Ezekiel 32:28

KJV

Yea, thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with [them that are] slain with the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, thou shalt be broken {H7665} in the midst {H8432} of the uncircumcised {H6189}, and shalt lie {H7901} with them that are slain {H2491} with the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you will lie broken among the uncircumcised, with those who were killed by the sword.

Berean Standard Bible

But you too will be shattered and lie down among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.

American Standard Version

But thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain by the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:28 pronounces a severe judgment upon Egypt, declaring that it will be utterly broken and cast down among the uncircumcised nations, sharing the ignominious fate of those slain by the sword. This verse, part of a lamentation over Pharaoh and his kingdom, vividly portrays Egypt's fall from power and prestige to a state of profound humiliation and death, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly empires and the dire consequences of pride and rebellion against His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32:28 is situated within a series of laments and prophecies against Egypt, specifically within the second lament (Ezekiel 32:17-32) which describes the descent of various nations into Sheol, the realm of the dead. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 32:17-27) detail the arrival of other mighty, but now vanquished, nations—Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, and Sidon—who lie in the pit with the slain. Pharaoh and Egypt are explicitly told they will join these fallen powers, stripped of their former glory and consigned to a dishonorable end. This particular verse reinforces the idea that Egypt, despite its past might, will suffer the same fate as other ungodly nations, underscoring the universality of God's judgment against pride and opposition. The broader context of [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament over Pharaoh and Egypt") portrays Egypt as a great sea monster (leviathan) brought down by God, emphasizing the completeness and divine nature of its defeat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a dominant world power, renowned for its military strength, wealth, and sophisticated civilization. Its pharaohs were often seen as divine or semi-divine, and the nation held a significant place in the geopolitical landscape, frequently interacting with Israel, sometimes as an oppressor, other times as a potential ally. The concept of "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: *'arelim*) was deeply significant in the ancient Near East, particularly for Israel. Circumcision was the covenant sign given to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 17:10](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), marking them as God's chosen people. To be "uncircumcised" was a term of spiritual and cultural contempt, signifying those outside of God's covenant, often associated with paganism, impurity, and exclusion from divine favor. Thus, Egypt's fate among the "uncircumcised" was not merely a physical defeat but a profound spiritual and national disgrace, equating them with despised, ungodly nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all nations, even the most powerful, and His willingness to bring down those who oppose Him. Egypt's demise is a testament to the fact that no earthly power can withstand God's decree. Secondly, it underscores the **Humiliation of Pride**, as Egypt, once a symbol of strength and arrogance, is reduced to nothing and stripped of its honor. This aligns with a recurring biblical theme that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction") and [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God opposes the proud")). Lastly, the verse vividly portrays the **Fate of the Ungodly and the Certainty of Death and Defeat**. To be "broken" and "lie with them that are slain with the sword" signifies a violent, ignominious end, emphasizing the ultimate consequences of national rebellion and spiritual rejection of God's ways, a fate shared by all who refuse to acknowledge His authority, as seen in the broader context of nations descending into Sheol in [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament over Pharaoh and Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** From H7665, meaning "to burst (literally or figuratively); break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), crush, destroy." This word conveys a sense of complete shattering and destruction, indicating that Egypt's power, pride, and national identity will be utterly demolished, not just defeated but fundamentally broken into pieces.
* **uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** From H6189, meaning "properly, exposed, i.e. projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically,; uncircumcised (i.e. still having the prepuce uncurtailed); uncircumcised (person)." This term is crucial as it denotes not merely a physical state but a spiritual and covenantal status. To be "in the midst of the uncircumcised" signifies being cast out from any perceived divine favor or special standing, relegated to the despised status of those outside of God's covenant, often associated with spiritual impurity and paganism.
* **slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** From H2491, meaning "pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted; kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded." This word specifically refers to those who have died a violent death, particularly by the sword. It emphasizes the brutal and ignominious end awaiting Egypt, aligning them with the common, dishonored dead of the battlefield, rather than a peaceful or glorious passing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised":** This clause directly addresses Egypt (personified as "thou"), declaring its utter destruction and humiliation. The use of "broken" (shâbar) suggests a complete shattering of its power and pride. To be "in the midst of the uncircumcised" signifies a profound disgrace, as Egypt, once a mighty empire, is now equated with nations considered ritually unclean and outside of God's covenant, stripped of any special status or honor.
* **"and shalt lie with [them that are] slain with the sword":** This second clause describes the ignominious physical end awaiting Egypt. It will not only be broken spiritually and nationally but will also suffer a violent, bloody demise. To "lie with them that are slain with the sword" paints a vivid picture of a battlefield full of corpses, where Egypt's once-proud warriors and leaders will be indistinguishable from the common, defeated dead, emphasizing the completeness of their military and national defeat.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:28 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of judgment and humiliation. **Personification** is evident as Egypt, a nation, is addressed directly as "thou," experiencing the fate of an individual being "broken" and "lying" among the dead. This makes the judgment more personal and impactful. The phrase "broken in the midst of the uncircumcised" functions as a potent **Symbolism** of utter disgrace and spiritual degradation. "Uncircumcised" symbolizes those outside of God's covenant and favor, and for Egypt to be cast among them signifies a loss of all perceived divine protection and a descent into the lowest status among nations. Furthermore, the imagery of "lying with them that are slain with the sword" is a stark **Metaphor** for a violent, ignominious death and defeat. It evokes a scene of utter devastation, where Egypt's once-formidable power is reduced to lifeless bodies on a battlefield, emphasizing the finality and brutality of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:28 profoundly articulates the theological principle of divine justice and the consequences of national pride and spiritual rebellion. It serves as a stark reminder that no earthly power, however formidable, is beyond the reach of God's sovereign judgment. The humiliation of Egypt, a nation that often oppressed God's people and boasted in its own strength, underscores the biblical truth that God opposes the proud and brings low those who exalt themselves. This passage emphasizes that true honor and security come not from military might or worldly status, but from covenant relationship with God and humble submission to His will. The fate of Egypt among the "uncircumcised" highlights the spiritual dimension of judgment, where those who reject God's covenant are ultimately relegated to a state of dishonor and spiritual death.

