Ezekiel 29:3

KJV

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696}, and say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, the great {H1419} dragon {H8577} that lieth {H7257} in the midst {H8432} of his rivers {H2975}, which hath said {H559}, My river {H2975} is mine own, and I have made {H6213} it for myself.

Complete Jewish Bible

speak out; and say that Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, you big crocodile lying in the streams of the Nile! You say, "My Nile is mine; I made it for myself."

Berean Standard Bible

Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, O great monster who lies among his rivers, who says, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it myself.’

American Standard Version

speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster that lieth in the midst of his rivers, that hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:3 initiates a divine judgment against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and by extension, the entire nation, portraying him as a formidable "great dragon" lying amidst his rivers. This powerful prophetic declaration exposes Pharaoh's profound hubris and self-deification, as he audaciously claims creative ownership over the Nile River, the very source of Egypt's life and prosperity, asserting, "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself." The verse starkly contrasts human arrogance with the Lord GOD's absolute sovereignty, setting the stage for the impending divine reckoning against Egypt's perceived invincibility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening declaration of a series of seven prophecies against Egypt, spanning [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Egypt") through [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Further Prophecies Against Egypt"). These oracles are dated from the tenth to the twelfth year of Ezekiel's exile, placing them chronologically after the prophecies against Tyre and Sidon (Ezekiel 26-28) but before the final fall of Jerusalem. The immediate context of [Ezekiel 29:1-16](/ezekiel/29-1 "Ezekiel 29:1-16 - Judgment on Pharaoh and Egypt") focuses specifically on Pharaoh and the Nile, establishing the central charges of pride and self-sufficiency before detailing the consequences of Egypt's impending desolation and its role as an unreliable "reed" for Israel ([Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Ezekiel's ministry (c. 593-571 BC), Judah was caught between the rising Babylonian empire and the declining, yet still formidable, Egyptian empire. Pharaoh Hophra (Apries, 589-570 BC) was the reigning king of Egypt, who often offered false hope and military support to Judah against Babylon, only to prove unreliable. Egypt's prosperity, indeed its very existence, was inextricably linked to the Nile River, which annually flooded, depositing fertile silt and providing irrigation for agriculture, transportation, and sustenance. This profound dependence on the Nile, coupled with Egypt's long history of wealth and power, fostered a deep-seated national and royal pride. Pharaoh's boast in [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Arrogance") reflects this cultural reality, where the king, often considered a divine figure or a son of a god, would attribute the nation's blessings and the Nile's generative power to his own might and wisdom, rather than to the true Creator.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Arrogance and God's Sovereignty") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Confrontation and Judgment** against arrogant earthly powers. The declaration "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee" unequivocally asserts God's direct and authoritative opposition to any ruler or nation that defies His sovereignty, echoing similar judgments against Tyre ([Ezekiel 26:3](/ezekiel/26-3 "Ezekiel 26:3 - God Against Tyre")) and other nations. Second, the verse highlights the pervasive theme of **Human Pride and Self-Deification**. Pharaoh's audacious claim over the Nile is the epitome of human hubris, where a creature attempts to usurp the role of the Creator, a recurring motif in prophetic critiques of idolatry and self-exaltation, as seen in the king of Tyre's pride in [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - King of Tyre's Pride"). Finally, and in stark contrast, the passage implicitly but forcefully reasserts **God's Absolute Sovereignty** over all creation and all nations. The Nile, which Pharaoh claims as his own, is ultimately God's creation and under His control, reinforcing the truth that "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein" as declared in [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - God's Ownership of Creation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dragon (Hebrew, _tannîyn'_):** (H8577) This powerful term refers to a large aquatic creature, often a sea-monster, serpent, or crocodile. In the context of the Nile, it most likely alludes to the formidable Nile crocodile, a creature of immense power and danger. Metaphorically, it symbolizes Pharaoh's perceived strength, his oppressive nature, and his monstrous pride. In ancient Near Eastern mythology, such creatures often represented primordial chaos or forces of evil, which only a supreme deity could subdue. By applying this term to Pharaoh, God not only identifies the source of Egypt's perceived invincibility but also signals His intent to conquer this formidable foe, just as He tamed the forces of chaos at creation.
* **rivers (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** (H2975) Of Egyptian origin, this word specifically refers to the Nile River, including its various branches, canals, and collateral trenches. The use of the plural "rivers" emphasizes the extensive network of waterways that constituted the lifeblood of Egypt's agricultural and economic prosperity. Pharaoh's claim over "his rivers" signifies his claim over the entire nation's wealth, sustenance, and very existence, asserting absolute dominion over the source of Egypt's blessings, as if it were his own creation and possession.
