Ezekiel 32:30

KJV

There [be] the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

KJV (with Strong's)

There be the princes {H5257} of the north {H6828}, all of them, and all the Zidonians {H6722}, which are gone down {H3381} with the slain {H2491}; with their terror {H2851} they are ashamed {H954} of their might {H1369}; and they lie {H7901} uncircumcised {H6189} with them that be slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}, and bear {H5375} their shame {H3639} with them that go down {H3381} to the pit {H953}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"There are all the princes of the north, all of them, and the Tzidoni, who descended with the slain, ashamed of all the terror they caused by their power; they lie uncircumcised with those killed by the sword, bearing their shame with those who descended to the pit.

Berean Standard Bible

All the leaders of the north and all the Sidonians are there; they went down in disgrace with the slain, despite the terror of their might. They lie uncircumcised with those slain by the sword and bear their shame with those who descend to the Pit.

American Standard Version

There are the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Sidonians, who are gone down with the slain; in the terror which they caused by their might they are put to shame; and they lie uncircumcised with them that are slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:30 concludes a profound lamentation over Egypt, extending the prophecy of its catastrophic downfall to encompass other once-mighty pagan nations. It vividly portrays the "princes of the north" and the Zidonians, who were once sources of widespread terror and formidable power, now joining the ranks of the vanquished in the underworld. They share the ignominious fate of those "slain by the sword," experiencing profound shame and disgrace. This verse powerfully underscores the ultimate futility of worldly might and the absolute sovereignty of God's judgment over all earthly powers, consigning them to the "pit" as uncircumcised outsiders, marked by spiritual alienation and condemnation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32 is situated within a significant block of prophecies directed against Egypt, spanning from [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh") to [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament over Pharaoh and Egypt"). Specifically, this chapter functions as a funeral lament for Pharaoh and his kingdom, initially depicted as a formidable sea monster, a dragon or leviathan, brought low by God's decisive judgment, as detailed in [Ezekiel 32:1-16](/ezekiel/32-1-16 "Ezekiel 32:1-16 - Pharaoh as a Dragon Brought Down"). The latter portion of the chapter, from [Ezekiel 32:17-32](/ezekiel/32-17-32 "Ezekiel 32:17-32 - Egypt's Descent into Sheol"), shifts to a graphic description of Egypt's descent into Sheol, the underworld, where it is shown joining a grim assembly of other fallen nations and their leaders. Verse 30 specifically names the "princes of the north" and the "Zidonians" as part of this vanquished multitude, thereby broadening the scope of divine judgment to a universal scale and emphasizing the shared, inevitable fate of all who oppose God's will, regardless of their former earthly power. This inclusion serves to powerfully reinforce the overarching message that no nation, however mighty or secure, is exempt from God's ultimate reckoning and divine justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile, roughly between 593 and 571 BC, a period characterized by profound geopolitical instability and the shifting sands of imperial power. At this time, Egypt, though its influence had waned, still remained a significant regional power and was often viewed by Judah as a potential, albeit unreliable, ally against the rising threat of Babylon. Ezekiel's prophecies against Egypt, therefore, served a crucial theological purpose: to dismantle any false hopes Judah might harbor in human alliances and to unequivocally assert God's absolute control over the course of human history and the destinies of nations. The "princes of the north" likely refer to various northern Mesopotamian or Syrian powers, such as the once-dominant Assyrian Empire or other regional kingdoms that had previously exerted immense influence but now lay in ruin. The Zidonians were the inhabitants of Sidon, a prominent Phoenician city-state renowned for its vast maritime trade and considerable wealth. Much like Tyre, another Phoenician city-state that was also the subject of Ezekiel's prophecies in [Ezekiel 26-28](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26-28 - Prophecies Against Tyre"), Sidon epitomized worldly prosperity, commercial prowess, and nationalistic pride. Their inclusion in this lament powerfully signifies that even those nations perceived as exceptionally strong, secure, and self-sufficient would ultimately face the same fate as Egypt, highlighting the inherent transience of all earthly power and the universal reach of God's righteous judgment. The concept of "the pit" or Sheol was the prevailing Israelite understanding of the grave or the collective realm of the dead—a shadowy, silent place where all, irrespective of their earthly status or power, eventually descended.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it significantly amplifies the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment over Nations**, unequivocally demonstrating that God's authority and jurisdiction extend far beyond the nation of Israel, encompassing all earthly kingdoms and empires. No nation, regardless of how formidable its "might" or how widespread its "terror" once was, can ultimately escape His righteous judgment, a truth vividly illustrated in the broader prophecies against surrounding nations found in [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations"). Secondly, the verse starkly highlights the **Futility of Worldly Power and Pride**. The dramatic transformation of these mighty princes' and Zidonians' "terror" into profound "shame" underscores the ultimate impotence and hollowness of human strength and arrogance when confronted by divine reckoning. Their ignominious descent into the pit, burdened by their "shame," serves as a potent reminder that worldly achievements, military might, or economic prosperity offer no lasting protection from death or divine condemnation. Finally, the poignant phrase "lie uncircumcised" introduces and reinforces the critical theme of **Spiritual Status and Covenant Distinction**. In ancient Israelite theological thought, circumcision served as the quintessential sign of the covenant relationship with God, as established in [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision"). To be "uncircumcised" in death, particularly in this context, signified being outside God's covenant, inherently associated with spiritual impurity, paganism, and divine disfavor. This emphasizes their status as spiritual outsiders and their lack of divine favor even in the afterlife, standing in stark contrast to the hope and covenant blessings promised to the righteous within Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, _nᵉçîyk'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to pour out," refers to a libation or a molten image, and by implication, a prince or anointed one. In the context of Ezekiel 32:30, it denotes rulers or leaders, emphasizing their once-elevated status, authority, and perhaps even their self-perceived divine appointment or strength. The stark reality that these "princes" are now "gone down" to the pit dramatically highlights the reversal of their fortunes and the ultimate impotence of their earthly power in the face of divine judgment. Their former anointing or perceived invincibility proves utterly meaningless in the face of death and God's sovereign decree.
