Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.

EZEKIEL 30:10KJV
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Ezekiel 30:10 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 30:10 mean?

Ezekiel 30:10 says that God will bring an end to the great population of Egypt by using Nebuchadrezzar, the king of Babylon, as His instrument. This verse is a declaration of judgment, showing that Egypt’s downfall will come through a foreign ruler appointed by God.

In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is delivering a message from God to the people, specifically addressing the fate of Egypt. The historical setting is during a time when Babylon was rising in power, and Egypt was a major regional force. God is making it clear that He is in control of nations and will use Nebuchadrezzar (the Babylonian king) to carry out His purpose against Egypt’s “multitude”—meaning its people and strength.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 30:10

  • "multitude" (הָמוֹן, hamon): This word often refers to a large crowd or great population. Here, it highlights that it is not just Egypt’s leaders but the entire nation’s strength and numbers that will be brought to an end.
  • "cease" (שָׁבַת, shavat): This word means to stop or bring to an end. The sense here is total cessation, not just a temporary setback.
  • "hand" (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, "hand" often symbolizes power or agency. God is saying He will act through Nebuchadrezzar’s power, making the Babylonian king the means by which Egypt is judged.
  • "Nebuchadrezzar" (נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר, Nevukhadretzar): This is the Hebrew form of the famous Babylonian king’s name, emphasizing the specific historical figure God will use.

Why Ezekiel 30:10 matters

  • This verse makes clear that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel, and can use any ruler—even a foreign one—to accomplish His plans.
  • The mention of Nebuchadrezzar by name roots the prophecy in a real historical context, showing that these are not vague threats but specific predictions.
  • Understanding the word "multitude" as the whole strength and population of Egypt helps clarify that the judgment is comprehensive, not limited to a single class or group.

Where else these words appear

“Nebuchadrezzar” Hebrew H5019 · used in 59 verses

  • 2 Kings 24:1 In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.
  • Jeremiah 25:1 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;
  • Jeremiah 43:10 And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

“cease” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
  • Jeremiah 48:33 And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; their shouting shall be no shouting.

“multitude” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
  • Ezekiel 7:13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.