Ezekiel 30:16

KJV

And I will set fire in Egypt: Sin shall have great pain, and No shall be rent asunder, and Noph [shall have] distresses daily.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will set {H5414} fire {H784} in Egypt {H4714}: Sin {H5512} shall have great {H2342} pain {H2342}, and No {H4996} shall be rent asunder {H1234}, and Noph {H5297} shall have distresses {H6862} daily {H3119}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I will set fire to Egypt; Seen will writhe in anguish; No will be torn apart; enemies will attack Nof in broad daylight.

Berean Standard Bible

I will set fire to Egypt, Pelusium will writhe in anguish, Thebes will be split open, and Memphis will face daily distress.

American Standard Version

And I will set a fire in Egypt: Sin shall be in great anguish, and No shall be broken up; and Memphis shall have adversaries in the day-time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:16 serves as a potent divine declaration of comprehensive and inescapable judgment against ancient Egypt, specifically targeting three of its most vital cities: Sin (Pelusium), No (Thebes), and Noph (Memphis). This verse vividly portrays the severity and widespread nature of God's wrath, employing powerful imagery of fire, agonizing pain, violent rending, and relentless distress. It underscores the Lord's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering justice against national pride, idolatry, and reliance on human strength, demonstrating that no power, however formidable, can withstand His righteous decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a series of prophetic oracles directed against Egypt, a significant block of text spanning [Ezekiel 29 through 32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh"). These chapters constitute a distinct section within Ezekiel's broader prophecies against foreign nations ([Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25-32 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations")), which detail divine judgment upon Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, and Sidon. The specific focus on Egypt meticulously outlines its inevitable downfall, primarily at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who serves as God's instrument of judgment. Ezekiel 30:16 marks a crucial transition from general pronouncements of widespread desolation to the explicit naming of highly significant Egyptian cities, thereby intensifying the prophetic message and emphasizing the comprehensive, precise, and inescapable nature of the impending destruction that would sweep across the entire land. This specificity underscores the certainty of God's word.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt stood as a preeminent regional power, renowned for its immense wealth, formidable military, and deeply entrenched polytheistic religious system. Throughout the Old Testament narrative, Egypt frequently acted as an unreliable and deceptive ally for Israel, often enticing God's people away from faithful reliance on Him and into idolatrous practices. The cities enumerated in Ezekiel 30:16 held profound strategic, religious, and political significance. **Sin (Pelusium)**, situated on the eastern frontier of the Nile Delta, functioned as a critical border fortress, often serving as the primary point of defense against eastern invaders. Its prophesied fall signified the breaching of Egypt's foundational defenses. **No (Thebes)**, also known as "No-Amon" ([Nahum 3:8](/nahum/3-8 "Nahum 3:8 - The Fall of No-Amon")), was the magnificent religious and political capital of Upper Egypt, celebrated for its grand temples (like Karnak and Luxor) dedicated to Amon-Re, the chief deity of the Egyptian pantheon. Its destruction would symbolize the shattering of Egypt's spiritual and political heart. **Noph (Memphis)**, located south of the Nile Delta, represented one of Egypt's most ancient and enduring capitals, a major hub for administration, commerce, and the worship of Ptah. The prophecies against these specific, vital cities highlighted that no part of Egypt, regardless of its importance or perceived impregnability, would escape the comprehensive sweep of God's righteous judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 30:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it unequivocally declares **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's absolute control over all nations and His righteous indignation against national sin, pride, and idolatry. Egypt's impending fall was a direct consequence of its defiance of God, its reliance on its own might and false gods, and its failure to acknowledge the One True God. This resonates with themes found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") and the warnings against trusting in human alliances over divine faithfulness, as seen in [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Reliability and Specificity of Prophecy**. The precise naming of specific cities and their detailed fates emphasizes the accuracy and certainty of God's prophetic word, demonstrating that what God declares, He infallibly brings to pass. This serves to validate Ezekiel's prophetic ministry and God's ultimate control over the unfolding of human history. Finally, it highlights the **Futility of False Security and Idolatry**, illustrating the ultimate emptiness of placing trust in human power, national wealth, or false deities, rather than in the Almighty God, who alone is worthy of ultimate reliance and worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pain (Hebrew, _chûwl'_):** From the primitive root H2342, this word describes a twisting, writhing, or trembling, often specifically associated with the intense agony of childbirth or profound fear. When applied to Sin (Pelusium), it conveys an image of the city convulsing in excruciating, inescapable suffering, indicative of a violent, agonizing, and overwhelming downfall.
