And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.

EZEKIEL 30:4KJV
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Ezekiel 30:4 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 30:4 mean?

Ezekiel 30:4 predicts that Egypt will be attacked by the sword, causing great suffering not only in Egypt but also in Ethiopia (Cush), as many people in Egypt will be killed, their population taken away, and the very foundations of their society destroyed. This verse describes a coming disaster that will deeply affect both Egypt and its neighboring regions.

The prophet Ezekiel is speaking God’s message to the people, warning them about a coming judgment against Egypt. This warning is part of a larger prophecy where Ezekiel announces that Egypt, a powerful nation at the time, will face invasion and collapse. The mention of Ethiopia (Cush) shows that the consequences of Egypt’s downfall will ripple out to other nations connected to it.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 30:4

  • "Sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev): This word often refers to war or violent conflict, not just a literal blade. Here, it points to an invading army bringing destruction.
  • "Pain" (חִיל, chil): This word carries the sense of anguish or severe distress, often used for labor pains or terror. It emphasizes the depth of suffering that will reach even Ethiopia.
  • "Multitude" (הָמוֹן, hamon): This term means a great crowd or population. The verse warns that Egypt’s large population will be taken away, highlighting the scale of the disaster.
  • "Foundations" (יְסוֹד, yesod): This word refers to the base or support of something. Saying Egypt’s foundations will be broken down means the very structure of the nation—its stability and strength—will collapse.

Why Ezekiel 30:4 matters

  • Ezekiel 30:4 clarifies that the judgment on Egypt is not just a local event; it will have far-reaching effects, especially on neighboring nations like Ethiopia (Cush).
  • The verse emphasizes the totality of the coming disaster: not only will many be killed, but Egypt’s society and stability will be shattered.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme in Ezekiel 30, where God’s judgment is portrayed as thorough and unavoidable, warning both Egypt and those who rely on it.

Where else these words appear

“pain” Hebrew H2479 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 21:3 Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.
  • Ezekiel 30:9 In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.
  • Nahum 2:10 She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.

“foundations” Hebrew H3247 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 29:12 And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.
  • Leviticus 5:9 And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering.
  • Job 22:16 Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood:

“Ethiopia” Hebrew H3568 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 2:13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
  • Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
  • Isaiah 37:9 And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,

“down” Hebrew H2040 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Psalms 28:5 Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
  • Jeremiah 45:4 Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus; Behold, that which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land.