Ezekiel 32:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The strong {H410} among the mighty {H1368} shall speak {H1696} to him out of the midst {H8432} of hell {H7585} with them that help {H5826} him: they are gone down {H3381}, they lie {H7901} uncircumcised {H6189}, slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the depths of Sh'ol the mightiest warriors will speak of him with those who helped him. They went down; they lie still, the uncircumcised, killed by the sword.

Berean Standard Bible

Mighty chiefs will speak from the midst of Sheol about Egypt and her allies: ‘They have come down and lie with the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:21 powerfully depicts the ignominious descent of the once-formidable Egyptian host into Sheol, the common realm of the dead, where they are met by other fallen, powerful nations. This verse, embedded within a prophetic lament, starkly underscores the ultimate futility of earthly strength and pride in the face of divine judgment, portraying Egypt's once-feared warriors as "uncircumcised" and "slain by the sword," stripped of their glory and relegated to the same dishonorable fate as other defeated foes who defied God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32:21 is situated within the second of two laments against Pharaoh and Egypt in chapter 32, specifically from verses 17-32. The preceding lament (verses 1-16) metaphorically portrays Pharaoh as a great sea monster, a "dragon in the seas" [Ezekiel 32:2](/ezekiel/32-2 "Ezekiel 32:2 - Pharaoh as a Sea Monster"), whom God captures and casts out, symbolizing Egypt's catastrophic downfall and the scattering of its people. The second lament, beginning in verse 17, shifts the imagery to a vivid descent into the underworld, Sheol. Here, Egypt is not merely defeated but consigned to the "pit" [Ezekiel 32:18](/ezekiel/32-18 "Ezekiel 32:18 - Egypt's Descent into the Pit"), joining a grim assembly of other ungodly, fallen nations like Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, Edom, and Sidon. This particular verse focuses on the chilling reception Egypt receives from these already-damned powers, emphasizing their shared fate as those "slain by the sword" [Ezekiel 32:20](/ezekiel/32-20 "Ezekiel 32:20 - Egypt's Fate in the Pit"). The cumulative effect of these laments is to dismantle any lingering hope in Egypt's power and to magnify God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Ezekiel against Egypt were delivered during the tumultuous period of Judah's exile in Babylon, specifically around 585 BC, in the twelfth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity. At this time, Egypt, though a declining empire, still held significant regional influence and was often viewed by the remaining Judeans as a potential military ally against the dominant Babylonian power. Ezekiel's prophecies aimed to disabuse the exiles of any false hope in Egyptian strength, asserting Yahweh's supreme authority over all nations and their destinies. Culturally, the concept of Sheol as the common abode of the dead was prevalent in ancient Near Eastern thought, though its precise nature varied across cultures. For the Israelites, Sheol was a shadowy realm from which there was no return (apart from divine intervention), a place where the dead existed in a state of diminished consciousness. The profound shame associated with being "uncircumcised" in the Israelite worldview was deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant, where circumcision was the physical sign of belonging to God's chosen people [Genesis 17:11](/genesis/17-11 "Genesis 17:11 - The Covenant of Circumcision"). To be uncircumcised implied being outside this covenant, often signifying spiritual impurity, alienation from God, and a dishonorable status, especially in death.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating unequivocally that no earthly power, no matter how formidable or proud, can escape God's ultimate decree and judgment. Egypt's catastrophic fall serves as a stark warning, reinforcing the biblical truth that "the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes" [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Another crucial theme is the **Futility of Earthly Power and Pride**. The once-mighty Egyptian warriors, renowned for their military prowess, are reduced to the same ignominious state as other defeated nations in death, stripped of their glory and power. This highlights the ephemeral nature of human strength and the ultimate vanity of reliance on worldly might. Finally, the imagery of the "uncircumcised" powerfully underscores the theme of **Covenant and Distinction**. It emphasizes the spiritual separation and disgrace of those outside God's covenant, contrasting sharply with the spiritual identity and hope of God's chosen people. This distinction, while physical in the Old Testament, finds its profound reinterpretation in the New Testament as a spiritual "circumcision of the heart" [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Circumcision of the Heart"), signifying true belonging to God's people through faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strong (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This word, often translated as "God" or "god," here signifies inherent power, might, or strength. In this context, it refers to the powerful leaders or deities of other nations already in Sheol, indicating their former earthly might, now rendered utterly impotent in death. It emphasizes the paradox of their former strength contrasted with their current state of powerlessness.
