And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

EZEKIEL 29:12KJV
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Ezekiel 29:12 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 29:12 mean?

Ezekiel 29:12 says that Egypt will become a deserted land for forty years, with its cities left in ruins, and its people scattered among different nations. This verse describes a time of judgment when Egypt will lose its power and stability, and its people will be forced to live in exile.

The prophet Ezekiel is speaking God’s message to the people of Israel and to Egypt during a time when Egypt was a major regional power. In this verse, God is warning that Egypt will face devastation like other nations that have already been conquered, and its people will be scattered far from their homeland. This prophecy is part of a larger section where Ezekiel announces God’s judgment against Egypt for its pride and opposition to Israel.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 29:12

  • "Desolate" (שְׁמָמָה, shemamah): This word means a state of utter ruin or emptiness, emphasizing that Egypt’s land and cities will not just be damaged but left completely abandoned.
  • "Scatter" (פָּרַץ, parats): This verb means to disperse or spread out, highlighting that the Egyptians will not just leave but will be forcibly scattered among many nations, losing their unity and homeland.
  • "Forty years" (אַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה, arba‘im shanah): The number forty often symbolizes a significant period of testing or judgment in the Bible, suggesting that this exile is both severe and purposeful.

Why Ezekiel 29:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Egypt, once a powerful nation, would experience the same kind of downfall as other nations judged by God, showing that no nation is exempt from accountability.
  • The mention of a specific time period—forty years—shows that this judgment is not permanent, hinting at the possibility of restoration after a set time.
  • Understanding this verse helps connect the judgment on Egypt to the broader theme in Ezekiel of God’s sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel.

Where else these words appear

“waste” Hebrew H2717 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Isaiah 34:10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
  • Jeremiah 50:27 Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

“disperse” Hebrew H2219 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 32:20 And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.
  • Proverbs 20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
  • Ezekiel 5:12 A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

“desolate” Hebrew H8077 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 23:29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
  • Jeremiah 44:6 Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day.
  • Ezekiel 35:3 And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate.

“scatter” Hebrew H6327 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 10:18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
  • Job 18:11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.
  • Ezekiel 11:17 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.