Ezekiel 32:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have set {H5414} her a bed {H4904} in the midst {H8432} of the slain {H2491} with all her multitude {H1995}: her graves {H6913} are round about {H5439} him: all of them uncircumcised {H6189}, slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}: though their terror {H2851} was caused {H5414} in the land {H776} of the living {H2416}, yet have they borne {H5375} their shame {H3639} with them that go down {H3381} to the pit {H953}: he is put {H5414} in the midst {H8432} of them that be slain {H2491}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They have given her a bed among the slain with her hordes; her graves are all around them, all of them uncircumcised, killed by the sword, because they terrorized the land of the living; they bear their shame with those who descended to the pit; they are put among those who were slain.

Berean Standard Bible

Among the slain they prepare a resting place for Elam with all her hordes, with her graves all around her. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, although their terror was once spread in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. They are placed among the slain.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:25 delivers a stark prophetic lament, vividly portraying the ignominious fate of Egypt and its multitude. Despite its formidable power in the land of the living, Egypt is depicted as cast into the underworld, or Sheol, among other vanquished nations. The verse emphasizes their dishonorable burial, sharing a "bed" (grave) with those slain by the sword and, crucially, identified as "uncircumcised," signifying their exclusion from God's covenant and their ultimate shame in death. This powerful imagery underscores divine judgment and the leveling effect of death upon even the mightiest of earthly empires.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32 is part of a larger collection of oracles against foreign nations (chapters 25-32), culminating in this powerful lament against Egypt. The chapter itself contains two distinct laments: verses 1-16, which likens Pharaoh to a great sea monster (leviathan) brought down by God, and verses 17-32, which graphically depicts Egypt's descent into Sheol. Verse 25 falls within this second section, where Pharaoh and his vast army join the ranks of other once-mighty, but now defeated, nations in the underworld. The repeated imagery of the "slain" and the "pit" reinforces the theme of universal judgment and the ultimate futility of human power in the face of divine decree, echoing the somber roll call of nations found in [Ezekiel 32:21-30](/ezekiel/32-21 "Ezekiel 32:21-30 - The Mighty in Sheol").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period when Judah often looked to Egypt as a potential ally against the rising power of Babylon. Ezekiel, however, consistently undermined such reliance, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all nations. The term "uncircumcised" carries immense cultural and theological weight. In ancient Israel, circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant with God, established with Abraham (cf. [Genesis 17:10-14](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). To be "uncircumcised" was to be outside this covenant, often associated with paganism, impurity, and a state of spiritual alienation. Dying "uncircumcised" and "slain by the sword" was considered a deeply dishonorable end, contrasting sharply with the hope of a proper burial and a place among God's people. The "pit" (Hebrew: _bor_) refers to a deep cistern or dungeon, often used metaphorically for Sheol, the common grave or underworld where all the dead reside.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment and Humiliation**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over even the most formidable nations. Egypt, once a source of "terror" in the "land of the living," is now brought to utter "shame" in death. Another central theme is **The Significance of the Covenant and Spiritual Identity**. The repeated emphasis on the "uncircumcised" highlights that true standing before God is not based on earthly power or military might, but on a covenant relationship. To die outside this covenant, as symbolized by being uncircumcised, signifies a lack of spiritual purity and a dishonorable end. Finally, the passage underscores the **Universality of Death and the Leveling Effect of Sheol**. Despite Egypt's past grandeur, its king and multitude are cast into the same "bed" (grave) and "pit" as other conquered nations, emphasizing that all, regardless of earthly status, are equal before divine judgment and in the face of death, as seen in the broader depiction of [Sheol's inhabitants](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament over Egypt in Sheol").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "pierced," specifically denotes those who have been killed, often violently, particularly "to death." In Ezekiel 32:25, it emphasizes the brutal and decisive end of Egypt's multitude, not by natural causes but by the sword, highlighting the judgment inherent in their demise. It signifies a dishonorable death, often associated with battle and divine wrath.