* **hell (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** This term refers to Sheol, the underworld or realm of the dead. It is depicted as a subterranean retreat, the common grave for all humanity, where the departed reside in a shadowy existence. The KJV's translation as "hell" should be understood in its older sense of the grave or underworld, the destination of all the dead, rather than necessarily a place of eternal conscious torment as understood in later theological developments. Here, it signifies the finality of physical death and the cessation of earthly power and glory.
* **uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** This term literally means "uncircumcised," referring to those who have not undergone the ritual of circumcision. In the Israelite worldview, it signifies being outside the covenant of Abraham, a gentile, and in a broader sense, spiritually alienated from God and His promises. In this context, it marks the Egyptians as ritually impure and outside God's favor, destined for an ignominious end alongside other pagan nations who opposed God.
* **slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** This word specifically means "pierced" or "wounded unto death," often implying a violent, ignoble death, particularly in battle. It emphasizes that the end of the Egyptians was not peaceful or honorable but a direct result of military defeat and divine judgment, a consequence of their pride and opposition to God's purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him:":** This clause sets a chilling scene in Sheol, the underworld. It describes the grim reception of the newly arrived Egyptian dead by those who are already there – the leaders and warriors of other powerful, fallen nations and their allies. The "strong among the mighty" refers to these previously defeated powers, who now, from their diminished state, acknowledge the arrival of Egypt's once-feared host. The act of "speaking" implies a grim welcome, a recognition of shared fate, or perhaps even a taunt from those who once held earthly power but are now equally diminished and consigned to the same fate. It underscores the universal leveling effect of death and divine judgment.
* **"they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.":** This second clause describes the state and fate of the Egyptian dead. "They are gone down" explicitly refers to their descent into Sheol, emphasizing the finality and inescapability of their demise. "They lie uncircumcised" highlights their status as gentiles, outside God's covenant, and thus subject to a dishonorable end. This contrasts sharply with the hope of resurrection and honorable burial sometimes associated with covenant people. The phrase "slain by the sword" specifies the violent and ignoble manner of their death, emphasizing that their end was not peaceful but a direct consequence of military defeat and divine judgment, a just retribution for their pride and opposition to God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:21 is rich in evocative **Imagery**, painting a vivid and chilling picture of the underworld. The phrase "midst of hell" (Sheol) conjures an immediate sense of a dark, subterranean realm, a collective grave, while "strong among the mighty" evokes the image of powerful, yet now utterly powerless, fallen rulers and warriors. The **Personification** of the dead "speaking" to the newly arrived Egyptians gives the underworld a dynamic, almost sentient quality, implying a grim recognition or even a mocking welcome from the condemned. The repeated emphasis on being "slain by the sword" serves as a stark **Metonymy** for violent death, military defeat, and divine retribution, while "uncircumcised" functions as a powerful **Symbol** of spiritual alienation, ritual impurity, and dishonor in the Israelite worldview. The entire passage, being part of a larger funeral dirge, employs the literary form of a **Lament**, but here it is used ironically to mourn and simultaneously mock the fallen pride and ultimate demise of Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:21 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the ultimate futility of human pride and strength apart from Him. It serves as a stark reminder that earthly power, military might, and national glory are fleeting and subject to divine judgment. The ignominious descent into Sheol, particularly for the "uncircumcised," underscores the spiritual consequences of being outside God's covenant, highlighting a state of disgrace and separation even in death. This passage reinforces the prophetic message that true security and lasting hope are found not in worldly alliances or self-reliance, but in humble submission to the Lord, who alone "brings princes to naught and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing" [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God's Sovereignty Over Rulers"). It is a powerful testament to the fact that all earthly glory is but dust before the eternal King.