* **Might (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** This word signifies force, valor, victory, or power. It encapsulates the very essence of what made these nations and their leaders formidable, feared, and a source of pride. The text states that "with their terror they are ashamed of their might," creating a profound and cutting paradox. What was once their source of strength, their ability to intimidate, and their national glory has now become the very cause of their humiliation and disgrace. This powerfully emphasizes the transient, unreliable, and ultimately hollow nature of human power when it is confronted by the absolute and unyielding sovereignty of God.
* **Uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** This term literally means "exposed" or "projecting loose," but is used technically in the Old Testament to refer to someone who has not undergone circumcision. In ancient Israelite culture, circumcision was the definitive sign of the covenant with Yahweh, marking one as part of God's chosen people and a recipient of His promises, as commanded in [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "The Covenant of Circumcision"). To be "uncircumcised" was to be an outsider, a gentile, and was frequently associated with spiritual impurity, paganism, and separation from God's favor. In the context of death in Ezekiel 32:30, lying "uncircumcised" in the pit signifies not merely a physical state but a profound spiritual one—a state of utter disgrace, alienation from God's covenant, and condemnation, sharing the ignominious fate of other pagan nations who lacked divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There be the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians,"**: This opening clause precisely identifies the specific targets of this segment of the lament. The "princes of the north" likely refer to the rulers and their respective kingdoms from northern Mesopotamia or Syria, potentially including the powerful Assyrian Empire or other formidable entities that had previously dominated and terrorized the ancient Near East. The "Zidonians" are the inhabitants of Sidon, a prominent Phoenician city-state renowned for its extensive maritime trade and considerable wealth. The inclusion of "all of them" emphatically underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of this divine judgment, leaving no one, no matter how powerful, exempt from its reach.
* **"which are gone down with the slain;"**: This clause immediately establishes the grim and inevitable fate awaiting these once-mighty rulers and their peoples. To "go down" (H3381, _yârad_) signifies their descent into the underworld or the grave, where they join the ranks of those already "slain" (H2491, _châlâl_). This indicates that their demise is not merely a natural death but a violent cutting off, often as a direct consequence of divine judgment or warfare, thereby sharing the common fate of the utterly defeated.
* **"with their terror they are ashamed of their might;"**: This is a profoundly ironic and powerful statement of reversal. The "terror" (H2851, _chittîyth_) they once inspired in others, and their "might" (H1369, _gᵉbûwrâh_), which was the very foundation of their pride and power, have now become the instruments of their ultimate humiliation. They are "ashamed" (H954, _bûwsh_) not simply because they have been defeated, but because the very qualities and strengths upon which they so confidently relied proved utterly useless and failed to save them from inevitable destruction.
* **"and they lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword,"**: This clause deepens the ignominy and spiritual significance of their demise. To "lie uncircumcised" (H6189, _ʻârêl_) in death is a profound mark of spiritual disgrace from an Israelite perspective. It unequivocally signifies their status as outsiders to God's covenant, devoid of His special favor, protection, or blessing. They are thus consigned to the same fate as other pagan nations, "slain by the sword" (H2719, _chereb_), emphasizing a violent, decisive end inflicted by the agents of divine judgment.
* **"and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit."**: The final clause powerfully reiterates and summarizes their ultimate and irreversible destiny. They "bear their shame" (H3639, _kᵉlimmâh_) not merely in the moment of their defeat, but as a permanent mark accompanying them into the afterlife itself. This "shame" is an indelible disgrace that they carry with them as they "go down" (H3381, _yârad_) to "the pit" (H953, _bôwr_), a common Old Testament term for the grave or Sheol, the shadowy realm of the dead. This signifies a complete, irreversible, and spiritually condemned downfall, where their former glory and power are permanently replaced by eternal disgrace.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:30 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message of divine judgment and ultimate despair for the ungodly. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly the vivid and unsettling depiction of once-powerful nations "going down" to "the pit" and "lying uncircumcised." This creates a strong visual and visceral sense of descent, decay, and profound spiritual alienation, standing in sharp contrast to their former "terror" and "might." There is significant **Irony** in the statement "with their terror they are ashamed of their might." What was once their greatest asset, their source of intimidation, and their perceived invincibility has now become the very reason for their humiliation and disgrace, powerfully underscoring the ultimate futility of human strength when pitted against divine decree. The passage also utilizes **Personification**, treating entire nations and their rulers as individuals who experience profound shame and lie in death, making the judgment more immediate, relatable, and impactful. Furthermore, a strong sense of **Parallelism** is evident in the repeated emphasis on being "slain" and "going down to the pit," reinforcing the inevitability, universality, and comprehensive nature of their destruction. The phrase "bear their shame with them that go down to the pit" also echoes and amplifies the disgrace of being "uncircumcised," creating a powerful thematic link between their spiritual status and their final, ignominious resting place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:30 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and the inevitable judgment awaiting nations that defiantly oppose Him or place their ultimate trust solely in their own might. It underscores the transient nature of worldly power and the ultimate futility of human pride and self-reliance. The ignominious descent of these once-feared princes and Zidonians into the pit, burdened by their shame, serves as a stark and timeless reminder that no earthly kingdom, however formidable, can ultimately escape divine reckoning. Furthermore, the explicit emphasis on their "uncircumcised" state in death highlights the critical theological distinction between those in covenant relationship with God and those who remain outside of it, suggesting a profound spiritual dimension to their condemnation that extends beyond mere physical demise. This passage powerfully reinforces the consistent Old Testament understanding that true security, lasting honor, and ultimate salvation come not from military might, economic prosperity, or political influence, but from a right and humble relationship with the Creator, who alone holds the power of life and death, and who sovereignly determines the eternal destiny of all.

