When I shall make the land of Egypt desolate, and the country shall be destitute of that whereof it was full, when I shall smite all them that dwell therein, then shall they know that I am the LORD.

EZEKIEL 32:15KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 32:15 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 32:15 mean?

Ezekiel 32:15 says that when God makes Egypt’s land empty and its people and resources are gone, the Egyptians will finally recognize that He is the LORD. The verse describes a time of complete devastation as a way for the people to understand God’s power and identity.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Egypt, warning them of coming judgment. The historical setting is after Egypt’s pride and strength have led them away from recognizing God. The verse is part of a larger prophecy where God explains that Egypt’s downfall will show everyone, especially the Egyptians themselves, who truly rules over nations.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 32:15

  • "Desolate" (שְׁמָמָה, shemamah) means a state of utter emptiness or ruin. This word emphasizes that the land will not just be damaged, but left completely barren.
  • "Destitute" (שָׁמֵם, shamem) carries the sense of being laid waste or astonished by destruction. The word often includes the idea of shock or horror at how empty something has become.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yada‘) means more than just intellectual awareness; it often refers to a deep recognition or acknowledgment, especially of God’s authority.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting that it is Israel’s God, not Egypt’s gods, who is acting.

Why Ezekiel 32:15 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God’s actions are not just punishment, but a way to reveal Himself to people who have ignored Him.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing that Egypt’s downfall is not random, but part of God’s plan to make Himself known among the nations.
  • The use of strong words for emptiness and knowing shows the total change God intends, both in Egypt’s condition and in their understanding of who He is.

Where else these words appear

“full” Hebrew H4393 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 48:19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
  • 1 Samuel 28:20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
  • Isaiah 8:8 And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

“desolate” Hebrew H8077 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 23:29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
  • Jeremiah 44:6 Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day.
  • Ezekiel 35:3 And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate.

“destitute” Hebrew H8074 · used in 87 verses

  • Leviticus 26:22 I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.
  • Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 27:35 All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance.