They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes.

EZEKIEL 32:20KJV
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Ezekiel 32:20 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 32:20 mean?

Ezekiel 32:20 describes how a group of people, represented as a woman and her multitudes, will be killed by the sword and counted among those already slain. The verse uses the image of being delivered over to death in battle, emphasizing that they will share the same fate as others who have fallen.

In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is speaking God’s message to Egypt, warning them of coming judgment. The verse is part of a larger lament over Egypt’s downfall, using vivid language to show that Egypt and its people will be brought down like other nations before them. The imagery is meant to highlight the certainty and completeness of their defeat.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 32:20

  • "fall" (נָפַל, naphal): This word means to fall or be slain, often used for dying in battle. Here, it stresses that Egypt’s fate is to be counted among the dead, not spared or set apart.
  • "midst" (תָּוֶךְ, tavek): This means "in the middle of" or "among." It shows that Egypt will not be treated differently but will be right in the center of those already killed.
  • "multitudes" (הָמוֹן, hamon): This word means a great crowd or mass of people. It underscores that it’s not just a few individuals, but a vast number who will share this fate.

Why Ezekiel 32:20 matters

  • Ezekiel 32:20 makes clear that Egypt, once a powerful nation, will experience the same downfall as other nations judged by God, removing any sense of special protection or exception.
  • The verse connects Egypt’s fate to a larger pattern in Ezekiel, where several nations are described as falling under God’s judgment, showing that no nation is beyond accountability.
  • The strong imagery of being "delivered to the sword" and joining the slain helps the reader grasp the seriousness of the warning and the completeness of the coming judgment.

Where else these words appear

“draw” Hebrew H4900 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
  • Nehemiah 9:30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
  • Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:

“multitudes” 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.

“slain” Hebrew H2491 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:22 For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.
  • Ezekiel 9:7 And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.