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** (H6213) This primitive root carries a broad meaning "to do or make," encompassing creation, accomplishment, fashioning, and bringing into being. Pharaoh's declaration, "I have made it for myself," uses this verb to assert a creative act, directly usurping God's role as the ultimate Creator. This claim is the pinnacle of his blasphemous pride, attributing to himself the power to generate the very foundation of Egypt's life, thereby denying divine providence and elevating himself to the status of a god.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and prophetic mandate behind the message. Ezekiel is commanded to speak God's direct word, emphasizing that the subsequent declaration is not human opinion but an authoritative oracle from "the Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh), highlighting God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness.
* **"Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, ":** The declaration shifts immediately to a direct confrontation. "Behold, I am against thee" signifies a divine indictment and active opposition. Pharaoh, identified by his royal title and nation, is singled out as the direct object of God's wrath, representing the epitome of Egypt's idolatry and pride.
* **"the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers,":** This clause employs a powerful metaphor, likening Pharaoh to a "great dragon" or crocodile, a creature embodying immense power, danger, and a sense of primordial evil. His position "in the midst of his rivers" visually depicts his dominion over the Nile, the source of Egypt's strength, and his perceived unassailability within his domain.
* **"which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.":** This final clause reveals the specific sin that provokes God's judgment: Pharaoh's arrogant and blasphemous claim of self-sufficiency and creative power. By asserting ownership and authorship over the Nile, he denies God's role as Creator and Sustainer, effectively deifying himself and attributing divine attributes to his own might.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:3 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Pharaoh is explicitly likened to "the great dragon." This vivid imagery draws on ancient Near Eastern symbolism of powerful, often chaotic, aquatic beasts (like the Nile crocodile or mythological sea monsters) to represent Pharaoh's formidable power, his oppressive nature, and his perceived invincibility. This metaphor not only describes Pharaoh but also sets up the coming divine conquest, as only God can subdue such a "dragon." **Personification** is subtly employed in Pharaoh's boast, "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself." While the river itself doesn't speak, Pharaoh's claim implies a complete and personal dominion over it, as if it were a sentient possession he created. This elevates his hubris, making his claim sound even more audacious. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Invective**, a direct and forceful denunciation. The "Thus saith the Lord GOD" sets a tone of divine judgment, and the subsequent description of Pharaoh as a "dragon" and his arrogant boast serve as a scathing indictment of his pride and blasphemy. The language is designed to convey God's absolute opposition and the certainty of Pharaoh's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:3 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's sovereignty versus human pride. Pharaoh's audacious claim to have "made" the Nile for himself is a direct usurpation of the Creator's role, demonstrating the ultimate form of idolatry: self-worship. This verse underscores that any attempt by humanity to claim ultimate authority, self-sufficiency, or creative power—whether over natural resources, nations, or even one's own life—is an affront to the one true God who alone is the source of all being and blessing. It reveals that pride, especially when it leads to denying God's providence, is not merely a character flaw but a direct challenge to divine order, inevitably inviting divine judgment. The "great dragon" imagery further connects to the broader biblical theme of God's triumph over chaos and evil, personified in earthly rulers who oppose His will.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - God's Ownership of Creation"): "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." This verse directly refutes Pharaoh's claim, asserting God's universal ownership and creation.
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"): "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Pharaoh's boast exemplifies the very pride that the proverb warns against, foreshadowing Egypt's inevitable downfall.
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt"): "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots; because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord!" This prophecy highlights the futility of trusting in human power (like Egypt's) rather than God, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty over earthly might.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:3 serves as a timeless warning against the insidious nature of human pride and the temptation to claim self-sufficiency. In a world that often champions self-made success and attributes all achievements to human ingenuity and effort, this passage calls us to a radical reorientation of perspective. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and source of security. Do we, like Pharaoh, subtly or overtly claim ownership over our gifts, resources, and accomplishments, forgetting the divine Giver? Do we, in our pursuit of autonomy, deny God's active hand in our lives and the world? This verse reminds us that true wisdom and security are found not in self-exaltation but in humbly acknowledging God as the ultimate Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign over all things. It beckons us to cultivate a posture of gratitude and dependence, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and that our very breath is sustained by His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I, like Pharaoh, tend to claim ownership or credit for things that are ultimately God's provision or gift?**
* **How does the "great dragon" imagery challenge my perception of worldly power and influence? What earthly "dragons" do I fear or rely on more than God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and dependence on God, rather than succumbing to pride and self-sufficiency?**