* **Rent asunder (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** Derived from the primitive root H1234, this word means "to cleave," "to break forth," or "to tear apart." Its application to No (Thebes) paints a vivid picture of a complete and violent fragmentation, a tearing apart of its very fabric, signifying utter destruction, the shattering of its once-grand and unified power, and the loss of its very identity.
* **Distresses (Hebrew, _tsar'_):</b> From H6862, this word denotes narrowness, tightness, or a state of anguish, trouble, and tribulation. When combined with "daily" for Noph (Memphis), it suggests not merely a single catastrophic event, but a prolonged, relentless, and grinding affliction—a continuous state of severe trouble, oppression, and decline that would wear down the city over an extended period.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will set fire in Egypt":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's direct agency and intentionality in the impending judgment. "Fire" serves as a powerful and recurring biblical symbol of divine wrath, purification, and comprehensive destruction. This phrase indicates that the devastation will be thorough, divinely orchestrated, and inescapable, far beyond merely a natural consequence of war, emphasizing God's active role as the executor of judgment.
* **"Sin shall have great pain":** This pronouncement specifies the fate of Pelusium (Sin), a strategically vital border city. The "great pain" it experiences is a vivid personification, describing intense suffering and agony. This suggests that this key entry point into Egypt will be overwhelmed with excruciating distress, likely from invasion and its devastating effects, symbolizing the breaching of Egypt's primary defenses and the agonizing collapse of its security.
* **"and No shall be rent asunder":** This clause targets Thebes (No), the illustrious religious and political capital of Upper Egypt. The phrase "rent asunder" conveys a violent and complete tearing apart, indicating that Thebes, despite its grandeur, fortifications, and religious significance, will be utterly shattered, fragmented, and dismembered, losing its cohesion, power, and glory, signifying a total collapse of its structure and identity.
* **"and Noph [shall have] distresses daily":** This final clause focuses on Memphis (Noph), an ancient and significant administrative and commercial capital. The "distresses daily" implies a continuous, grinding, and relentless form of suffering. Unlike the acute, sudden "pain" or "rending," Noph's fate suggests a prolonged period of ongoing trouble, anguish, and decline, perhaps a slow erosion of its former prominence and well-being, rather than a single, immediate catastrophic event.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey the intensity, certainty, and comprehensive nature of God's judgment. **Personification** is strikingly evident as cities like Sin, No, and Noph are imbued with human-like capacities for suffering: "Sin shall have great pain," "No shall be rent asunder," and Noph shall have "distresses daily." This makes the urban centers appear vulnerable and capable of experiencing profound agony, rendering the judgment more visceral and impactful. The precise naming of specific, highly prominent cities functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where these significant parts (key cities) represent the whole (the entire nation of Egypt), thereby emphasizing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment that will sweep across the entire land. Powerful and evocative **Imagery** of "fire," "great pain," "rent asunder," and "distresses daily" creates a vivid and terrifying picture of widespread devastation, appealing directly to the reader's senses and emotions and underscoring the severity of the divine wrath. Finally, the implied divine agency and the direct "I will" in the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecies underscore the **Divine Fiat** and God's absolute sovereignty, portraying Him as the active, intentional, and irresistible orchestrator of these cataclysmic events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:16 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering justice and absolute sovereignty over all nations. The detailed pronouncement against specific Egyptian cities underscores that no human power, no matter how great, ancient, or seemingly secure, can ultimately escape the divine reckoning for pride, idolatry, and defiance against the Most High God. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to Egypt's long history of self-exaltation, its reliance on false gods, and its unreliability as an ally to Israel, which frequently led God's people astray. The precision and specificity of the prophecy validate the trustworthiness of God's word and His active, sovereign involvement in the course of human history, demonstrating that He is the ultimate ruler who brings low the proud and exalts the humble. The suffering described is a direct and inevitable consequence of national sin, serving as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in anything other than the Almighty God, for all earthly powers are ultimately subject to His will.