* [Jeremiah 46:25-26](/jeremiah/46-25-26 "Jeremiah 46:25-26 - Prophecy against Egypt")
* [Isaiah 19:4-5](/isaiah/19-4-5 "Isaiah 19:4-5 - The Burden of Egypt")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:28 offers timeless lessons for individuals and nations today. It serves as a potent warning against the dangers of nationalistic pride, self-sufficiency, and the idolatry of power. Just as Egypt's might could not save it from God's decree, so too are all human endeavors and achievements ultimately subject to His sovereign will. This verse calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that true security and lasting honor are found only in acknowledging God's supreme authority and living in accordance with His righteous ways. It reminds us that there are severe consequences for rejecting God's covenant and living outside of His divine favor, highlighting the spiritual reality that those who persist in rebellion will ultimately face a humbling and dishonorable end. For believers, this passage reinforces faith in God's unwavering justice, assuring us that He will ultimately bring all injustice, arrogance, and rebellion to account, providing comfort and confidence that He is in control and will ultimately prevail over all opposing forces.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fate of Egypt in this verse challenge our modern tendencies toward national pride or reliance on worldly power?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be "uncircumcised" in a spiritual sense, and what are the implications of such a state?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment on powerful nations like Egypt strengthen your faith in His ultimate justice and sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Egypt being "broken in the midst of the uncircumcised"?**

Answer: The phrase "broken in the midst of the uncircumcised" signifies a profound spiritual and national disgrace for Egypt. "Broken" (Hebrew: *shâbar*) indicates a complete shattering of its power, pride, and identity. To be "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: *ʻârêl*) was a term of contempt in ancient Israelite thought, referring to those outside the covenant with God ([Genesis 17:10](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), often associated with spiritual impurity and paganism. Thus, Egypt, once a formidable empire, is not only defeated but also stripped of any perceived divine protection or special standing, relegated to the despised status of ungodly nations. This highlights that its downfall is not merely a political event but a divine judgment.

**Why is Egypt judged so severely in Ezekiel?**

Answer: Egypt is judged severely in Ezekiel primarily due to its pride, its oppressive actions, and its unreliability as an ally to Israel, often leading God's people astray or failing to support them when needed. Pharaoh, in particular, is depicted as a great sea monster (leviathan) in [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Prophecy against Pharaoh") and [Ezekiel 32:2](/ezekiel/32-2 "Ezekiel 32:2 - Lament over Pharaoh"), symbolizing his immense power and arrogant defiance against God. God's judgment on Egypt, as on other nations like Tyre and Babylon, serves to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and to vindicate His holiness before the nations, showing that no one can defy Him with impunity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:28, with its stark depiction of judgment upon a proud, uncircumcised nation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. While the verse speaks of physical and national demise, it points to a deeper spiritual reality. The "uncircumcised" in the Old Testament represented those outside of God's covenant, separated from His promises and favor. In the New Testament, this physical distinction is transcended by a spiritual reality: true circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")). Christ, through His death and resurrection, breaks down the wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, bringing all who believe into a new covenant, making them spiritually "circumcised" in Him ([Ephesians 2:11-16](/ephesians/2-11-16 "Ephesians 2:11-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, the judgment depicted in Ezekiel 32:28 foreshadows Christ's ultimate triumph over all spiritual powers and principalities that oppose God. Just as Egypt was "broken" and "slain," so too were the powers of sin, death, and the devil decisively defeated by Christ on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers")). Those who remain "uncircumcised" in heart, rejecting Christ's atoning work, face a spiritual judgment far more severe than any national defeat, while those who are in Christ are delivered from the condemnation that awaits the ungodly, securing an eternal inheritance and true honor in the Kingdom of God ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")).

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

Daniel 2:34

Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

Daniel 2:35

Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.