Ezekiel 32:17-28 · Bible study
Ezekiel 32:17-28 Commentary: Egypt's Descent to Sheol
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore Ezekiel's funeral dirge over Egypt, its dating shift, and the catalog of nations in Sheol. A study on divine judgment and humiliation.
Research Summary
- Meaning: A funeral dirge proclaiming Egypt's humiliating descent to Sheol, where it joins other fallen nations, stripped of pride and marked as uncircumcised.
- Key words: Wail, cast down, pit, Sheol, uncircumcised, slain by the sword, terror in the land of the living.
- Main debate: Whether the dating shift (15th day instead of 1st) is a textual corruption or an intentional marker of prophetic urgency.
- Theological theme: Divine sovereignty over nations; pride leads to humiliation; God's word accomplishes judgment and shapes the reality of the afterworld.
- Best use: A sobering call to humility for any nation or individual who trusts in power and beauty rather than in God.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
17In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
18“Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit:
19Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised!
20They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is appointed! Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes.
21Mighty chiefs will speak from the midst of Sheol about Egypt and her allies: ‘They have come down and lie with the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.’
22Assyria is there with her whole company; her graves are all around her. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword.
23Her graves are set in the depths of the Pit, and her company is all around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who once spread terror in the land of the living.
24Elam is there with all her multitudes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who went down uncircumcised to the earth below, who once spread their terror in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit.
25Among the slain they prepare a resting place for Elam with all her hordes, with her graves all around her. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, although their terror was once spread in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. They are placed among the slain.
26Meshech and Tubal are there with all their multitudes, with their graves all around them. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, because they spread their terror in the land of the living.
27They do not lie down with the fallen warriors of old, who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war, whose swords were placed under their heads, whose shields rested on their bones, although the terror of the mighty was once in the land of the living.
28But you too will be shattered and lie down among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.
WEB World English Bible 2000
17Also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, Yahweh’s word came to me, saying,
18“Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her and the daughters of the famous nations, to the lower parts of the earth, with those who go down into the pit.
19Whom do you pass in beauty? Go down, and be laid with the uncircumcised.
20They will fall among those who are slain by the sword. She is delivered to the sword. Draw her away with all her multitudes.
21The strong among the mighty will speak to him out of the middle of Sheol with those who help him. They have gone down. The uncircumcised lie still, slain by the sword.
22“Asshur is there with all her company. Her graves are all around her. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword,
23whose graves are set in the uttermost parts of the pit, and her company is around her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who caused terror in the land of the living.
24“There is Elam and all her multitude around her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who have gone down uncircumcised into the lower parts of the earth, who caused their terror in the land of the living, and have borne their shame with those who go down to the pit.
25They have made Elam a bed among the slain with all her multitude. Her graves are around her, all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for their terror was caused in the land of the living, and they have borne their shame with those who go down to the pit. He is put among those who are slain.
26“There is Meshech, Tubal, and all their multitude. Their graves are around them, all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for they caused their terror in the land of the living.
27They will not lie with the mighty who are fallen of the uncircumcised, who have gone down to Sheol with their weapons of war and have laid their swords under their heads. Their iniquities are on their bones; for they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.
28“But you will be broken among the uncircumcised, and will lie with those who are slain by the sword.
KJV King James Version 1769
17It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
18Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.
19Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.
20They 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.
21The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.
22Asshur is there and all her company: his graves are about him: all of them slain, fallen by the sword:
23Whose graves are set in the sides of the pit, and her company is round about her grave: all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which caused terror in the land of the living.
24There 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.
25They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword: though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of them that be slain.
26There 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.
27And they shall not lie with the mighty that are fallen of the uncircumcised, which are gone down to hell with their weapons of war: and they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities shall be upon their bones, though they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.
28Yea, thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain with the sword.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
17It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
18Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.
19Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.
20They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword; draw her away and all her multitudes.
21The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of Sheol with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie still, even the uncircumcised, slain by the sword.
