Ezekiel 32:19

KJV

Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whom dost thou pass in beauty {H5276}? go down {H3381}, and be thou laid {H7901} with the uncircumcised {H6189}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Are you more beautiful than the others? Go down, lie with the uncircumcised dead!

Berean Standard Bible

Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised!

American Standard Version

Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:19 serves as a stark prophetic declaration within a lament concerning the impending judgment of Egypt and its powerful pharaoh. It vividly portrays the dramatic fall of a nation that once boasted of immense strength and splendor, now destined for a humiliating end. The verse employs a rhetorical question to underscore Egypt's former perceived glory, immediately followed by a divine command for its descent into Sheol, where it will be laid among the "uncircumcised"—a deeply shaming fate signifying its utter degradation and loss of any perceived superior status or divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a series of seven oracles delivered by the prophet Ezekiel against Egypt, a dominant regional power in the ancient Near East (Ezekiel 29-32). These prophecies, spanning from the tenth to the twelfth year of Ezekiel's exile, culminate in a profound lament or funeral dirge (Ezekiel 32:1-16) and subsequent vivid descriptions of Egypt's descent into the realm of the dead, Sheol (Ezekiel 32:17-32). Pharaoh, often depicted as a mighty cedar ([Pharaoh as a Mighty Cedar](/ezekiel/31-3 "Ezekiel 31:3 - Pharaoh as a Mighty Cedar")) or a fearsome sea monster (leviathan) ([Pharaoh as a Great Monster](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh as a Great Monster")), represented the epitome of earthly might and pride. God's judgment here is a direct response to Egypt's arrogance and its historical role as an unreliable ally, ultimately demonstrating Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all nations. The dirge form emphasizes the certainty and finality of this demise, preparing the world for the demise of this proud nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, Egypt was a significant geopolitical player, often vying with Babylon for regional dominance and influencing the smaller nations of Judah and its neighbors. Its immense wealth, formidable military might, and long-standing civilization fostered a deep sense of national pride and self-sufficiency. From an Israelite perspective, Egypt had a complex and often contradictory history, serving as both a place of refuge and a source of oppression. The concept of "uncircumcised" carried profound cultural and religious weight. While some surrounding nations practiced forms of circumcision, for Israel, it was the unique and indispensable sign of the Abrahamic covenant ([The Covenant of Circumcision](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), distinguishing them as God's chosen people. To be "uncircumcised" was not merely a physical description but a spiritual and cultural indictment, signifying those outside the covenant, considered ritually unclean, pagan, and alienated from God. Thus, Egypt's fate of being "laid with the uncircumcised" in Sheol was the ultimate humiliation, stripping it of all perceived honor and placing it among the most despised and forgotten of nations.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 32:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute control over all earthly powers. No nation, however mighty or "beautiful" in its own eyes, can escape His ultimate and righteous judgment. This verse also highlights the **Humiliation of Pride**, a recurring motif in prophetic literature. Egypt's boasting and self-exaltation are met with a swift and dramatic reversal of fortune, demonstrating that human arrogance inevitably leads to downfall. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of a **Dishonorable End for the Ungodly**. To be relegated to the company of the "uncircumcised" in Sheol signifies not merely death, but a deeply shameful and contemptible afterlife, devoid of any honor or special standing that Egypt might have claimed in life. This contrasts sharply with the hope of a righteous remnant and God's ultimate restoration of Israel, a theme found throughout [Ezekiel's prophecies](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beauty (Hebrew, _nâʻêm'_):** (H5276) A primitive root meaning "to be agreeable (literally or figuratively)." This word encompasses notions of pleasantness, delight, and sweetness. In this context, it refers to Egypt's perceived splendor, attractiveness, and superiority among nations, a self-assessment that God rhetorically challenges and ultimately debunks.
* **go down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** (H3381) A primitive root meaning "to descend." This verb denotes a literal downward movement, but also conventionally refers to going to a lower region like Sheol, or figuratively, to fall or be brought low. Here, it signifies Egypt's forced descent into the realm of the dead, a profound and irreversible fall from its once-exalted position.
* **uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** (H6189) Properly meaning "exposed" or "projecting loose (as to the prepuce)." Used technically, it refers to one who is "still having the prepuce uncurtailed." In the Israelite worldview, this term carried immense theological and cultural weight, designating those outside the covenant with God, thus implying a state of ritual impurity, spiritual alienation, and paganism.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whom dost thou pass in beauty?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, designed not to elicit an answer but to emphasize the vanity of Egypt's pride and self-exaltation. It highlights Egypt's self-perception as unparalleled in splendor, strength, and glory among nations. The question implies that Egypt sees itself as superior to all others, a boast that is immediately shattered by the divine decree that follows, revealing the emptiness of its self-acclaim.
* **"go down,":** This is a direct, imperative command from God, signaling the immediate and inevitable demise of Egypt. The verb "go down" (_yârad_) explicitly refers to a descent into Sheol, the common grave or underworld. It underscores the forced and humiliating nature of this fall, stripping Egypt of its earthly power, pride, and any vestige of its former glory.
* **"and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.":** This clause pronounces the ultimate degradation for Egypt. To "be laid" (_shâkab_, H7901, to lie down, often for rest or decease) among the "uncircumcised" signifies not just death, but a burial or placement in Sheol alongside those considered ritually unclean, outside of God's covenant, and without honor. For a proud nation like Egypt, this was the most profound insult and a symbol of its utter loss of status and divine favor, signifying a shameful and inglorious end.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message and underscore the severity of God's judgment. The opening phrase, **Rhetorical Question** ("Whom dost thou pass in beauty?"), immediately engages the reader and serves to highlight Egypt's immense pride and self-exaltation, only to set it up for a dramatic and inevitable fall. This question is answered implicitly by the subsequent divine command, demonstrating that no nation, regardless of its perceived splendor, can escape God's righteous judgment. The phrase "go down" employs **Metonymy** and **Symbolism**, where the physical act of descending symbolizes the nation's complete downfall, both politically and spiritually, into the realm of the dead (Sheol). The ultimate **Symbolism** and **Irony** lie in the command to "be laid with the uncircumcised." For a nation that saw itself as superior and culturally refined, being equated with those considered ritually unclean and outside God's covenant is the pinnacle of humiliation. This serves as a powerful **Contrast** between Egypt's self-perception of beauty and superiority and its divinely appointed, ignominious end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:19 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that divine judgment awaits all nations and individuals who exalt themselves in pride and reject the sovereignty of God. It underscores that earthly power, splendor, and perceived beauty are fleeting and ultimately subject to the will of the Almighty. The fate of Egypt serves as a timeless warning that God opposes the proud, and that true honor and lasting security are found not in worldly might or self-sufficiency, but in humble submission to the Creator. The verse highlights the stark contrast between those who are in covenant relationship with God and those who remain outside, emphasizing the spiritual significance of one's standing before Him, which transcends any earthly status or achievement.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9-11 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - The King of Babylon in Sheol")
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:19 offers profound lessons for both individuals and nations today. It challenges us to examine the sources of our pride and self-reliance, reminding us that any "beauty" or strength we possess is ultimately a gift from God and can be swiftly withdrawn if we fail to acknowledge His sovereignty. In a world often captivated by outward appearances, material wealth, and nationalistic boasting, this verse calls us to profound humility, urging us to recognize God's ultimate authority over all human endeavors and achievements. It compels us to consider our spiritual standing before God above all else, understanding that true honor and eternal security are found in a right relationship with Him, not in fleeting earthly accomplishments or perceived superiority. We are called to live with an acute awareness of divine justice, ensuring our lives are marked by righteousness, dependence, and a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, rather than by the arrogance that inevitably leads to a shameful fall.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "beauty" or perceived strengths in my life or nation might be sources of ungodly pride that need to be surrendered to God?**
* **How does the concept of being "laid with the uncircumcised" challenge my understanding of true honor and spiritual standing before God, beyond earthly recognition?**
* **In what specific ways am I prone to relying on earthly power, self-sufficiency, or external validation rather than trusting completely in God's ultimate sovereignty and provision?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility and a deeper, more consistent reliance on God in my daily life and decisions?**

