Ezekiel 29:8

KJV

¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I will bring {H935} a sword {H2719} upon thee, and cut off {H3772} man {H120} and beast {H929} out of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore Adonai ELOHIM says, 'I will bring the sword against you and eliminate both your people and your animals.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will bring a sword against you and cut off from you man and beast.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and will cut off from thee man and beast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:8 pronounces a severe divine judgment against Egypt, declaring that the Lord GOD Himself will bring a devastating "sword" upon the nation, resulting in the complete eradication of both its human inhabitants and its livestock. This pronouncement underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and serves as a stark warning against national pride and reliance on worldly power, demonstrating that even a formidable empire like Egypt is subject to His ultimate decree and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 29:8 is situated within a series of prophecies specifically directed against foreign nations, with chapters 29-32 exclusively focusing on the judgment of Egypt. This particular oracle begins in [Ezekiel 29:1](/ezekiel/29-1 "Ezekiel 29:1 - Prophecy against Pharaoh") and continues through the chapter, detailing the reasons for and the extent of God's impending wrath. The immediate verses preceding verse 8 liken Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to a great "dragon" or "monster" (Hebrew, _tannin_) in the Nile, a symbol of his immense power and arrogant self-sufficiency, boasting that "My Nile is my own; I made it for myself" ([Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh, the great dragon")). The judgment in verse 8, therefore, is a direct and forceful divine response to this hubris, signifying the dismantling of Egypt's perceived invincibility and the complete reversal of its fortunes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), the kingdom of Judah was in Babylonian exile, having fallen due to its persistent unfaithfulness and its misguided political alliances. Egypt was a dominant regional power, often seen by Judah as a potential ally against the rising Babylonian empire. However, Egypt frequently proved to be an unreliable and ultimately futile source of hope, as described in [Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt as a broken reed"). The cultural significance of the Nile River to Egypt, as its lifeblood and a source of national pride, is also crucial; Pharaoh's boast about the Nile highlights his perceived divine status and self-sufficiency. God's judgment, therefore, targets not only the military and populace but also the very symbols of Egypt's power and self-reliance, demonstrating that YHWH, the God of Israel, is superior to all pagan deities and earthly rulers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Universal Judgment**, asserting God's absolute authority not only over Israel but over all nations and their rulers, even those as mighty as Egypt. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Pride and Arrogance**, particularly the hubris of human rulers who claim self-sufficiency or divine status, directly challenging Pharaoh's boast. The judgment serves as a stark reminder that all earthly power is temporary and subject to God's ultimate decree, as seen in other prophecies against proud nations like Tyre ([Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre")) and Babylon ([Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). Lastly, the imagery of "cutting off man and beast" emphasizes the theme of **Total Desolation**, signifying a comprehensive and irreversible divine punishment that leaves nothing untouched, a common motif in biblical judgment passages, such as the flood narrative in [Genesis 6:7](/genesis/6-7 "Genesis 6:7 - God's regret and decision to destroy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to say," but its usage here, in the formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD," carries immense weight. It denotes a divine decree, a direct and authoritative pronouncement from God Himself, indicating that the following words are not human conjecture but infallible truth and certain judgment. It establishes the speaker's absolute authority and the inevitability of the declared action.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "drought" or "to lay waste," this term refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, knife, or other sharp implement. In biblical prophecy, "sword" is a pervasive **metaphor** for war, violent conflict, and divine judgment. When God declares He will bring a "sword," it signifies a divinely orchestrated instrument of punishment, often through invading armies or internal strife, leading to widespread destruction and death.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root means "to cut (off, down, or asunder)." Its implications range from destroying and consuming to making a covenant (originally by cutting flesh). In the context of judgment, "cut off" signifies a decisive, definitive end, often implying extermination or complete removal. Here, it emphasizes the thoroughness and finality of the desolation, leaving no remnant of life.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_), and beast (Hebrew, _bᵉhêmâh'_):** `ʼâdâm` refers to a human being, encompassing individuals or mankind as a species. `bᵉhêmâh` denotes a dumb beast, especially large quadrupeds or animals collectively. The pairing "man and beast" is a biblical **merism** (a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts of a whole are used to represent the whole), signifying the totality of life within the land. Its inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting every living creature, leaving the land utterly desolate and uninhabited.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn, authoritative declaration, signaling that what follows is a direct, unalterable divine pronouncement. The title "Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) combines the respectful address "Lord" with the sacred, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His supreme authority and His personal involvement in the unfolding judgment. It establishes the divine origin and certainty of the prophecy.
* **"Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee,":** The interjection "Behold" (Hebrew, _hinneh_) draws immediate attention to the impending action. God explicitly states His active role ("I will bring") in orchestrating the judgment. The "sword" here is a potent symbol of war and violent destruction, indicating that Egypt will face military invasion or internal conflict that will decimate its population. This is not a natural disaster but a direct act of divine retribution.
* **"and cut off man and beast out of thee.":** This clause specifies the comprehensive nature of the "sword's" effect. To "cut off" signifies a complete eradication or extermination. The phrase "man and beast" is a merism, encompassing all living inhabitants within Egypt. This indicates a judgment of total desolation, rendering the land uninhabitable and barren, a stark reversal of Egypt's former prosperity and power.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:8 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the severity and certainty of God's judgment. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is a classic **divine speech formula**, lending absolute authority and infallibility to the prophetic word. The "sword" is a potent **metaphor** for war, destruction, and divine judgment, a common biblical image that evokes violence and devastation without needing to explicitly name the invading armies. The declaration to "cut off man and beast" utilizes **hyperbole** and **merism** simultaneously. The merism ("man and beast") emphasizes the totality of the destruction, encompassing all life forms, while the hyperbolic nature of "cutting off" suggests a level of desolation that implies utter ruin and uninhabited barrenness, underscoring the completeness of God's wrath against Egypt's pride and unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:8 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering justice and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. It serves as a powerful theological statement that no nation, regardless of its perceived might or influence, is beyond divine accountability. The judgment against Egypt, a symbol of worldly strength and a source of false hope for Israel, underscores the biblical truth that reliance on human alliances or material power is ultimately futile. God's declaration of bringing a "sword" and "cutting off man and beast" reveals His righteous indignation against pride and self-sufficiency, demonstrating that He is the ultimate arbiter of history and the destiny of nations. This prophecy reinforces the consistent biblical narrative that God judges sin, particularly arrogance and the oppression of His people, and that His word, once spoken, is irrevocably fulfilled.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God frustrates the plans of the nations")
* [Isaiah 10:12](/isaiah/10-12 "Isaiah 10:12 - God punishes the arrogance of Assyria")
* [Jeremiah 25:15-29](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15-29 - The Cup of God's Wrath for the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:8 is not merely a historical record of judgment against an ancient empire; it is a timeless testament to God's character and His dealings with humanity. For believers today, this verse serves as a profound reminder that God remains sovereign over all earthly affairs, including the rise and fall of nations, economies, and political systems. It challenges any tendency to place ultimate trust in human power, wealth, or strategic alliances, urging us instead to anchor our hope and security solely in the Lord. The severe consequences for Egypt's pride and self-reliance should humble us, prompting introspection about areas in our own lives where we might be tempted to boast in our achievements, resources, or wisdom rather than acknowledging God as the source of all good. Ultimately, this passage calls us to a deeper reverence for God's justice and a renewed commitment to living in humble dependence on His unfailing strength and wisdom, knowing that His judgments are always righteous and His purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in the life of my community am I tempted to place trust in human strength or worldly systems rather than in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the swift and comprehensive judgment against Egypt challenge my understanding of God's patience and justice?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God, rather than relying on my own abilities or resources?**
* **How does the concept of God's judgment on nations inform my prayers and engagement with current global events?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thee" that God is speaking to in this verse?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 29:8, "thee" refers to Egypt, specifically personified through its king, Pharaoh. The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 29:1-7](/ezekiel/29-1 "Ezekiel 29:1-7 - Prophecy against Pharaoh and Egypt") explicitly address Pharaoh as the "great dragon" in the Nile, making it clear that the judgment is directed at the entire nation of Egypt and its proud ruler.

