Ezekiel 29:11

KJV

No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.

KJV (with Strong's)

No foot {H7272} of man {H120} shall pass through {H5674} it, nor foot {H7272} of beast {H929} shall pass through {H5674} it, neither shall it be inhabited {H3427} forty {H705} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No human foot will pass through it, and no animal foot will pass through it; it will be uninhabited for forty years.

Berean Standard Bible

No foot of man or beast will pass through, and it will be uninhabited for forty years.

American Standard Version

No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:11 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against Egypt, declaring an unparalleled period of desolation for the land. For forty years, the nation would be utterly uninhabited and impassable, devoid of both human and animal presence, symbolizing a comprehensive and prolonged humiliation at the hand of God. This prophetic declaration underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the severe consequences of national pride and unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 29:11 is embedded within a series of prophecies against foreign nations, specifically targeting Egypt, which spans [Ezekiel chapters 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh and Egypt"). The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh and Egypt") introduce Pharaoh, king of Egypt, as a "great dragon" or "crocodile" (Hebrew: _tannin_) in the Nile, whose pride and self-exaltation are the primary reasons for God's impending judgment (see [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh, the great dragon")). The prophecy details God's intention to drag Pharaoh out of the Nile and leave him and his nation desolate. Verse 11 specifically elaborates on the extent and duration of this desolation, emphasizing its absolute nature as a consequence of Egypt's treachery and unreliable alliance with Israel, often likened to a "staff of reed" that would pierce the hand of those who leaned on it, as mentioned in [Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt, a staff of reed") and [Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt as a broken reed").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy (around 587-586 BC), Judah was caught between the rising power of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar and its traditional, but often unreliable, ally Egypt. The Judean kings frequently sought military aid from Egypt against the Mesopotamian empires, despite prophetic warnings against such alliances (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to rebellious children who go down to Egypt")). Egypt, with its ancient civilization, powerful army, and the life-giving Nile, considered itself impregnable and superior. Pharaoh Hophra (Apries) was the reigning king of Egypt during this period, known for his arrogance. The judgment described in Ezekiel 29:11 likely refers to the devastation wrought by Nebuchadnezzar's subsequent campaigns against Egypt, which, while not leading to complete depopulation, certainly resulted in significant periods of subjugation, economic ruin, and a loss of national sovereignty, fitting the description of a land "not inhabited" in its former glory or independence.

* **Key Themes:** The prophecy in [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh and Egypt"), and particularly verse 11, powerfully articulates several core biblical themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Desolation**, portraying God's righteous wrath against national pride and unfaithfulness, leading to comprehensive ruin. The imagery of no human or animal foot passing through signifies utter devastation and abandonment. Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that Yahweh is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme ruler of all kingdoms, raising and bringing down empires according to His divine will and justice. Pharaoh's self-exaltation is directly challenged by God's declaration, "I am against you, Pharaoh" ([Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - God's declaration against Pharaoh")). Finally, the passage speaks to the **Consequences of Pride and Unreliability**, as Egypt's arrogance and its failure to be a trustworthy ally to God's people brought about this severe and prolonged period of national humiliation and subjugation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **foot (Hebrew, _regel'_):** From H7272, meaning a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step. In this context, "no foot" emphasizes the absolute cessation of movement, traffic, and life. It denotes a complete absence of passage, signifying that the land will be utterly deserted and impassable, a wasteland devoid of any living presence, human or animal.
* **pass through (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, a primitive root meaning to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative). Here, it signifies the inability of anyone or anything to traverse or move through the land. This reinforces the idea of extreme desolation, not just that the land is uninhabited, but that it is so desolate as to be impassable, indicating a state of complete abandonment and ruin.
* **inhabited (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain. This word directly addresses the state of habitation. The declaration that it "shall not be inhabited" means that people will not settle, live, or reside there. This points to a complete depopulation or abandonment, rendering the land a desolate wilderness for the specified duration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"No foot of man shall pass through it,"**: This clause initiates the prophecy of utter desolation, specifically targeting human presence. It signifies that the land will be so ravaged and uninhabitable that no human being will be able to traverse it, let alone reside there. This implies a complete cessation of human activity, trade, and daily life.
* **"nor foot of beast shall pass through it,"**: Following the reference to humanity, this clause extends the scope of desolation to the animal kingdom. It emphasizes that even animals, which often inhabit desolate places, will not be found passing through or living in this land. This further intensifies the imagery of absolute barrenness and lifelessness, painting a picture of an ecological wasteland.
* **"neither shall it be inhabited forty years."**: This final clause specifies both the nature and duration of the judgment. "Neither shall it be inhabited" reiterates the complete absence of dwelling, confirming the depopulation and abandonment. The "forty years" provides a precise, biblically symbolic timeframe, indicating a prolonged and significant period of judgment, purification, and national humiliation, after which a restoration, albeit diminished, might occur.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:11 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the severity of God's judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the absolute statement "No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it," which exaggerates the extent of desolation to emphasize its comprehensive and unprecedented nature. While not literally meaning zero passage, it conveys an extreme and overwhelming emptiness. **Repetition** of the phrase "foot... shall pass through it" for both man and beast serves to underscore the thoroughness of the impending judgment, reinforcing the idea that no living thing will traverse or settle in the land. Furthermore, the specific mention of "forty years" functions as **Symbolism**, drawing on a common biblical motif where this duration represents a period of testing, judgment, or purification (e.g., the wilderness wandering of Israel). This symbolic period highlights the divine decree's certainty and measured nature, indicating a time of national humiliation and recovery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:11 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God's sovereignty extends over all nations, not just Israel. The divine judgment against Egypt serves as a powerful reminder that pride, self-sufficiency, and unfaithfulness to God's purposes, especially in how nations treat His people, will inevitably incur divine wrath. This prophecy demonstrates God's justice in holding even the most powerful empires accountable, revealing that worldly strength and alliances are ultimately fleeting and unreliable compared to the steadfastness of the Almighty. The desolation described is a physical manifestation of spiritual abandonment, a consequence of turning away from the true source of blessing and stability.