* [Psalm 49:10-12](/psalms/49-10 "Psalm 49:10-12 - The Mortality of the Mighty")
* [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - The King of Babylon in Sheol")
* [Luke 12:20-21](/luke/12-20 "Luke 12:20-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:21 challenges us to critically examine where we place our trust and derive our sense of security and significance. In a world that often glorifies power, wealth, and worldly achievements, this verse serves as a sobering counter-narrative, reminding us that all human endeavors and earthly might are ultimately temporary and subject to God's sovereign will. It compels us to consider our spiritual standing before God, recognizing that true honor and lasting destiny are not determined by our worldly status or accomplishments, but by our relationship with the Creator. This passage calls us to cultivate humility, to seek righteousness, and to place our ultimate hope in the eternal rather than the temporal, understanding that "it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once"). It is a profound call to re-evaluate our priorities, ensuring that our lives are built on the unshakeable foundation of God's covenant grace rather than the shifting sands of human strength and pride.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fate of the "strong among the mighty" in Sheol challenge my own perceptions of success and power in this life?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to place my trust in earthly alliances, financial security, or personal strength rather than in God alone?**
* **What does the emphasis on being "uncircumcised" teach me about the importance of being in covenant with God, and how does this translate to my faith today?**

### FAQ
**What is "hell" in Ezekiel 32:21, and how does it relate to modern understandings?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 32:21, the King James Version translates the Hebrew word `shᵉʼôwl` (H7585) as "hell." However, in this context, `shᵉʼôwl` refers to Sheol, which is the common grave or the underworld, the realm of the dead. It is depicted as a shadowy, subterranean place where all the deceased, regardless of their righteousness, go. It is not necessarily a place of eternal conscious torment as "hell" is often understood in later theological developments (e.g., Gehenna in the New Testament). Here, it primarily signifies the finality of physical death and the cessation of earthly power and glory, where even the mightiest are stripped of their status and lie alongside other fallen nations. This concept is consistent with Old Testament portrayals of the dead, such as the gathering of kings in [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - The King of Babylon in Sheol").

**Why is it significant that the Egyptians are described as "uncircumcised"?**

Answer: The description of the Egyptians as "uncircumcised" (`ʻârêl`, H6189) is highly significant from an Israelite perspective. Circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants [Genesis 17:10-14](/genesis/17-10-14 "Genesis 17:10-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision"). To be uncircumcised meant to be outside this covenant, a gentile, and often implied a state of spiritual impurity, alienation from God, and disgrace. In Ezekiel 32:21, this status emphasizes that despite their earthly might, the Egyptians were not God's covenant people and thus shared the ignominious fate of other pagan nations who opposed God, dying a violent death and descending to Sheol without the honor or hope associated with God's chosen. This distinction highlights the spiritual separation between those in covenant with God and those outside of it, underscoring the spiritual consequences of rejecting or being outside of God's covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:21 vividly portrays the grim reality of death and judgment for the uncircumcised and ungodly nations, its ultimate fulfillment and profound reversal are found in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "hell" (Sheol) that swallowed up the mighty of Egypt and other proud nations is ultimately conquered by Christ, who "descended into the lower parts of the earth" [Ephesians 4:9](/ephesians/4-9 "Ephesians 4:9 - Christ's Descent into the Lower Parts") and emerged victorious from the grave, holding "the keys of Death and Hades" [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades"). The shame of being "uncircumcised" in the Old Testament, signifying alienation from God's covenant and a dishonorable end, is spiritually transformed in the New Covenant. Through faith in Christ, believers undergo a "circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ" [Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11 - Spiritual Circumcision in Christ"). This spiritual circumcision means that through Christ's atoning death and glorious resurrection, those who were once "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" [Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Alienated from God") are now "brought near by the blood of Christ" [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood"). Thus, the ignominious end of the uncircumcised in Sheol is dramatically contrasted with the glorious hope of resurrection and eternal life offered to all who are spiritually circumcised in Christ, who has triumphed over death and the grave, offering a new covenant of grace and a destiny far beyond the reach of Sheol's power.

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

Isaiah 14:9

Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet [thee] at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, [even] all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

Isaiah 14:10

All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?

Ezekiel 32:27

And they shall not lie with the mighty [that are] fallen of the uncircumcised, which are gone down to hell with their weapons of war: and they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities shall be upon their bones, though [they were] the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.

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.

Ezekiel 32:25

They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude: her graves [are] round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword: though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of [them that be] slain.

Ezekiel 32:19

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

Numbers 16:30

But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that [appertain] unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.