Ezekiel 29:16 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 29:16 mean?

Ezekiel 29:16 says that Egypt will no longer be a source of false hope or security for Israel, and when Israel remembers how they relied on Egypt, it will remind them of their past wrongdoing. Instead of trusting Egypt, Israel will recognize that the LORD God alone is truly in control.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel about Egypt’s future. The context is a prophecy against Egypt, warning that Egypt will lose its power and influence. The verse explains that Israel’s past trust in Egypt led them into trouble, and God wants Israel to understand that only He is worthy of their trust.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 29:16

• "confidence" (מִבְטָח, mivtaḥ): This word means a place or object of trust or security. Here, it highlights that Egypt was seen by Israel as a reliable ally, but God says Egypt will lose that status.
• "bringeth...to remembrance" (זָכַר, zakar): This verb means to remember or call to mind. The verse points out that Israel’s reliance on Egypt will serve as a reminder of their own unfaithfulness.
• "know" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word means to recognize or understand deeply. God’s goal is for Israel to come to a true understanding that He alone is the LORD God.

Why Ezekiel 29:16 matters

• This verse clarifies that God does not want His people to depend on political alliances or foreign powers for their security, but to trust in Him alone.
• It connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s judgment on Egypt is not just about Egypt itself, but also about correcting Israel’s misplaced trust.
• The verse helps explain why Israel’s history with Egypt is often brought up in the prophets: it serves as a lesson about the dangers of relying on anything or anyone other than God.