Ezekiel 32:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is Edom {H123}, her kings {H4428}, and all her princes {H5387}, which with their might {H1369} are laid {H5414} by them that were slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}: they shall lie {H7901} with the uncircumcised {H6189}, and with them that go down {H3381} to the pit {H953}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"There is Edom, her kings and all her princes, who, despite all their power, are laid with those who were killed by the sword, with the uncircumcised, with those who descended to the pit.

Berean Standard Bible

Edom is there, and all her kings and princes, who despite their might are laid among those slain by the sword. They lie down with the uncircumcised, with those who descend to the Pit.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:29 continues the prophetic dirge against Egypt by expanding the vision of the underworld to include Edom, a nation characterized by its historical enmity towards Israel. The verse declares that Edom, with its kings and princes, despite their perceived might, will be laid low, slain by the sword, and share an ignominious fate with the uncircumcised in the pit, signifying a profound spiritual and physical condemnation alongside other pagan nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger prophetic lament (a dirge or funeral song) against Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt, spanning Ezekiel 32. While the primary focus of the chapter is Egypt's impending downfall and descent into the underworld (Sheol), Ezekiel 32:17-32 expands this vision by depicting other proud, fallen nations already residing in the "pit" (Sheol) who greet Egypt upon its arrival. Edom is one such nation, along with Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, and others. The inclusion of these nations serves to underscore the universality of God's judgment and to demonstrate that even the mightiest earthly powers are subject to divine reckoning, sharing a common, ignominious destiny in death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom was a kingdom located southeast of Judah, traditionally descended from Esau, Jacob's elder twin brother. Despite this familial connection, Edom maintained a deep-seated and often hostile relationship with Israel, frequently exploiting Judah's vulnerabilities, particularly during the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem (as detailed in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")). From an Israelite perspective, "the pit" (Hebrew: *bôwr* or *Sheol*) referred to the ancient Near Eastern concept of the underworld—the common destination for all the dead, a shadowy realm of silence and inactivity. To "lie with the uncircumcised" was a profound theological and cultural insult. Circumcision was the physical sign of [God's covenant with Abraham](/genesis/17-11 "Genesis 17:11 - The Covenant of Circumcision") and his descendants. To be uncircumcised meant to be outside this covenant, spiritually defiled, and often equated with being a pagan enemy of God and His people, thus signifying a shameful, dishonorable death and burial alongside those who did not know God.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 32:29 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over all nations, not just Israel. Edom, despite its perceived strength and royal lineage, is brought low, serving as a stark reminder that no earthly power can escape divine reckoning. This highlights **The Humbling of the Proud**, a recurring motif in Scripture, where human arrogance and self-reliance inevitably lead to downfall (as echoed in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Shared Fate of the Wicked and Uncovenanted**. The phrase "lie with the uncircumcised" underscores a common, dishonorable destiny for those outside of God's covenant, particularly those who opposed His people. This is a spiritual and cultural condemnation, placing Edom among the pagan nations who go down to [the realm of the dead](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9 - Kings in Sheol") without distinction or honor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Edom (Hebrew, _ʼĔdôm_):** Derived from the Hebrew word for "red" (see [Genesis 25:25](/genesis/25-25 "Genesis 25:25 - Esau's Redness")), Edom refers to the nation descended from Esau, Jacob's elder brother. In this context, it represents a specific historical kingdom known for its long-standing animosity and betrayal of Israel, making its inclusion in the dirge against Egypt a potent symbol of God's judgment against all who oppose His people.
