There be the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

EZEKIEL 32:30KJV
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Ezekiel 32:30 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 32:30 mean?

Ezekiel 32:30 describes how the princes of the north and the Zidonians, once powerful and feared, now lie among the dead, disgraced and powerless, having been killed and buried with those who fell by the sword. The verse emphasizes that their former strength and terror now bring them shame as they share the same fate as others who have gone down to the grave.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to lament the downfall of various nations that opposed Israel, listing them as examples of those who have met judgment. The verse specifically points to leaders from the north and the city of Sidon (Zidonians), showing that even the mightiest are not exempt from death and disgrace when judged by God.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 32:30

  • "princes" (נָשִׂיאִים, nasi'im): This word refers to leaders or rulers, highlighting that those who were once in authority are now brought low.
  • "terror" (חִתִּיתָם, chittitam): This word means fear or terror, often describing the dread these nations inspired in others; here, it is turned back on them as a source of their shame.
  • "uncircumcised" (עָרֵלִים, arelim): This term was used by Israelites to describe those outside their covenant community, underlining the separation and disgrace of these fallen leaders.
  • "pit" (בּוֹר, bor): This word refers to a grave or the underworld, emphasizing the finality and humiliation of their fate.

Why Ezekiel 32:30 matters

  • Ezekiel 32:30 clarifies that no amount of earthly power or reputation can protect against divine judgment, as even the most feared rulers end up powerless in death.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Ezekiel 32, where multiple nations are shown as examples of pride brought low, reinforcing the message of God's sovereignty over all peoples.
  • By naming specific groups like the Zidonians and princes of the north, the verse roots its warning in real historical enemies, making the message concrete for Ezekiel's original audience.

Where else these words appear

“princes” Hebrew H5257 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:38 Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
  • Joshua 13:21 And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.
  • Daniel 11:8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.

“terror” Hebrew H2851 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezekiel 26:17 And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it!
  • Ezekiel 32:24 There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.
  • Ezekiel 32:26 There is Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.

“Zidonians” Hebrew H6722 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:9 ( Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)
  • Judges 10:12 The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
  • 1 Kings 11:33 Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.

“shame” Hebrew H3639 · used in 29 verses

  • Job 20:3 I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
  • Isaiah 30:3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
  • Ezekiel 16:63 That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.