* [Numbers 14:33](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - Forty years of wandering in the wilderness")
* [Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt as a broken staff of reed")
* [Jeremiah 46:26](/jeremiah/46-26 "Jeremiah 46:26 - Egypt delivered into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:11 serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in human power, national strength, or worldly alliances. Just as ancient Egypt, a formidable empire, faced a period of profound desolation due to its pride and unreliability, so too can individuals and societies experience consequences when they prioritize self-reliance over divine providence. This verse calls believers to a deeper reliance on God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereignty, rather than the fleeting strength of human achievements or political maneuvering. It reminds us that true security and flourishing come from aligning with God's will and acknowledging His supreme authority over all creation. Our trust should be solely in the Lord, for He alone is the steadfast rock in a world of shifting sands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or our society might we be placing trust in "staffs of reed" rather than in God's unfailing strength?**
* **How does the judgment on Egypt's pride challenge my own tendencies towards self-sufficiency or arrogance?**
* **What does the "forty years" of desolation teach us about the nature of God's discipline and His purposes for purification?**
* **How can I better live out a reliance on God's sovereignty in my daily decisions and long-term plans?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "forty years" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The period of "forty years" holds significant biblical symbolism, often representing a generation, a time of testing, purification, or divine judgment. For instance, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for [forty years as a consequence of their disobedience](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - Forty years of wandering"). In Ezekiel 29:11, it denotes a specific, prolonged period of Egypt's weakness, subjugation, and national humiliation. This duration emphasizes the certainty and measured nature of God's decree, indicating a time of recovery from the devastating impact of Babylonian invasions and a period during which Egypt would be unable to exert its former influence or pride. It signifies a complete, divinely ordained cycle of judgment and subsequent, albeit diminished, restoration.

**Why was Egypt judged so severely by God?**

Answer: Egypt's severe judgment, as detailed in [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Egypt") and [Ezekiel 30](/ezekiel/30 "Ezekiel 30 - Further Prophecy Against Egypt"), was primarily due to its profound pride and self-exaltation, particularly personified by Pharaoh, who boasted of creating the Nile (see [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's boast")). Furthermore, Egypt consistently proved to be an unreliable and treacherous ally to God's people, Israel, often leading them astray from trusting in the Lord (as seen in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")). This unfaithfulness, combined with its idolatry and opposition to God's plans, incurred divine wrath. God's judgment demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to upholding justice against those who defy Him and mislead His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 29:11 speaks of a specific historical judgment on Egypt, its profound themes of divine sovereignty, ultimate desolation of opposing powers, and the consequences of pride find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The temporary desolation of Egypt foreshadows the definitive and eternal judgment that Christ, as the righteous King, will execute upon all powers, principalities, and nations that set themselves against God. Just as no foot of man or beast would pass through the desolate land of Egypt, so too will every rebellious power and every vestige of sin be utterly removed and rendered uninhabitable in the new heavens and new earth (see [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Christ's victory on the cross disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual adversaries (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The "forty years" of Egypt's judgment, a period of purification and humbling, points to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ's final reign, where all opposition will be brought to nothing, and His kingdom will endure forever, a realm where sin and rebellion can never "pass through" or "inhabit" (see [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Rider on the White Horse")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 32:13

I will destroy also all the beasts thereof from beside the great waters; neither shall the foot of man trouble them any more, nor the hoofs of beasts trouble them.

Jeremiah 43:11

And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, [and deliver] such [as are] for death to death; and such [as are] for captivity to captivity; and such [as are] for the sword to the sword.

Jeremiah 43:12

And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.

Jeremiah 29:10

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

2 Chronicles 36:21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Ezekiel 31:12

And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.

Ezekiel 36:28

And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.