Ezekiel 29:19 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 29:19 mean?

Ezekiel 29:19 says that God will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadrezzar, the king of Babylon, as a reward for his army. This means that Babylon will conquer Egypt and take its people, wealth, and goods as payment for their military service.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to announce a judgment against Egypt. The historical setting is during a time when Babylon was the dominant power, and Egypt had been a rival. God explains that Nebuchadrezzar’s conquest of Egypt will be allowed as compensation for his earlier campaigns, which did not bring him much material gain.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 29:19

• "give" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to hand over or grant. Here, it shows that Egypt’s fate is not just due to Babylon’s strength, but because God is actively allowing it.
• "wages" (שָׂכָר, sakar): This word refers to payment or compensation. The verse frames the conquest of Egypt as a kind of payment to Babylon’s army for their efforts, highlighting God’s control over the outcomes of nations.
• "spoil" (שָׁלָל, shalal) and "prey" (טֶרֶף, teref): Both words refer to goods or people taken in war. Their use emphasizes the totality of what Babylon will claim from Egypt—both material wealth and captives.

Why Ezekiel 29:19 matters

• Ezekiel 29:19 clarifies that Babylon’s victory over Egypt is not just a result of military power, but is presented as God’s decision and reward for Babylon’s earlier service.
• The verse helps explain the relationship between God’s sovereignty and historical events, showing that even the actions of powerful empires fit into God’s larger plans.
• This statement connects to the wider passage, where God is judging Egypt for its pride and false promises, and shows that God can use one nation to carry out judgment on another.