* **Might (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh_):** This term denotes "force, valor, victory, power, or strength." The verse explicitly states that Edom's kings and princes, despite their *gᵉbûwrâh*, were "laid by them that were slain by the sword." This highlights the futility of human strength and military prowess when confronted with divine judgment, emphasizing that no earthly power can ultimately withstand God's decree.
* **Uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl_):** Literally meaning "exposed" or "uncovered," this term technically refers to one who has not undergone circumcision. Theologically and culturally, for ancient Israel, circumcision was the physical sign of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17:11](/genesis/17-11 "Genesis 17:11 - The Sign of the Covenant")). To be *ʻârêl* meant to be outside this sacred covenant, spiritually defiled, and often equated with being a pagan or an enemy of God. Thus, Edom's fate of lying "with the uncircumcised" signifies a profound spiritual degradation and a shared destiny with those utterly alienated from God.
* **Pit (Hebrew, _bôwr_):** From a root meaning "to bore," *bôwr* refers to a "pit-hole," often a cistern or a dungeon. In this prophetic context, it serves as a metaphor for the grave or Sheol, the common underworld realm of the dead. Its usage here, especially in conjunction with "uncircumcised," emphasizes an ignominious and undignified end, a descent into a dark, forgotten place without honor or hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes":** This clause identifies the specific subject of the prophecy. Edom, a proud and powerful nation, is depicted collectively through its leadership—its kings and princes—underscoring that no level of authority or status will exempt them from the impending judgment.
* **"which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword":** This describes the manner of Edom's downfall. Despite their *gᵉbûwrâh* (might, strength, valor), they are defeated and "laid" (or given over) to the company of those already "slain by the sword." This emphasizes a violent, military defeat, indicating a loss of sovereignty and a shared fate with other vanquished nations.
* **"they shall lie with the uncircumcised":** This is a statement of profound shame and spiritual condemnation. To "lie with the uncircumcised" signifies that Edom will share the same fate and resting place as pagan nations who are outside God's covenant. It implies a lack of honor, a spiritual uncleanness, and an exclusion from the blessed hope associated with God's people, even in death.
* **"and with them that go down to the pit":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the ultimate destination and shared destiny. The "pit" (Sheol) is the common realm of the dead, but the context of "uncircumcised" specifies an ignominious descent. Edom will not receive a distinguished burial or a place of honor, but will be cast into the undifferentiated mass of the ungodly dead.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:29 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of judgment. The entire chapter is framed as a **Dirge** or **Lament**, a mournful poem typically sung over the dead, which amplifies the sense of irreversible loss and divine judgment. **Personification** is evident as Edom, a nation, is depicted with its kings and princes, collectively facing a shared, personal demise. **Symbolism** is rich: the "sword" represents violent, decisive judgment and military conquest; "the uncircumcised" symbolizes spiritual alienation, paganism, and exclusion from God's covenant; and "the pit" (Sheol) is a powerful symbol of death, the underworld, and an ignominious end. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the phrase "with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword," highlighting the futility of Edom's strength against God's decree. Finally, the verse uses **Parallelism** in the phrases "lie with the uncircumcised" and "with them that go down to the pit," which serves to emphasize and reinforce the shared, shameful, and inescapable destiny of those under divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:29 serves as a powerful theological statement on God's universal sovereignty and the consequences of human pride and hostility towards His purposes. It underscores that no earthly power, wealth, or influence can withstand God's ultimate judgment. Edom's downfall, despite its "might," illustrates the futility of relying on human strength rather than divine favor. The ignominious fate of lying "with the uncircumcised" highlights the profound spiritual distinction God makes between those in covenant with Him and those outside, emphasizing that true honor and security come not from worldly status but from one's relationship with the divine. This passage reminds us that God's justice extends to all nations, and those who oppose His people or His will shall ultimately be brought low.

