My Peace I Give Unto You by A.B. Simpson | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of fiery ordeal as depicted in the Bible, particularly focusing on the refining process likened to a smelting furnace where imp |