Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms, the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand.

EZEKIEL 30:22KJV
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Ezekiel 30:22 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 30:22 mean?

Ezekiel 30:22 says that God is against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and will break both his strong and already broken arms, causing his sword to fall from his hand. This means God is declaring that Pharaoh’s power and ability to fight will be completely taken away.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to announce judgment on Pharaoh (the ruler of Egypt) during a time when Egypt was a major world power. The image of breaking both arms—one strong, one already broken—shows that Pharaoh’s strength is finished, and he will be left helpless, unable to defend his nation or himself. The sword falling from his hand is a picture of total defeat and loss of military power.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 30:22

  • "break" (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word means to shatter or destroy. Here, it emphasizes the total and violent removal of Pharaoh’s strength.
  • "arms" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa): In Hebrew, "arm" often stands for power or might, so breaking both arms means removing all ability to act or defend.
  • "strong" (חָזָק, chazaq): This word means strong or powerful. The mention of both the strong and the already broken arm highlights that no part of Pharaoh’s strength will remain.
  • "sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev): The sword represents military power. Forcing it to fall from Pharaoh’s hand means he will lose all ability to wage war.

Why Ezekiel 30:22 matters

  • This verse clears up that God’s judgment is not partial—He will remove all of Pharaoh’s power, not just weaken him a little.
  • The vivid language of breaking both arms connects to earlier verses in the chapter, showing a complete and final end to Egypt’s military strength.
  • Understanding the symbolism of the "arms" and "sword" helps readers see that this is about the loss of real-world power and influence, not just personal injury.

Where else these words appear

“strong” Hebrew H2389 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 3:19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
  • Deuteronomy 26:8 And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:
  • Proverbs 23:11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

“arms” 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?

“break” Hebrew H7665 · used in 145 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Psalms 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
  • Jeremiah 28:13 Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.