Ezekiel 32:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall not lie {H7901} with the mighty {H1368} that are fallen {H5307} of the uncircumcised {H6189}, which are gone down {H3381} to hell {H7585} with their weapons {H3627} of war {H4421}: and they have laid {H5414} their swords {H2719} under their heads {H7218}, but their iniquities {H5771} shall be upon their bones {H6106}, though they were the terror {H2851} of the mighty {H1368} in the land {H776} of the living {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They do not lie with the fallen warriors of the uncircumcised who descended to Sh'ol with their weapons of war, their swords laid under their heads, and their crimes upon their bones; because these warriors terrorized the land of the living.

Berean Standard Bible

They do not lie down with the fallen warriors of old, who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war, whose swords were placed under their heads, whose shields rested on their bones, although the terror of the mighty was once in the land of the living.

American Standard Version

And they shall not lie with the mighty that are fallen of the uncircumcised, that are gone down to Sheol with their weapons of war, and have laid their swords under their heads, and their iniquities are upon their bones; forthey werethe terror of the mighty in the land of the living.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:27 vividly portrays the ignominious fate of the uncircumcised mighty, particularly the fallen warriors of Egypt, as they descend into Sheol. Despite their earthly prowess and the customary honors of a warrior's burial, their spiritual dishonor is emphasized, as their iniquities remain upon them. This verse serves as a stark reminder that worldly power and reputation are fleeting, and true standing before God is determined not by military might or social status, but by one's spiritual condition and relationship with the divine covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32 is a profound lamentation over Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and his vast multitude, forming part of a larger prophetic oracle against Egypt found in [Ezekiel 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29-32 - Prophecies Against Egypt"). This chapter employs rich, often hyperbolic, funeral dirge imagery to describe Egypt's dramatic fall from its position as a formidable world power into the realm of the dead, Sheol. The prophet meticulously details the descent of Egypt's proud army, consigning them to a place among other defeated, dishonored nations. Verse 27 specifically focuses on the ultimate disgrace of these once-mighty warriors, contrasting their earthly glory with their abject state in the afterlife, highlighting their exclusion from any semblance of honorable rest due to their spiritual uncircumcision and accumulated sins.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a dominant force in the Near East, frequently interacting with Israel, often serving as a deceptive ally or a source of false hope against Assyrian and Babylonian threats. The term "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: `ʻârêl`) was a pejorative designation used by Israelites for Gentiles, particularly those who were not part of God's covenant people. It signified not merely a physical state but a spiritual alienation from God and His promises. In ancient Near Eastern burial practices, it was customary for fallen warriors, especially those of high status, to be buried with their weapons, sometimes with their swords placed under their heads, symbolizing their valor and providing a measure of honor in death. Ezekiel 32:27 subverts this cultural norm by declaring that despite such outward honors, the internal reality of their "iniquities upon their bones" utterly negates any perceived glory, emphasizing God's impartial judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment on Pride and Power**, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly empires, like Egypt, are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will and judgment. Their fall serves as a potent warning against human arrogance and self-exaltation. Secondly, the emphasis on the "uncircumcised" highlights the **Significance of Covenant Relationship**, contrasting the fate of those outside God's covenant with the spiritual standing of His chosen people. This distinction is not merely ritualistic but deeply theological, pointing to the importance of spiritual alignment with God, a concept echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 9:25-26](/jeremiah/9-25 "Jeremiah 9:25-26 - Circumcision of the Heart") which speaks of the "uncircumcised heart." Lastly, the phrase "their iniquities shall be upon their bones" powerfully conveys the **Lasting Consequences of Unrepentant Sin**. It reveals that true honor or dishonor in death is not determined by worldly achievements or burial rites, but by one's moral and spiritual ledger before God, a truth consistently affirmed throughout Scripture, as seen in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term (H1368) refers to someone powerful, a warrior, or a tyrant. In Ezekiel 32:27, it designates the elite, formidable soldiers of Egypt, who were once a source of terror and strength in the "land of the living." The use of "mighty" here emphasizes the dramatic reversal of their status, as those who were mighty in life become utterly powerless and dishonored in death.
* **Hell (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** The Hebrew word (H7585) denotes Hades or the world of the dead, often understood as a subterranean retreat or the grave. In Ezekiel, Sheol is consistently depicted not merely as a neutral resting place but as a realm of shadows, silence, and dishonor, especially for the wicked and those who opposed God. The descent into Sheol for Egypt's mighty signifies their utter defeat and spiritual demise.
* **Iniquities (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term (H5771) signifies perversity, moral evil, fault, or sin, and can also refer to the punishment resulting from such sin. The declaration that their "iniquities shall be upon their bones" is a profound theological statement. It means that despite any outward show of honor in burial, their true, defining characteristic in death is their accumulated sin, which clings to them and prevents them from finding true rest or honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall not lie with the mighty [that are] fallen of the uncircumcised":** This clause immediately establishes the profound dishonor awaiting the Egyptian warriors. Unlike other "mighty" fallen warriors who might receive a place of honor even in death, these uncircumcised ones are explicitly denied such a privilege. The "uncircumcised" status underscores their spiritual alienation from God's covenant, rendering their earthly might meaningless in the realm of the dead.
* **"which are gone down to hell with their weapons of war":** This describes their descent into Sheol, the common destination for all the dead. The mention of "weapons of war" suggests that they retain the symbols of their earthly profession, but these symbols are now useless and cannot prevent their dishonored state. They carry the instruments of their past power into a realm where power is irrelevant.
* **"and they have laid their swords under their heads":** This detail points to a customary burial practice for noble warriors in the ancient world, signifying a burial with honor and respect. It paints a picture of what *should* have been a dignified resting place for such formidable figures.
* **"but their iniquities shall be upon their bones":** This is the stark, devastating contrast that negates the previous image of honor. The "but" introduces a profound theological truth: external honors are meaningless if one's spiritual condition is one of unrepentant sin. "Iniquities upon their bones" vividly conveys that their sins are not merely external actions but have permeated their very being, defining their state even in death, preventing any true peace or honor.
* **"though [they were] the terror of the mighty in the land of the living":** This final clause highlights the immense irony and tragedy of their fate. In life, they inspired fear and commanded respect among other powerful nations. Yet, in death, their earthly reputation counts for nothing. Their past glory only serves to underscore the depth of their current ignominy, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human power before divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:27 is rich with **Irony**, which is the primary literary device at play. The "mighty" who were once the "terror of the mighty" are now utterly powerless and dishonored in death, their earthly glory starkly contrasted with their ignominious spiritual state. The customary act of laying "swords under their heads," a symbol of honor, is immediately subverted by the declaration that "their iniquities shall be upon their bones," creating a profound **Antithesis** or **Contrast**. This juxtaposition highlights the futility of worldly accolades in the face of divine judgment. The phrase "iniquities upon their bones" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Symbolism**, signifying that sin is not merely an external act but a pervasive spiritual reality that clings to an individual even beyond the grave, defining their ultimate condition. The entire passage also employs **Understatement** (or perhaps a form of **Litotes** in the negative "shall not lie with") to emphasize the depth of their dishonor by denying them even the minimal respect afforded to other fallen warriors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:27 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine judgment, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, regardless of their might or prestige. It underscores that true honor and destiny are not determined by human achievements, military prowess, or cultural rituals, but by one's relationship with the Creator and the state of one's heart before Him. The concept of "uncircumcised" extends beyond a physical rite to denote a spiritual separation from God's covenant, leading to a state of profound dishonor in the afterlife. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that sin carries eternal consequences, and no amount of worldly glory can avert the spiritual reality of unaddressed iniquity. It points to a universal truth: all humanity will face a reckoning, and external appearances will give way to the internal reality of one's spiritual condition.