22Asshur is there and all her company; her graves are round about her; all of them slain, fallen by the sword;
23whose graves are set in the uttermost parts of the pit, and her company is round about her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who caused terror in the land of the living.
24There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, who caused their terror in the land of the living, and have borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.
25They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude; her graves are round about her; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for their terror was caused in the land of the living, and they have borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of them that are slain.
26There is Meshech, Tubal, and all their multitude; their graves are round about them; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for they caused their terror in the land of the living.
27And they shall not lie with the mighty that are fallen of the uncircumcised, that are gone down to Sheol with their weapons of war, and have laid their swords under their heads, and their iniquities are upon their bones; forthey werethe terror of the mighty in the land of the living.
28But thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain by the sword.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
17And it cometh to pass, in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth of the month, hath a word of Jehovah been unto me, saying,
18`Son of man, Wail for the multitude of Egypt, And cause it to go down, It--and the daughters of honourable nations, Unto the earth--the lower parts, With those going down to the pit.
19Than whom hast thou been more pleasant? Go down, and be laid with the uncircumcised.
20In the midst of the pierced of the sword they fall, To the sword she hath been given, They drew her out, and all her multitude.
21Speak to him do the gods of the mighty out of the midst of sheol, With his helpers--they have gone down, They have lain with the uncircumcised, The pierced of the sword.
22There is Asshur, and all her assembly, Round about him are his graves, All of them are wounded, who are falling by sword,
23Whose graves are appointed in the sides of the pit, And her assembly is round about her grave, All of them wounded, falling by sword, Because they gave terror in the land of the living.
24There is Elam, and all her multitude, Round about is her grave, All of them wounded, who are falling by sword, Who have gone down uncircumcised unto the earth--the lower parts, Because they gave their terror in the land of the living, And they bear their shame with those going down to the pit.
25In the midst of the wounded they have appointed a bed for her with all her multitude, Round about him are her graves, All of them uncircumcised, pierced of the sword, For their terror was given in the land of the living, And they bear their shame with those going down to the pit, In the midst of the pierced he hath been put.
26There is Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude, Round about him are her graves, All of them uncircumcised, pierced of the sword, For they gave their terror in the land of the living,
27And they lie not with the mighty, Who are falling of the uncircumcised, Who have gone down to sheol with their weapons of war, And they put their swords under their heads, And their iniquities are on their bones, For the terror of the mighty is in the land of the living.
28And thou, in the midst of the uncircumcised art broken, And dost lie with the pierced of the sword.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
17And it came to pass in the twelfth year, on the fifteenth of the month, the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
18Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, her and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the lower parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.
19Whom dost thou surpass in beauty? Go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.
20They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword. The sword hath been given: draw her out, and all her multitudes.
21The strong among the mighty, with them that helped him, shall speak to him out of the midst of Sheol: they are gone down, they lie still, the uncircumcised, slain by the sword.
22There is Asshur and all his assemblage, his graves round about him: all of them slain, fallen by the sword;
23their graves are set in the sides of the pit, and his assemblage is round about his grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, — who caused terror in the land of the living.
24There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who are gone down uncircumcised unto the lower parts of the earth, who caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their confusion with them that go down to the pit.
25They have set him a bed in the midst of the slain, with all his multitude: their graves are round about him, all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though their terror was caused in the land of the living; and they have borne their confusion with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of them that are slain.
26There is Meshech, Tubal, and all their multitude, their graves round about them, all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.
27And they lie not with the mighty, [that are] fallen of the uncircumcised, who are gone down to Sheol with their weapons of war; and whose swords are laid under their heads, and whose iniquities are upon their bones, though they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.
28Thou also shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain with the sword.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
17And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me saying:
18Son of man, sing a mournful song for the multitude of Egypt: and cast her down, both her, and the daughters of the mighty nations to the lowest part of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.
19Whom dost thou excel in beauty? go down and sleep with the uncircumcised.