**Why is God's judgment described as "cutting off man and beast"?**

Answer: The phrase "cutting off man and beast" is a powerful expression of total desolation and comprehensive judgment. It signifies that the impending destruction will be so severe that it will affect every living thing within the land, leaving it utterly uninhabited and barren. This imagery emphasizes the completeness and devastating nature of God's wrath, leaving no remnant of the former prosperity or life, much like the judgment of the flood in [Genesis 7:21-23](/genesis/7-21 "Genesis 7:21-23 - All flesh perished").

**Did this prophecy against Egypt come true?**

Answer: Yes, historical records and other biblical prophecies indicate that this prophecy against Egypt was fulfilled. While Egypt was not utterly destroyed and ceased to exist, it did suffer significant military defeats and periods of decline, particularly at the hands of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, as foretold in [Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward"). These events significantly diminished Egypt's power and influence as a dominant world empire, effectively "cutting off" its preeminence and pride as described in the prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 29:8 speaks of a temporal judgment on a specific nation, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "sword" of divine judgment, brought by the Lord GOD, ultimately points to the ultimate and final judgment that will be executed by Christ. Just as the pride of Pharaoh was met with divine wrath, so too will all human arrogance and rebellion against God be decisively judged by the returning King, Jesus Christ, who comes with a "sharp sword" from His mouth to strike down the nations ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Sword of Judgment")). Furthermore, the "cutting off of man and beast" foreshadows a greater spiritual reality: the separation of those who reject God from His presence, a judgment that Christ Himself will enact at the end of the age, separating the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Yet, in a paradoxical twist, Christ also embodies the "cutting off" for our sake; He was "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - The Suffering Servant Cut Off")) through His crucifixion, enduring the divine judgment for humanity's sin. Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers a pathway for humanity to escape the ultimate "sword" of God's wrath, inviting all to find refuge and life in Him, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the judgment on Egypt, while real, serves as a shadow of the ultimate justice and redemption found in Christ.

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 14:17

Or [if] I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:

Ezekiel 32:10

Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at [every] moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall.

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.

Ezekiel 29:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

Ezekiel 29:20

I have given him the land of Egypt [for] his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 32:43

And fields shall be bought in this land, whereof ye say, It [is] desolate without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 46:13

The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come [and] smite the land of Egypt.