* **Uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** Literally meaning "exposed" or "projecting loose," this term is used technically to refer to those who have not undergone the rite of circumcision. Theologically and culturally, it marks individuals or nations as outside the covenant relationship with God. In this context, it signifies spiritual impurity, paganism, and a lack of covenant blessing, leading to a shameful and dishonorable burial, distinct from the burial customs and spiritual hopes of Israel.
* **Shame (Hebrew, _kᵉlimmâh'_):** This word denotes disgrace, confusion, dishonor, or reproach. In the verse, it directly contrasts with the "terror" Egypt once inspired. The "shame" borne by the uncircumcised in the pit is not merely a feeling but a state of being, an enduring mark of their ignominious end and their spiritual alienation, a public declaration of their defeat and God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude:"** This clause vividly personifies Egypt ("her") and describes her final resting place. The "bed" is a euphemism for a grave or bier, indicating that Egypt, with its vast army and population ("multitude"), is now laid to rest among those already dead, emphasizing her complete defeat and absorption into the realm of the deceased.
* **"her graves [are] round about him:"** This further elaborates on the burial scene, indicating that Pharaoh ("him") is surrounded by the graves of his own people, reinforcing the collective nature of Egypt's downfall. It suggests a vast necropolis, a testament to the sheer scale of the destruction.
* **"all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword:"** This is a crucial descriptive phrase, identifying the condition and manner of death for Egypt's multitude. Being "uncircumcised" marks them as outside God's covenant, while being "slain by the sword" underscores the violent, judgmental nature of their end. This dual description highlights both their spiritual alienation and their physical destruction.
* **"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:"** This clause presents a stark contrast. Egypt, which once instilled "terror" among the living nations, now experiences the antithesis of that power: "shame." This shame is not merely a feeling but a state of dishonor that accompanies them into the "pit" (Sheol), signifying their ultimate degradation and the reversal of their earthly status.
* **"he is put in the midst of [them that be] slain."** This final statement reiterates Pharaoh's personal humiliation. Despite his former kingly status, he is not given a special burial but is placed directly "in the midst" of the common slain, emphasizing his complete loss of distinction and his shared, ignominious fate with his defeated people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:25 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and humiliation. **Personification** is evident in the portrayal of Egypt as "her," allowing the prophet to speak of a nation as a defeated individual laid to rest. The use of **Metaphor** is central, with "bed" serving as a euphemism for a grave or bier, and "pit" functioning as a metaphor for Sheol, the underworld. This metaphorical language transforms the abstract concept of death into a tangible, albeit somber, resting place. **Irony** is powerfully used by juxtaposing Egypt's former "terror" in the land of the living with the "shame" they now bear in death. This sharp contrast highlights the complete reversal of their fortunes under God's judgment. Furthermore, **Repetition** of terms like "slain" and "uncircumcised" reinforces the key aspects of their demise and their spiritual status, driving home the message of their dishonorable end. The entire passage functions as a **Lament**, a poetic form typically expressing sorrow, but here it is infused with prophetic judgment, mourning the downfall not out of sympathy, but as a declaration of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:25 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and the ultimate futility of human pride. It underscores that no nation, however mighty or terrifying, can escape divine judgment when it sets itself against God's purposes or lives in unrepentant sin. The emphasis on Egypt's "uncircumcised" state highlights the critical importance of covenant relationship with God. While physical circumcision was the sign for Israel, the underlying principle is that true spiritual standing, marked by obedience and faith, is what truly matters in God's eyes. The descent into the "pit" among the slain signifies a universal consequence for those who reject divine truth, illustrating that death levels all distinctions, and the unrighteous face a dishonorable end, stripped of their earthly glory. This passage thus warns against reliance on worldly strength and calls for humility before the Almighty.

