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.

Where else these words appear

“healed” Hebrew H7499 · used in 3 verses

  • Jeremiah 30:13 There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines.
  • Jeremiah 46:11 Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.

“up” Hebrew H2280 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 22:3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
  • 1 Kings 13:13 And he said unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass: and he rode thereon,
  • Isaiah 3:7 In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.

“hold” Hebrew H8610 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
  • Jeremiah 49:16 Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

“arm” Hebrew H2220 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Job 38:15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
  • Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?