### FAQ
**Why is being "laid with the uncircumcised" such a severe judgment for Egypt?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants ([The Covenant of Circumcision](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). It marked them as distinct, holy, and in a special, exclusive relationship with Yahweh. To be "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: _ʻârêl_) was to be outside this covenant, often associated with paganism, ritual impurity, and spiritual alienation from God. Therefore, for Egypt, a proud and powerful nation that boasted of its own gods and civilization, to be "laid with the uncircumcised" in Sheol was the ultimate humiliation. It meant being stripped of all perceived honor and status, relegated to the same dishonorable grave as the most despised and ungodly nations, devoid of any special divine consideration or hope. It signified a complete loss of national identity and a shameful, ignominious end.

**What is "Sheol" in this context, and how does it relate to the judgment of Egypt?**

Answer: "Sheol" (Hebrew: _she'ol_) refers to the common grave or the realm of the dead in the Old Testament. It is depicted as a dark, shadowy place where all the deceased go, regardless of their moral standing. However, within Sheol, there could be different "sections" or experiences, and the company one kept there was significant. For Egypt, being "laid with the uncircumcised" in Sheol means a particularly ignominious and dishonorable placement. It's not just about dying, but about the *manner* of their death and their afterlife status—a descent into a state of utter disgrace, comparable to other nations who did not know God, as seen in passages like [The King of Babylon in Sheol](/isaiah/14-9-11 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - The King of Babylon in Sheol") which describes the welcoming of the king of Babylon into Sheol by other deceased kings. It signifies the end of their earthly glory and their eternal shame, a stark contrast to any hope of a blessed afterlife.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:19, with its stark portrayal of a proud nation's humiliating descent into the grave of the uncircumcised, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment and redefinition in the New Testament. While Egypt's fall demonstrates God's righteous judgment on human pride and rebellion against divine sovereignty, Christ's life, death, and resurrection offer the ultimate reversal and spiritual redefinition of "circumcision" and "descent." Jesus, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Christ's Humility](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He "went down" not in judgment for His own pride, but in ultimate humility, even to the point of death on a cross, and into the grave. Yet, unlike Egypt's shameful descent, Christ's "descent" was a victorious conquest over death and the powers of Sheol, for He holds "the keys of Death and Hades" ([Christ Holds the Keys of Death](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death")). Furthermore, the New Covenant radically redefines "circumcision" from a physical mark to a spiritual reality—the "circumcision of the heart" performed by the Spirit, not by human hands ([True Circumcision of the Heart](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart"); [Circumcision of Christ](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11 - Circumcision of Christ")). Thus, those who are "in Christ" are no longer "uncircumcised" in the spiritual sense, alienated from God, but are brought into covenant relationship through faith, receiving true honor and eternal life, contrasting sharply with the ignominious end of those who reject God's sovereignty.

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 32:29

There [is] Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by [them that were] slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit.

Ezekiel 32:30

There [be] the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Ezekiel 31:18

To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword. This [is] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 9:25

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised;

Jeremiah 9:26

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all [that are] in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all [these] nations [are] uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel [are] uncircumcised in the heart.

Ezekiel 32:21

The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

Ezekiel 32:24

There [is] Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.