### FAQ
**What does the "great dragon" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "great dragon" (Hebrew: *tannîyn*) is a powerful **metaphor** for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. It most likely refers to the formidable Nile crocodile, a creature of immense size, strength, and danger, which was a dominant feature of the Egyptian landscape. Symbolically, it represents Pharaoh's perceived invincibility, his oppressive and destructive power, and his monstrous pride. In a broader sense, it can also evoke ancient Near Eastern mythological creatures representing chaos or evil, which only a supreme deity can subdue. By calling Pharaoh a "dragon," God identifies him as a formidable foe, but one who is ultimately subject to divine judgment and defeat.

**Why is Pharaoh's claim, "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself," so significant?**

Answer: This claim is profoundly significant because it represents the pinnacle of Pharaoh's **hubris and blasphemy**. The Nile River was the absolute lifeblood of Egypt, providing fertile land, water, and transportation. For Pharaoh to claim that he "made" the Nile and that it was "his own" was to usurp the role of God as the Creator and Sustainer. It was an act of self-deification, attributing divine power to himself and denying God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and the source of Egypt's very existence and prosperity. This statement is the central offense for which God declares His judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's broader plan for Israel?**

Answer: This prophecy against Egypt is part of a larger series of oracles against surrounding nations in [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations"). These prophecies serve several purposes related to Israel. First, they demonstrate God's **universal sovereignty** over all nations, assuring Israel that even in their exile, their God is not limited to Judah but controls all earthly powers. Second, they highlight the **unreliability of human alliances**, particularly Egypt, which Judah often looked to for help against Babylon, only to be disappointed ([Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")). This encourages Israel to trust solely in God. Third, the judgment on Egypt, a symbol of oppression and a historical enemy, serves as a promise of **future restoration and vindication** for Israel, showing that God will ultimately deal with all those who oppose Him and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 29:3, with its portrayal of Pharaoh as a proud, self-exalting "great dragon" who claims creative power over the source of life, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human pride and divine humility, and between false claims of sovereignty and true, ultimate authority. Pharaoh's boast, "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself," is the epitome of the fallen human condition, echoing the original sin of desiring to be like God ([Genesis 3:5](/genesis/3-5 "Genesis 3:5 - Temptation in Eden")). This pride finds its ultimate expression in Satan, the "ancient serpent" or "dragon" ([Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - Satan, the Ancient Serpent")), who seeks to usurp God's throne and deceive humanity into similar self-exaltation. In profound contrast, Jesus Christ, though truly God, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/phillipians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He is the true Creator, through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - Christ as Creator")), and the ultimate source of "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water")), offering eternal life, unlike Pharaoh's self-proclaimed, finite "river." Christ's victory over sin, death, and the "dragon" of old ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) demonstrates that true power and sovereignty belong only to God, fulfilled in the humble, self-sacrificial Lamb of God who truly makes all things new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")), ultimately judging all earthly pride and establishing His eternal kingdom.

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 32:2

Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou [art] as a whale in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.

Isaiah 27:1

¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

Jeremiah 44:30

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Deuteronomy 8:17

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth.

Psalms 74:13

Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.

Psalms 74:14

Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, [and] gavest him [to be] meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.