20They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain with the sword: the sword is given, they have drawn her down, and all her people.
21The most mighty among the strong ones shall speak to him from the midst of hell, they that went down with his helpers and slept uncircumcised, slain by the sword.
22Assur is there, and all his multitude: their graves are round about him, all of them slain, and that fell by the sword.
23Whose graves are set in the lowest parts of the pit: and his multitude lay round about his grave: all of them slain, and fallen by the sword, they that heretofore spread terror in the land of the living.
24There is Elam and all his multitude round about his grave, all of them slain, and fallen by the sword; that went down uncircumcised to the lowest parts of the earth: that caused their terror in the land of the living, and they have borne their shame with them that go down into the pit.
25In the midst of the slain they have set him a bed among all his people: their graves are round about him: all these are uncircumcised, and slain by the sword: for they spread their terror in the land of the living, and have borne their shame with them that descend into the pit: they are laid in the midst of the slain.
26There is Mosoch, and Thubal, and all their multitude: their graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised and slain, and fallen by the sword: though they spread their terror in the land of the living.
27And they shall not sleep with the brave, and with them that fell uncircumcised, that went down to hell with their weapons, and laid their swords under their heads, and their iniquities were in their bones, because they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.
28So thou also shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt sleep with them that are slain by the sword.
Verse in Context
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Ezekiel 32:17-28 is a funeral dirge for Egypt, continuing the theme from chapter 31. The prophecy dates to the twelfth year, twelfth month, fifteenth day, just two weeks after the previous oracle (Ezek 32:1). The prophet is called to 'wail for the multitude of Egypt' and to 'cast them down' into the netherworld, a command that, as Keil and Delitzsch note, carries its own power to accomplish what it declares. Egypt will join other fallen nations in Sheol: Assyria, Elam, Meshech and Tubal. The repeated phrase 'uncircumcised' signifies pagan impurity and shame (Barnes). The dirge uses monotonous, repetitive language to create a heavy, funereal atmosphere (Cambridge Bible). The strong among the mighty taunt Egypt from Sheol, a motif indebted to Isaiah 14:9 (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown). All commentators see this as a stark warning against national pride: Egypt's beauty or power cannot save it from the fate common to all who oppose God's purposes.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Textual variant view: Clarke and others note manuscript evidence for 'eleventh year,' suggesting the date may be corrupt.
- Intentional dating view: The precise two-week gap from the previous prophecy (Ezek 32:1) is taken as significant, emphasizing the rapid succession of judgments.
What is clear: The passage is a funeral dirge depicting Egypt's humiliating descent to Sheol alongside other fallen nations, a judgment for its pride and opposition to God.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Dating of the prophecy | The prophecy is given in the twelfth year of Jehoiachin's exile, twelfth month. | Some manuscripts and versions read 'eleventh year' or do not specify the month. Commentators like Clarke note textual variants, while others accept the date as given and see it as two weeks after the previous oracle. |
| Nature of Sheol | Sheol is depicted as a subterranean realm where the dead exist as conscious entities, preserving national identities. | Whether Sheol is purely metaphorical or reflects a developed view of the afterlife is debated. Some see it as a poetic depiction of the grave; others as a real shadowy existence. |
| Meaning of 'uncircumcised' | The term refers to non-Israelite peoples and carries strong connotations of impurity and shame. | Some commentators emphasize the ritual aspect (Barnes), while others highlight its symbolic function as a mark of God's alienation (Geneva Notes). |
| Identity of Meshech and Tubal | These are northern nations, often identified with the Moschi and Tibareni of classical sources. | Some interpreters associate them with the Scythians or other barbarian groups near the Black Sea. The exact geography remains uncertain. |
| The 'mighty' who have honorable tombs (v.27) | Verse 27 contrasts certain fallen warriors who are buried with honor (with weapons) with those who are not. | Whether the 'mighty' are a separate group (like Assyrian or Elamite kings) or the same as the uncircumcised is debated. Gill suggests that Meshech and Tubal are denied even that honor. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The date in verse 17 is precise: the twelfth year of Jehoiachin's captivity (587/586 BC), the twelfth month, the fifteenth day. Only two weeks earlier, on the first day of that same month, Ezekiel delivered a lament over Pharaoh (Ezek 32:1-16). This rapid succession of prophecies underscores the urgency of Egypt's doom. The Babylonian army was pressing its campaign against Egypt, and the prophet's words both announce and enact the fall.
