Ezekiel 29:14

KJV

And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return [into] the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will bring again {H7725} the captivity {H7622} of Egypt {H4714}, and will cause them to return {H7725} into the land {H776} of Pathros {H6624}, into the land {H776} of their habitation {H4351}; and they shall be there a base {H8217} kingdom {H4467}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will restore the fortunes of Egypt and cause them to return to the land of their origin, Patros. But there they will be a humble kingdom,

Berean Standard Bible

I will restore Egypt from captivity and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom.

American Standard Version

and I will bring back the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:14 prophesies a future, limited restoration for ancient Egypt after a period of severe desolation. While the Egyptians are promised a return to their ancestral land, this return is explicitly conditioned on a permanent reduction of their national power and influence, ensuring they would never again rise to their former imperial glory but would remain a "base kingdom" among the nations. This declaration underscores God's sovereign control over the destinies of all nations, demonstrating His justice and His precise fulfillment of prophetic declarations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a series of divine pronouncements against foreign nations, specifically targeting Egypt in [Ezekiel chapters 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel's Prophecies Against Egypt"). These prophecies immediately follow God's judgments against Judah and Jerusalem, highlighting that God's sovereignty extends beyond His covenant people to all earthly powers. [Ezekiel 29:1-16](/ezekiel/29-1 "Ezekiel 29:1-16 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh") focuses on Pharaoh Hophra and the land of Egypt, condemning their pride and their unreliability as an ally for Israel, likened to a "broken reed" in [Ezekiel 29:7](/ezekiel/29-7 "Ezekiel 29:7 - Egypt as a Broken Reed"). The preceding verses, particularly [Ezekiel 29:11-12](/ezekiel/29-11 "Ezekiel 29:11-12 - Forty Years of Desolation"), detail a forty-year period of desolation for Egypt, during which it would be uninhabited and its people scattered. Verse 14 then introduces a surprising element of partial restoration after this severe judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile of Judah, primarily in the early 6th century BC (c. 593-571 BC). At this time, Egypt was a formidable regional power, often tempting Judah to seek its alliance against the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire. Pharaoh Hophra (Apries) was the reigning monarch, known for his attempts to reassert Egyptian influence in the Levant. However, God, through Ezekiel, consistently warned Judah against trusting in Egypt, emphasizing that Egypt's strength was fleeting and its pride would lead to its downfall. The mention of "Pathros" (Upper Egypt) grounds the prophecy in the specific geography and ancestral lands of the Egyptians, indicating a literal return to their historical place of origin, albeit under new conditions.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 29:14](/ezekiel/29-14 "Ezekiel 29:14 - Egypt's Restoration as a Base Kingdom") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate arbiter of the rise and fall of empires, as seen similarly in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Judgment and Humiliation** for national pride and opposition to God's purposes. Egypt's reduction to a "base kingdom" is a direct consequence of its arrogance and its historical antagonism towards God's people, serving as a stark reminder that "pride goeth before destruction" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Partial Restoration**, a nuanced aspect of God's justice that, while severe, often includes a measure of mercy. Unlike some nations prophesied for complete annihilation, Egypt is granted a return, but one that permanently diminishes its geopolitical status, ensuring it would no longer be a source of false hope or a snare for Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **captivity (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwth'_):** This term (H7622) refers to exile or prisoners, but can also figuratively denote a former state of prosperity. In this context, it refers to the state of being taken away from their land, implying a loss of freedom and national identity, which God promises to "bring again" or reverse.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** The verb (H7725) is a primitive root meaning "to turn back" or "to retreat," often used adverbially for "again." Here, it signifies God's active role in bringing the scattered Egyptians back to their homeland, reversing their exiled state. It emphasizes a divine initiative in their restoration.
* **base (Hebrew, _shâphâl'_):** This adjective (H8217) means "depressed," "humble," or "low." When applied to a kingdom, it signifies a permanent reduction in status, power, and influence. It's not merely a temporary setback but a fundamental and lasting demotion from its historical position as a dominant empire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt":** This clause declares God's direct, sovereign action in reversing the exiled state of the Egyptians. After the prophesied desolation and scattering, God Himself will orchestrate their return, demonstrating His control over their destiny.
* **"and will cause them to return [into] the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation":** This specifies the destination of their return: Pathros, which is Upper Egypt, and generally "the land of their habitation," their ancestral homeland. This detail emphasizes that the return is to their historical roots, affirming their ethnic identity and connection to their land, even after judgment.
* **"and they shall be there a base kingdom":** This crucial phrase defines the nature of their restored state. They will be "base" (low, humble, abased), signifying a permanent reduction in their geopolitical standing. Egypt would never again achieve its former imperial dominance, serving as a perpetual testament to God's judgment and His control over the nations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Oracle** is evident in the repeated use of "I will," emphasizing God as the direct speaker and actor, asserting His absolute authority over the nations. There is a strong use of **Contrast** between Egypt's historical imperial glory and its prophesied future as a "base kingdom," highlighting the dramatic reversal of fortune ordained by God. The phrase "base kingdom" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a political state but a theological truth about the consequences of national pride and opposition to God's will. Furthermore, the detailed geographical reference to "the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation" serves as **Specific Prophecy**, lending credibility and precision to the divine word, demonstrating that God's plans are concrete and historically verifiable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:14 profoundly illustrates God's unchallengeable sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. It reveals a God who orchestrates the rise and fall of empires, demonstrating that no earthly power can ultimately defy His will or escape His judgment. While Egypt faced severe judgment for its pride and its role as a deceptive ally to God's people, the promise of a return, even to a diminished status, showcases God's complex character, balancing His righteous justice with a measure of mercy. This partial restoration ensures that Egypt, while no longer a dominant world power, would continue to exist, serving as a perpetual object lesson in divine judgment and the reliability of God's prophetic word. It underscores that God's purposes are ultimately achieved, whether through judgment that brings low or through a limited restoration that redefines.