* [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - The King of Babylon in Sheol") - This passage similarly depicts the descent of a proud, fallen king (of Babylon) into Sheol, where he is mocked by other deceased rulers, emphasizing the stripping away of earthly power in death.
* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Profit Not in the Day of Wrath") - This proverb states, "Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death," reinforcing the idea that worldly assets and power are useless in the face of divine judgment.
* [Romans 2:8-9](/romans/2-8 "Romans 2:8-9 - Wrath and Indignation for Those Who Obey Unrighteousness") - Paul speaks of "wrath and indignation, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil," highlighting the universal principle of God's righteous judgment on unrighteousness, regardless of one's background.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:27 serves as a sober and potent warning for all generations, challenging our often-misplaced trust in worldly power, achievements, and external recognition. In a world that frequently elevates wealth, status, and physical strength, this verse starkly reminds us that such things are ultimately ephemeral and hold no sway in the face of divine judgment. It compels us to examine where we place our ultimate hope and source of honor. Are we striving for earthly accolades that will vanish, or are we cultivating a spiritual condition that aligns with God's eternal purposes? The "iniquities upon their bones" is a chilling reminder that our unconfessed sins and unrepentant hearts carry profound and lasting consequences, defining our true state before God. This passage calls us to humility, to acknowledge the fleeting nature of our earthly lives, and to prioritize our spiritual standing, seeking reconciliation with God and living in a way that honors Him, knowing that true glory is found only in His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we tend to define "might" or "success" in our own lives or culture, and how does this verse challenge those definitions?**
* **In what ways might we, like the uncircumcised mighty, be relying on external appearances or achievements rather than addressing our spiritual condition before God?**
* **What "iniquities" might be "upon our bones" that we need to confess and surrender to God for true freedom and honor?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "uncircumcised" in this verse?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 32:27, "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: `ʻârêl`) carries profound theological significance beyond a mere physical state. It designates those who are outside of God's covenant with Israel, signifying a spiritual alienation and a lack of relationship with the true God. For the Israelites, circumcision was a sign of their covenant with Yahweh, marking them as His chosen people. To be "uncircumcised" was therefore a derogatory label, implying spiritual impurity, dishonor, and a lack of divine favor. In this context, it emphasizes that despite Egypt's earthly power and military might, their spiritual status as outsiders to God's covenant meant they were subject to His full wrath and a dishonorable fate in the afterlife, unlike those who were in covenant relationship with Him.