* [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - The King of Babylon in Sheol") - This passage similarly depicts the king of Babylon descending to Sheol, where the mighty dead mock his fall, emphasizing the leveling of pride in death.
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart") - Paul redefines "circumcision" as a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not merely outward observance, drawing a parallel to the spiritual state implied by "uncircumcised" in Ezekiel.
* [Psalm 49:10-14](/psalms/49-10 "Psalm 49:10-14 - The Folly of Trusting in Riches") - This psalm reflects on the universal fate of death for both wise and foolish, rich and poor, highlighting that earthly wealth and power cannot save one from the grave, and the wicked will descend to Sheol like sheep.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:25 offers enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's sovereign judgment extends to all, regardless of their earthly stature or perceived invincibility. The chilling portrayal of Egypt's downfall serves as a powerful call to humility, urging us to recognize that all human power, wealth, and influence are fleeting and ultimately subservient to the divine will. We are challenged to examine where our trust truly lies: in temporal strengths or in the eternal God. The "shame" borne by the uncircumcised in the pit compels us to consider our own spiritual standing. While physical circumcision is no longer the sign of the New Covenant, the principle of a "circumcised heart"—a heart set apart for God, cleansed by faith and repentance—remains paramount. This verse vividly illustrates the consequences of living outside of God's covenant and grace, prompting us to pursue a life of devotion and obedience, knowing that true honor and eternal life are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the ignominious fate of Egypt challenge our own tendencies to rely on worldly power, security, or achievements rather than on God?**
* **In what ways might we, like the "uncircumcised" nations, inadvertently live outside of God's covenant and grace by neglecting spiritual disciplines or prioritizing self over Him?**
* **What "shame" or dishonor might we ultimately bear if we fail to live a life of faith and obedience, even if we experience earthly success?**
* **How does the universality of death, as depicted in this passage, shape our perspective on what truly matters in life?**

### FAQ
**What is the "pit" in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "pit" (Hebrew: _bor_) in Ezekiel 32:25 refers to Sheol, the realm of the dead in Old Testament thought. It's often depicted as a deep, dark abyss or a common grave. Its significance here is twofold: first, it represents the ultimate end of all human life, regardless of earthly status. Second, for the "uncircumcised" nations like Egypt, descending to the pit among the slain signifies a particularly dishonorable and shameful end, contrasting with the hope of a blessed remembrance or resurrection associated with God's covenant people. It is a place of shadows, where former glory is utterly extinguished, as seen in [Psalm 88:4-6](/psalms/88-4 "Psalm 88:4-6 - Descending to the Pit").

**Why is being "uncircumcised" repeatedly emphasized as a mark of disgrace?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, physical circumcision was the sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, marking them as God's chosen people (cf. [Genesis 17:10-14](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). To be "uncircumcised" meant to be outside this covenant, spiritually unclean, and often associated with idolatry and paganism. In Ezekiel, it becomes a theological marker of those who are alienated from God's favor and destined for a dishonorable end. Their death "uncircumcised" and "by the sword" underscores their spiritual and physical judgment, highlighting their separation from the blessings and promises enjoyed by God's covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:25, with its grim depiction of the uncircumcised nations descending to the pit in shame, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "shame" borne by those outside the covenant is precisely what Christ came to abolish. He, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the ultimate shame and curse of sin on the cross, becoming "uncircumcised" in a spiritual sense—cut off from God—so that those who were truly "uncircumcised" in heart could be brought into covenant relationship. While the nations in Ezekiel descend to a pit of dishonor from which there is no escape, Christ willingly descended into death, the ultimate "pit," not to remain there in shame, but to conquer it. His resurrection from the dead demonstrates His triumph over the very powers of death and Sheol that held the nations captive (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory over Death")). Through faith in Him, believers receive a spiritual "circumcision made without hands," a cutting away of the sinful nature (cf. [Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision of Christ")), granting them not a shameful descent into the pit, but a new life and the promise of a glorious resurrection. Thus, Christ transforms the shame of the pit into the glory of redemption, offering eternal life where there was only death, and covenant blessing where there was only alienation (cf. [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life 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

Psalms 139:8

If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there].

Ezekiel 44:9

Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that [is] among the children of Israel.

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Luke 12:4

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Luke 12:5

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Revelation 2:22

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

1 Chronicles 10:4

Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.