The lament imagines Egypt's descent into Sheol, the Hebrew underworld. Sheol is depicted as a vast subterranean realm where dead nations have their own dwelling-places. Around the grave of each nation's ruler, considered the embodiment of the nation, lie the graves of the multitude (Cambridge Bible). This mirrors actual burial customs in the ancient Near East: kings were buried in rock-cut tombs, and their warriors were laid in surrounding niches. Clarke notes that Egyptian catacombs had such niches, and the phrase 'sides of the pit' (v.23) likely alludes to this. The reference to 'weapons of war' and 'swords under their heads' (v.27) reflects the practice of burying warriors with their arms (Gill; Barnes).
The nations listed, Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, had already fallen to Babylon or other powers. Their presence in Sheol serves as a grim precedent for Egypt. The taunt 'Whom do you surpass in beauty?' (v.19) mocks Egypt's self-glorifying pride. The entire passage is designed to strip Egypt of any hope of exceptional treatment. The 'daughters of the famous nations' (v.18) likely refer to the populations of other fallen peoples who share Egypt's humiliation (Keil & Delitzsch).
Textual Notes
Clarke notes that two of Kennicott's manuscripts, one of De Rossi's, and one of his own, along with the Syriac version, read 'eleventh year' instead of 'twelfth year' in verse 17. The month is not specified in these witnesses. The standard Hebrew text (Masoretic) reads 'twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month.' The omission of the month's name in verse 17 parallels other passages like Ezekiel 26:1. No other significant textual variants are noted in the consulted sources.
Reception History
This passage has been read throughout church history as a stark warning against national pride and a depiction of divine justice. Early Christian writers, such as Jerome, saw in Ezekiel's descent to Sheol a type of Christ's descent into hell, though the connection is indirect. Medieval commentators often used the catalog of nations to illustrate the transience of earthly empires. Protestant reformers like Matthew Henry drew homiletical lessons on the certainty of God's judgment and the folly of trusting in human power. Modern scholarship focuses on the literary structure and the theological concept of Sheol as a place where nations retain their identity in shame. The dirge's repetitive, heavy rhythm has been noted as a literary device that reinforces the inevitability of Egypt's fall.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Pride precedes the fall. Egypt's beauty and power are no defense against God's judgment. The rhetorical question 'Whom do you surpass in beauty?' forces the nation to confront the reality that others equally proud have already perished.
- Death levels all human glory. In Sheol, kings and commoners, Egyptians and foreigners, all lie together among the uncircumcised. The grave strips away every earthly distinction.
- God's word accomplishes what it declares. Ezekiel's lament is not mere poetry; it is a prophetic act that 'casts down' Egypt. The same divine word that judges also promises restoration to those who repent.
Five-point outline
- The date: a precise moment in history. The prophecy comes just two weeks after the previous oracle, showing the intensifying focus on Egypt's doom.
- The command: wail and cast down. Ezekiel's lament is both a prediction and an instrument of judgment.
- The taunt: you are not exceptional. Egypt's beauty cannot save it; it must go down with the uncircumcised.
- The company: nations fallen before. Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, all are already in Sheol. Their presence confirms Egypt's fate.
- The picture: a bed of shame among the slain. The grave is described as a bed, but one surrounded by the uncircumcised and the slain. There is no honor, only disgrace.
Illustration hooks
- A funeral procession for a once-great city: imagine a mocked funeral where the pallbearers are the leaders of nations that have already fallen. Every step reminds the mourners that death is no respecter of past glory.
