Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.

EZEKIEL 30:21KJV
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Ezekiel 30:21 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 30:21 mean?

Ezekiel 30:21 means that God has caused Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to lose his power, pictured as a broken arm that cannot be healed or made strong enough to fight. The verse uses the image of an injured arm that will not be bandaged or healed, showing that Egypt’s strength as a nation is permanently weakened.

In this verse, God is speaking to Ezekiel, calling him “son of man,” and telling him to declare this message about Pharaoh. The setting is a prophecy against Egypt during a time when Egypt was a powerful kingdom, but God is saying that He has broken Pharaoh’s ability to wage war (“hold the sword”). The verse uses vivid language to show that Egypt’s defeat is not temporary—there will be no recovery or restoration of its former might.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 30:21

  • “Arm” (זְרוֹעַ, zĕroaʿ): This word often stands for strength or power in the Hebrew Bible. Here, the broken arm is a symbol for Pharaoh’s lost ability to rule or defend Egypt.
  • “Broken” (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word means to shatter or break. The sense is not just injury but a decisive, crippling blow that cannot be easily repaired.
  • “Roller” (גֶּלֶד, geled): This refers to a bandage or splint used to set a broken bone. The verse emphasizes that no such healing or support will be given to Pharaoh’s arm, underlining the hopelessness of Egypt’s situation.
  • “Strong” (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to make strong or firm. The verse says Pharaoh’s arm will not be made strong again, showing the finality of Egypt’s downfall.

Why Ezekiel 30:21 matters

  • Ezekiel 30:21 clarifies that Egypt’s loss of power is not just a setback but a permanent judgment from God, not something that can be fixed with time or effort.
  • The verse uses the image of a broken arm to make the prophecy vivid and memorable, helping readers grasp the seriousness of Egypt’s coming defeat.
  • This verse connects to the larger section where God is pronouncing judgment on Egypt and other nations, showing that even the greatest earthly powers are subject to God’s will.