* [Isaiah 19:22](/isaiah/19-22 "Isaiah 19:22 - The Lord will strike Egypt and heal them")
* [Jeremiah 46:26](/jeremiah/46-26 "Jeremiah 46:26 - Egypt delivered to Nebuchadnezzar")
* [Zechariah 10:11](/zechariah/10-11 "Zechariah 10:11 - The pride of Assyria brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will depart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:14 offers profound lessons for individuals and nations alike. Firstly, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty. Just as He determined the fate of ancient Egypt, so too does He hold the destinies of all nations and individuals in His hands. This truth should inspire awe and humble submission, recognizing that our ultimate security and hope rest not in earthly powers or personal achievements, but in the Almighty God. Secondly, Egypt's demotion from a proud empire to a "base kingdom" is a stark warning against pride and self-sufficiency. Whether individually or corporately, when we exalt ourselves against God or rely solely on our own strength, we invite His humbling hand. True flourishing comes from acknowledging our dependence on Him and living in humility. Finally, the precise fulfillment of this ancient prophecy, observed throughout history, reinforces the unwavering reliability of God's Word. We can trust that His promises and warnings, whether concerning judgment or salvation, will ultimately come to pass. This should encourage us to build our lives on the firm foundation of His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's sovereignty over nations, as demonstrated in Ezekiel 29:14, shape your perspective on current global events?**
* **In what areas of your own life might you be prone to pride or self-reliance, and how can you cultivate greater humility before God?**
* **What specific promises or warnings from God's Word do you need to trust more deeply, in light of the historical fulfillment of prophecies like this one?**

### FAQ

**What does "base kingdom" mean for Egypt's future?**

Answer: The phrase "base kingdom" (Hebrew: *shâphâl mamlâkâh*) signifies a permanent and significant reduction in Egypt's geopolitical status and influence. It does not mean complete annihilation or uninhabited desolation forever, but rather that Egypt would never again rise to its former imperial dominance, such as it held during the times of the Pharaohs. Historically, Egypt has remained inhabited and influential regionally, but it has never regained the status of a world-dominating empire like Babylon, Persia, Greece, or Rome. This prophecy underscores God's control over the rise and fall of nations, ensuring that Egypt would no longer be a source of false hope or a formidable threat to God's people.

**Has this prophecy about Egypt's diminished status been fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, historical observation strongly supports the fulfillment of this prophecy. After the period of desolation and subsequent return, Egypt never again achieved the imperial power it once wielded. It fell under the successive rule of various foreign empires—Persian, Greek (Ptolemaic), Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and British—before regaining a degree of independence in modern times. While it has often been a significant regional player, it has consistently remained a "base kingdom" in comparison to its ancient glory, never again dictating terms to the major world powers as it once did. This enduring state of diminished global influence stands as a testament to the accuracy of God's prophetic word in [Ezekiel 29:14](/ezekiel/29-14 "Ezekiel 29:14 - Egypt's Restoration as a Base Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 29:14 primarily concerns the judgment and partial restoration of an earthly nation, it profoundly illuminates the nature of God's kingdom and the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. The prophecy of Egypt becoming a "base kingdom" serves as a stark contrast to the kingdom of God, which, though often appearing humble and "base" in its earthly beginnings (as seen in the birth of Christ in [Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus Born in a Manger")), is destined for ultimate, eternal glory and dominion ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Son of Man Given Dominion")). God's sovereign control over Egypt's destiny foreshadows His ultimate plan for all nations to be brought under the reign of His Son, Jesus Christ. The judgment on Egypt for its pride and self-sufficiency points to the necessity of humility and repentance for all humanity to enter God's kingdom ([Matthew 18:4](/matthew/18-4 "Matthew 18:4 - Who is Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven")). Furthermore, the "return from captivity" for Egypt, albeit to a diminished state, can be seen as a shadow of the far greater spiritual "return" or liberation from the captivity of sin and death that Christ offers to all who believe ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness, Transferred to Kingdom")). Ultimately, Christ is the true King, establishing a kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")), whose reign will never be "base" but will be exalted above all, drawing people from every nation into His glorious and eternal dominion ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God")).

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 30:14

And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in No.

Isaiah 11:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Jeremiah 44:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

1 Chronicles 1:12

And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim.

Genesis 10:14

And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.