**Does "hell" here refer to eternal damnation as understood in the New Testament?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated as "hell" in the KJV is `Sheol` (H7585). In the Old Testament, Sheol generally refers to the grave or the underworld, the common abode of all the dead, both righteous and wicked. It is often depicted as a shadowy, silent realm, a place of no return. While it is not typically portrayed as a place of eternal torment in the same way that the New Testament concept of Gehenna (often translated "hell") is, Ezekiel often imbues Sheol with a sense of dishonor and disgrace for the wicked and those who opposed God. For the uncircumcised mighty in Ezekiel 32, their descent into Sheol is not merely a natural end but a specific act of divine judgment, marking their ignominious fall and spiritual defeat. Therefore, while not strictly equivalent to the New Testament's "hell" of eternal conscious punishment, it certainly represents a place of divine judgment and dishonor for the unrighteous.

**Why is "swords under their heads" mentioned, and what does "iniquities upon their bones" mean in contrast?**

Answer: The phrase "swords under their heads" refers to a customary burial practice in the ancient Near East for noble or mighty warriors. It signified a burial with honor, respect, and recognition of their prowess in life. It was a symbol of their earthly glory accompanying them into death. However, the subsequent declaration, "but their iniquities shall be upon their bones," provides a stark and devastating contrast. This phrase means that despite any outward show of honor or the symbols of their former glory, their true, defining reality in death is their accumulated sin. Their iniquities cling to them, permeating their very being ("upon their bones"), negating any perceived honor and sealing their dishonored spiritual state. It powerfully conveys that God's judgment penetrates beyond superficial appearances, revealing the lasting, internal consequences of unrepentant sin, which ultimately determines one's eternal standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:27, with its vivid portrayal of the ignominious end of the mighty uncircumcised, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "iniquities upon their bones" points to the universal human condition of sin and its inescapable, damning consequences, a truth echoed in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death") that "the wages of sin is death." While the mighty of Egypt could not escape the stain of their iniquities, Christ, the true and ultimate "Mighty One" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God")), bore the full weight of humanity's sin, not upon His bones, but upon the cross. He became "uncircumcised" in the sense of being made sin for us, suffering the alienation and judgment that was due to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He took our iniquities upon Himself, offering forgiveness and cleansing that no earthly burial rite or military honor could ever provide ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt")). Unlike the fallen mighty descending into a dishonored Sheol, Christ descended into death but rose victoriously, conquering sin and death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ")). He offers true life and an eternal inheritance to all who believe, transcending the temporary "land of the living" and granting a place of honor in the presence of God, transforming those who were once spiritually "uncircumcised" into new creations in Him ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life")). Thus, the ultimate terror of sin and death, so starkly depicted in Ezekiel, is utterly disarmed by the glorious triumph of Christ, who alone grants true honor and eternal life.

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 14:18

All the kings of the nations, [even] all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.

Isaiah 14:19

But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, [and as] the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

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.

Job 3:13

For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,

Job 3:15

Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver:

Job 20:11

His bones are full [of the sin] of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.

Psalms 109:18

As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.