By the swords of the mighty will I cause thy multitude to fall, the terrible of the nations, all of them: and they shall spoil the pomp of Egypt, and all the multitude thereof shall be destroyed.

EZEKIEL 32:12KJV
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Ezekiel 32:12 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 32:12 mean?

Ezekiel 32:12 says that God will cause the people of Egypt to be defeated by powerful foreign warriors, who will destroy Egypt’s pride and leave its people in ruins. The verse describes a coming judgment where Egypt’s greatness will be humbled by invaders.

The prophet Ezekiel is speaking God’s message to Egypt, warning them of an approaching disaster. The “swords of the mighty” refers to strong armies from other nations, called “the terrible of the nations,” who will conquer Egypt. This prophecy is part of a larger section where Ezekiel announces God’s judgment against Egypt for its arrogance and opposition to Israel.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 32:12

  • “Swords” (חֶרֶב, cherev): This word points to literal weapons of war, emphasizing that Egypt’s downfall will come through violent conquest, not just natural disaster or internal collapse.
  • “Mighty” (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): This word means strong or powerful men, highlighting that Egypt will fall to formidable, fearsome warriors.
  • “Terrible” (עָרִיץ, aritz): This term means ruthless or terrifying, underlining the fierceness and reputation of the invading nations.
  • “Pomp” (גָּאוֹן, ga’on): This word refers to pride, majesty, or arrogance. The verse stresses that not just Egypt’s people, but its sense of grandeur and self-importance, will be brought low.

Why Ezekiel 32:12 matters

  • Ezekiel 32:12 clarifies that Egypt’s defeat is not random but a deliberate act of judgment by God, using foreign armies as His instrument.
  • The verse highlights the theme of pride being humbled, which is a recurring message in Ezekiel’s prophecies against powerful nations.
  • Understanding the original words for “mighty,” “terrible,” and “pomp” shows that the warning is not just about military loss, but about the shattering of Egypt’s reputation and self-image among the nations.

Where else these words appear

“terrible” Hebrew H6184 · used in 20 verses

  • Job 6:23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?
  • Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
  • Isaiah 29:20 For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:

“pomp” 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,

“spoil” Hebrew H7703 · used in 47 verses

  • Judges 5:27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
  • Jeremiah 4:20 Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.
  • Jeremiah 48:32 O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach even to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage.

“multitude” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
  • Ezekiel 7:13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.