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.