Thus saith the LORD; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, saith the Lord GOD.

EZEKIEL 30:6KJV
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What does Ezekiel 30:6 mean?

Ezekiel 30:6 says that everyone who supports Egypt will be defeated, and Egypt’s pride and strength will be brought low; from the far south (Syene) to the rest of the land, people will fall by the sword as God has declared. The verse is a warning that Egypt and its allies cannot escape coming judgment and destruction.

In this verse, God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel to announce that not only Egypt but also those who rely on her will fall. The setting is a prophecy against Egypt during a time when Egypt was a powerful nation, but God is declaring that its power and pride will not save it. The mention of Syene, a city at Egypt’s southern border, shows that the whole land—from end to end—will face this disaster.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 30:6

  • "uphold" (סָמַךְ, samakh): This word means to support or lean on. Here, it refers to those who depend on Egypt or help to keep Egypt strong, showing that not just Egypt but also its allies will fall.
  • "pride" (גָּאוֹן, ga’on): This word points to arrogance or a sense of greatness. The verse highlights that Egypt’s sense of superiority and confidence in its power will be humbled.
  • "tower" (מִגְדָּל, migdal) and "Syene" (סְוֵנֵה, Seweneh): These place names mark the southernmost part of Egypt, emphasizing that the coming judgment will cover the entire nation, from its borders inward.

Why Ezekiel 30:6 matters

  • Ezekiel 30:6 makes it clear that God’s judgment is not limited to Egypt alone but includes all who rely on her, correcting any idea that alliances or strength can provide security against God’s will.
  • The verse stresses that even Egypt’s pride and power, which seemed unshakable, will be brought down, showing that no nation is beyond accountability.
  • By naming Syene, the verse connects to the wider prophecy in Ezekiel 30, which describes a sweeping judgment from one end of Egypt to the other, reinforcing the totality of the coming disaster.

Where else these words appear

“Syene” Hebrew H5482 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezekiel 29:10 Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.

“tower” Hebrew H4024 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 14:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.
  • 2 Samuel 22:51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.
  • Jeremiah 46:14 Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.

“pride” Hebrew H1347 · used in 45 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.
  • Isaiah 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
  • Ezekiel 16:56 For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride,

“uphold” Hebrew H5564 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 27:37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?
  • Leviticus 8:22 And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.
  • Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.