* [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9-11 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - Sheol Stirred Up for the King of Babylon")
* [Psalm 49:16-20](/psalm/49-16-20 "Psalm 49:16-20 - The Folly of Trusting in Riches")
* [Romans 2:25-29](/romans/2-25-29 "Romans 2:25-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:30 offers timeless and profoundly relevant truths for both personal and societal reflection in any age. Firstly, it serves as a powerful and urgent call to profound humility. In a world that frequently exalts and pursues power, wealth, and influence as ultimate values, this verse stands as a stark reminder that all earthly might, prestige, and human achievements are inherently temporary, fleeting, and ultimately subject to God's supreme judgment. We are cautioned against placing our ultimate trust, hope, or security in human endeavors, military strength, economic prowess, or political systems, for these will inevitably prove to be insufficient and will ultimately fail. Our true, unshakeable security and enduring hope must be anchored solely in the unchanging character and sovereign power of God alone. Secondly, the clear distinction drawn between the "uncircumcised" and those in covenant with God highlights the profound and eternal importance of our spiritual standing before the Creator. While physical circumcision was the outward sign of the Old Covenant, the New Testament redefines this concept, emphasizing a spiritual circumcision of the heart—a transformative work of God's Spirit through faith in Christ. This prompts us to deeply examine our own spiritual identity: are we truly in covenant with God, marked by an inward transformation and a new heart, or are we still "uncircumcised" in heart, living outside of His grace, favor, and redemptive plan? Finally, the verse powerfully underscores the immutable principle of divine accountability. Just as nations and their leaders face an inevitable judgment, so too will individuals. It challenges each of us to thoughtfully consider the legacy we are actively building, not merely in terms of worldly success or earthly recognition, but far more significantly, in light of eternity. Will our "might" ultimately lead to "shame" and condemnation, or will our lives reflect a humble submission to God's will, leading to eternal honor, grace, and glory?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and find my security: in worldly power, personal achievements, or in God's sovereign might?**
* **In what specific ways might I be relying on my own "might" or self-sufficiency rather than embracing a posture of humility and complete dependence on God?**
* **How does the concept of "uncircumcised" in this verse challenge and deepen my understanding of true spiritual belonging and identity in Christ today?**
* **What "shame" or unconfessed sin might I be carrying or accumulating in my life that needs to be surrendered to God's transforming grace and forgiveness?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "princes of the north" and the "Zidonians" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "princes of the north" likely refer to the rulers and kingdoms of northern Mesopotamia or Syria, such as the once-dominant Assyrians, who had previously wielded immense power and terrorized the ancient Near East before their own catastrophic downfall. Their inclusion in this lament signifies that even the most formidable empires of the past now reside in the realm of the dead, stripped of their former glory. The "Zidonians" are the inhabitants of Sidon, a significant Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its extensive maritime trade and considerable wealth. Alongside Tyre, another prominent Phoenician city, Sidon represented the epitome of worldly prosperity, commercial power, and nationalistic pride in the ancient world. Their mention alongside Egypt underscores the universal scope of God's judgment, indicating that no nation, regardless of its might, economic standing, or perceived security, is exempt from divine reckoning. This aligns with broader prophetic themes of God's comprehensive judgment over all nations, as seen throughout [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations").