* [Nahum 3:8-10](/nahum/3-8-10 "Nahum 3:8-10 - The Fall of No-Amon and Its Significance")
* [Isaiah 19:1-4](/isaiah/19-1-4 "Isaiah 19:1-4 - Prophecy Against Egypt and Its Decline")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:16, while a prophecy against ancient Egypt, carries profound and timeless implications for individuals and nations today. It serves as a stark reminder that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that He holds all accountable for their actions and their allegiances. We are challenged to critically examine where we, or our societies, tend to place our ultimate trust: Is it in economic prosperity, military might, technological advancement, political alliances, or even cultural influence? This verse powerfully warns against the futility of such false securities, urging us to recognize that true stability, lasting peace, and genuine well-being are found only in humble reliance upon God and obedience to His righteous commands. The "fire," "pain," "rending," and "distresses" described for Egypt are vivid metaphors for the inevitable consequences of pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God's divine will. For us, this calls for a posture of humility, sincere repentance, and a renewed, unwavering commitment to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else. It encourages us to pray fervently for our nations, that they might acknowledge God's supreme authority and pursue justice and righteousness, lest they too face the painful, dismantling consequences of divine judgment. Ultimately, this passage reinforces the absolute reliability of God's prophetic word and His unwavering commitment to justice, prompting us to live lives that honor Him in every sphere of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What false securities do I or my society tend to place our ultimate trust in, instead of God?**
* **How does the specificity and severity of God's judgment in this verse affirm His sovereignty and justice in my own life or in the world today?**
* **In what practical ways am I called to humble myself and acknowledge God's ultimate authority, rather than relying on my own strength, wisdom, or worldly resources?**

### FAQ
**Why does God name specific cities in His judgment?**

Answer: God names specific cities like Sin (Pelusium), No (Thebes), and Noph (Memphis) to emphasize the comprehensive, precise, and inescapable nature of His judgment. These were not arbitrary choices; each city held immense strategic, political, and religious significance in ancient Egypt. By targeting these vital centers, God demonstrated that no part of the nation, regardless of its perceived strength, ancient heritage, or importance, would be spared His divine wrath. This specificity also served to validate the accuracy and reliability of His prophetic word, showing that His pronouncements were not vague threats but precise declarations of future events. For instance, [Jeremiah 46:25](/jeremiah/46-25 "Jeremiah 46:25 - Judgment on No and Pharaoh") also names specific places and even deities, further underscoring the targeted and detailed nature of God's judgment, proving His absolute knowledge and control over history.

**What happened to these cities historically?**

Answer: Historical records largely corroborate the decline and devastation prophesied for these cities, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's word. Pelusium (Sin) was indeed a frequent target and battleground for various invading armies, enduring significant destruction due to its strategic border location. Thebes (No), despite its former glory as the capital of Upper Egypt and a center of Amon worship, suffered repeated sacks, most notably by the Assyrians under Ashurbanipal in 663 BC, and later by the Persians. It gradually lost its prominence and eventually fell into ruin, aligning precisely with the prophecy that it would be "rent asunder." Memphis (Noph), though an ancient and enduring capital, also experienced decline and destruction through various conquests, including by the Babylonians and Persians. While it remained inhabited for centuries, it eventually faded in importance, its "distresses daily" reflecting a prolonged period of ongoing affliction and loss of its former status, eventually being overshadowed by new capitals like Alexandria and Cairo.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 30:16 details a specific historical judgment on ancient Egypt, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing the deeper spiritual realities of God's justice and redemptive plan. The "fire" of God's judgment, the "great pain" of sin's consequences, and the "rending asunder" of human pride and idolatry all converge at the cross of Christ. On the cross, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of divine wrath against sin, experiencing the ultimate "pain" and "distress" so that all who trust in Him might be eternally spared. He allowed Himself to be "rent asunder" in body and spirit, not only breaking the power of sin and death but also dismantling the strongholds of spiritual Egypt—the world system opposed to God ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Just as God brought down the proud, idolatrous cities of Egypt, Christ's victory on the cross represents the decisive judgment over all earthly powers and spiritual forces that oppose God's kingdom. Through His perfect sacrifice, the ultimate "fire" of judgment is satisfied for believers, and a new creation emerges, where the "distresses daily" of this fallen world are replaced by eternal peace and joy in the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death, Mourning, Crying, or Pain"), where God Himself wipes away every tear. Thus, the justice of God proclaimed against Egypt foreshadows the greater, redemptive work of Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's righteous demands and offers salvation and deliverance to all who believe.

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 28:18

Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

Ezekiel 30:8

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and [when] all her helpers shall be destroyed.

Ezekiel 30:9

In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.