Ezekiel 29:20 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 29:20 mean?

Ezekiel 29:20 says that God gave the land of Egypt to the king of Babylon as a reward for his efforts in attacking Egypt, because Babylon carried out God’s purpose in this campaign. The verse shows God using one nation to accomplish His plans with another, and then compensating that nation for its service.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel about Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Babylon had fought against Tyre for a long time with little gain, so God promised them Egypt as a kind of payment for their labor. This statement is part of a prophecy against Egypt, showing that God is in control of nations and uses their actions to fulfill His own purposes.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 29:20

• "given" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to give or bestow. Here, it emphasizes that it is God who is granting Egypt to Babylon, not just a result of military power.
• "labour" (תְּלָאָה, tela’ah): This word refers to hard work or toil. It highlights the effort Babylon expended in its campaigns, which God acknowledges and rewards.
• "served" (עָבַד, avad): This verb often means to serve or work. In this context, it shows that Babylon’s actions against Egypt are seen as service done for God’s purposes, even if Babylon did not realize it.

Why Ezekiel 29:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that God can use even foreign, non-believing nations to achieve His plans, and He remains in control of history.
• It connects to the broader section where God judges Egypt for its pride and false promises, showing that Egypt’s fate is not random but directed by God’s will.
• The verse helps explain why Babylon, after its long and costly siege of Tyre, was allowed to conquer Egypt—God was compensating them for their “labor,” not because of their own merit or power.