* [Obadiah 1:10-15](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-15 - Edom's Judgment for Violence Against Jacob")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - The Kings in Sheol")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:29, though ancient, offers timeless lessons for contemporary readers. It challenges our tendency to place ultimate trust in human institutions, military might, or personal power. The swift and decisive downfall of Edom, a nation confident in its strength, serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of all earthly glory and the ultimate accountability before a sovereign God. For us, this means cultivating humility, recognizing that our true security and honor are found not in worldly achievements but in our spiritual standing before God. It calls us to examine our own hearts for any pride, hostility, or self-reliance that might align us with the spirit of Edom. Furthermore, the distinction between the "circumcised" and "uncircumcised" compels us to consider our spiritual identity and where our hope ultimately lies, urging us to embrace God's covenant and align our lives with His righteous will, lest we share the fate of those alienated from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fate of Edom challenge our reliance on worldly power, wealth, or status in our own lives or in society?**
* **In what ways might we, like Edom, exhibit pride or hostility towards God's purposes or His people, even subtly?**
* **What does "lying with the uncircumcised" signify for us today regarding our spiritual identity and eternal destiny, and how does this motivate our faith?**

### FAQ

**Why is Edom singled out in this dirge against Egypt, which primarily focuses on Pharaoh?**

Answer: Edom's inclusion in this dirge against Egypt serves multiple purposes. Firstly, Edom had a long and bitter history of animosity and betrayal against Israel, particularly during Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon (as seen in [Obadiah 1](/obadiah/1 "Obadiah - The Prophecy Against Edom")). By including Edom, along with other powerful nations like Assyria and Elam, Ezekiel emphasizes the universality of God's judgment. It demonstrates that not only Egypt, but all nations, especially those characterized by pride and hostility towards God's people, are subject to the same divine reckoning and will share a common, ignominious fate in the underworld. This expands the scope of God's sovereignty beyond Israel and Egypt to encompass all earthly powers.

**What is the significance of "the uncircumcised" in this verse, and why is it such a profound condemnation?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham ([Genesis 17:11](/genesis/17-11 "Genesis 17:11 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). It marked them as God's chosen people, set apart from the pagan nations. To be "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: *ʻârêl*) was not merely a physical description but carried immense theological and cultural weight. It signified being outside of God's covenant, spiritually defiled, and often equated with being an enemy of God or His people. Therefore, Edom's fate of lying "with the uncircumcised" in death was a profound condemnation. It meant they would not receive a burial of honor among God's people but would be relegated to the same shameful, undifferentiated grave as pagan nations, devoid of any covenant blessing or hope.

**Does this verse teach about hell or just the grave?**

Answer: The "pit" (Hebrew: *bôwr* or *Sheol*) in this context primarily refers to the common realm of the dead, the grave, or the underworld as understood in ancient Israel. It is not necessarily a direct description of the New Testament concept of eternal hell (Gehenna). However, the verse's emphasis on Edom's kings and princes being "slain by the sword" and lying "with the uncircumcised" implies a shameful, ignominious, and unblessed destiny in death, contrasting sharply with any hope of a blessed afterlife for the righteous. While not explicitly "hell," it certainly depicts a state of judgment and spiritual condemnation rather than peaceful rest or divine favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:29 portrays the grim reality of judgment for those outside God's covenant, culminating in an ignominious descent into the "pit" alongside the "uncircumcised." This prophetic imagery finds its ultimate fulfillment and reversal in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament covenant, marked by physical circumcision, pointed to a deeper spiritual reality—a need for a circumcised heart ([Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart")). In the New Covenant, Christ brings about this true "circumcision of the heart" through faith, not by human hands, but by the Spirit, freeing believers from the power of sin and death ([Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision in Christ") and [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")). Jesus, through His death and resurrection, conquered the very "pit" of death and Hades, holding the keys to both ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys to Death and Hades")). He offers a new and living way, providing a destiny far removed from the shame of the uncircumcised in the pit. Through His atoning sacrifice, those who were once "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world," are now "brought near by the blood of Christ" ([Ephesians 2:11-13](/ephesians/2-11 "Ephesians 2:11-13 - Gentiles Brought Near by Christ")). Thus, the terrifying judgment faced by Edom and the uncircumcised is contrasted with the glorious hope and eternal life offered to all who believe in Christ, who alone delivers from the power of the grave and grants a place in God's eternal kingdom ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the 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

Jeremiah 49:7

¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; [Is] wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

Jeremiah 49:22

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Isaiah 63:6

And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

Genesis 25:30

And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]; for I [am] faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

Ezekiel 25:1

¶ The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 25:17

And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.