- A museum of fallen empires: visitors walk past relics of Assyria, Elam, and others, each with a plaque describing their pride and their end. Egypt is the newest exhibit, its own plaque already prepared.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does God judge entire nations, or only individuals? How does this passage speak to national accountability?
- What does Sheol mean in the Old Testament, and how does it relate to our understanding of life after death today?
- How can we hear a warning like this and not fall into despair? Where is the gospel in a passage of judgment?
Leading a Discussion
This passage confronts us with the reality of divine judgment against pride and oppression. Egypt is about to fall, and the prophet's lament pictures it joining other nations in the humiliating confines of Sheol. The repeated phrase 'uncircumcised' underscores the shame of those who considered themselves superior. As you discuss, consider how human pride still blinds us to our dependence on God's mercy.
Discussion questions
- What does the precise date in verse 17 tell us about the urgency of this prophecy? (Compare with Ezek 32:1).
- Why does the prophet describe Egypt as being ‘cast down’ to the nether parts of the earth? What does that imagery communicate about God's judgment?
- The question 'Whom do you surpass in beauty?' (v.19) is a taunt. How does it expose the root of Egypt's sin?
- Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, all are already in Sheol. What purpose does this roll call of fallen nations serve for the original hearers?
- What does the repeated phrase 'uncircumcised' signify in this context? Why is it such a powerful term of shame?
- In verse 27, the warriors who are buried with their weapons are contrasted with others. What does that contrast say about the value of human glory?
- How does this passage challenge our own confidence in power, status, or national identity? What would it look like for us to repent of such pride?
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Ezekiel 1:2 | In the fifth of the month, which was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, |
| Ezekiel 31:1 | In the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, |
| Ezekiel 32:1 | In the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month, Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, |
| Ezekiel 33:21 | In the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, one who had escaped out of Jerusalem came to me, saying, “The city has been defeated!” |
| Psalms 30:9 | “What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth? |
| Psalms 63:9 | But those who seek my soul to destroy it shall go into the lower parts of the earth. |
| Isaiah 14:15 | Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the depths of the pit. |
| Isaiah 16:9 | Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah. I will water you with my tears, Heshbon, and Elealeh: for on your summer fruits and on your harvest the battle shout has fallen. |
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
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What the Commentators Say
6 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke reads Ezekiel's vision as a literal descent into the grave, grounding Sheol in the actual catacombs of Egypt. He points out that warriors were buried with their weapons, and the "sides of the pit" refer to the niches in ancient burial caves. This historical framing makes the prophecy vividly concrete.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes reads this passage as a funeral dirge that strips Egypt and other pagan nations of any claim to honor. He notes that calling them the uncircumcised marks them as impure. Their warrior burials with swords under their heads do not hide the fact that their sins follow them into the grave.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill stresses that Egypt's downfall strips away every illusion of distinction. The nation that judged itself superior will be thrown into common graves with the uncircumcised, treated no better than the vilest sinners. Other fallen empires like Assyria and Elam will mock Pharaoh, showing that pride and terror in life mean nothing in death.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch see this lamentation as an elegy not simply for Egypt but for all heathen world-powers. The prophet's funeral-song itself has power because it is God's word, which accomplishes what it utters. Egypt is hurled down to join other fallen nations already in Sheol, receiving the same fate as those no more lovely than herself.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry highlights that Egypt, despite its former glory and the terror it once inspired, shares the same dishonorable end as other proud nations. All of them lie uncircumcised among the slain in the pit, stripped of their earthly power. The repeated phrase "though they caused their terror" drives home that worldly might cannot secure honor in death.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley emphasizes that Ezekiel strips Egypt of its hope for a dignified burial among the pyramids. Instead, the prophet provides them a common grave with ordinary people, among the uncircumcised they despised. The same fate awaits all proud nations: Assyria, Elam, and Scythia alike lie undistinguished in the dust.