**What is the significance of "uncircumcised" in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture, circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants, as detailed in [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "The Covenant of Circumcision"). It served as a distinct mark of a person belonging to God's chosen people and being in a special, covenantal relationship with Him. To be "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: _ʻârêl_) was to be an outsider, a gentile, and was frequently associated with spiritual impurity, paganism, and a lack of divine favor or blessing. In Ezekiel 32:30, the phrase "lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword" carries profound spiritual and symbolic weight. It signifies not merely a physical state but a state of profound spiritual disgrace, alienation from God's covenant, and ultimate condemnation. These fallen princes and Zidonians are consigned to the same ignominious fate as other pagan nations, emphasizing their lack of a covenant relationship with God and their ultimate separation from His blessing, even in the afterlife.

**What is "the pit" that these nations go down to?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, "the pit" (Hebrew: _bôwr_) is often used interchangeably with or as a synonym for Sheol (Hebrew: _she'ol_), which refers to the grave or the underworld, the common dwelling place of the dead. It is typically depicted as a dark, silent, and shadowy realm, a place of no return from which the dead do not typically emerge in the Old Testament understanding. While not necessarily a place of conscious torment in the same way hell is described in some later theological traditions, it is consistently portrayed as a realm of gloom, inactivity, and separation from the vibrant life on earth. For the powerful nations and their princes in Ezekiel 32:30, their descent into "the pit" signifies their complete and irreversible downfall, a total loss of all earthly power, prestige, and life itself, where they join the ranks of the utterly defeated and forgotten. It represents the ultimate end of their worldly might and the finality of God's judgment upon them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:30, with its grim portrayal of fallen princes and nations descending into the pit, "uncircumcised" and burdened by their shame, finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumphant victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death, and the spiritual powers of this world. The "princes of the north" and the Zidonians represent the epitome of worldly power, pride, and human self-sufficiency, all of which are ultimately brought to nothing by divine judgment. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), willingly "went down" into the pit of death, not as one slain by judgment for His own sin, but as the sinless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of humanity's shame, curse, and sin upon the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). While the pagan nations lie "uncircumcised" in the pit, signifying their spiritual alienation and separation from God, Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection inaugurate a new covenant, where true circumcision is no longer physical but of the heart, accomplished by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")). Through faith in Him, believers are spiritually circumcised, cut off from the body of sin, and intimately united with Christ in His death and resurrection, experiencing newness of life ([Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision of Christ")). The terror and shame that consumed the earthly princes are utterly overcome by the radiant glory of Christ's victory. He decisively disarmed the spiritual "princes and powers" of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")), leading captivity captive, and offering eternal life and deliverance from the "pit" of eternal separation and death to all who believe in Him ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Ascension and Gifts")). Thus, what in Ezekiel was a prophecy of unredeemable doom and disgrace for the uncircumcised nations becomes a profound foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate triumph, offering hope, spiritual belonging, and eternal life to all who are found "in Christ," regardless of their earthly origin or former status.

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

Ezekiel 38:6

Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: [and] many people with thee.

Ezekiel 28:21

Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,

Ezekiel 38:15

And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:

Ezekiel 39:2

And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:

Jeremiah 25:26

And all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another, and all the kingdoms of the world, which [are] upon the face of the earth: and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them.

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.