Ezekiel 32:6

KJV

I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, [even] to the mountains; and the rivers shall be full of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will also water {H8248} with thy blood {H1818} the land {H776} wherein thou swimmest {H6824}, even to the mountains {H2022}; and the rivers {H650} shall be full {H4390} of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will drench the land in which you swim with your blood, as far as the mountains; the waterways will be full of you.

Berean Standard Bible

I will drench the land with the flow of your blood, all the way to the mountains— the ravines will be filled.

American Standard Version

I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, even to the mountains; and the watercourses shall be full of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:6 continues the prophetic lamentation over Egypt and its Pharaoh, employing vivid and gruesome imagery to depict the nation's catastrophic downfall. This verse graphically portrays the widespread slaughter and utter devastation that will saturate the land and its waterways, transforming the very sources of Egypt's life and prosperity into symbols of its demise. It underscores the severity of divine judgment against a proud and rebellious nation, illustrating God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of a series of oracles against Egypt, specifically within a funeral dirge (a lamentation) for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, found in [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - A Lamentation for Pharaoh"). The preceding verses (Ezekiel 32:1-5) establish Pharaoh as a great sea monster or crocodile, a powerful but ultimately vulnerable beast that God promises to capture and cast upon the land. The imagery in verse 6, of the land and rivers being inundated with blood, directly follows this initial depiction of Pharaoh's capture and subsequent demise, extending the scope of judgment from the ruler to the entire nation. This oracle, delivered in the twelfth year of Ezekiel's exile, serves as a grim counterpoint to the false hopes many in Judah placed in Egypt as an ally against Babylon, reinforcing God's ultimate control over all nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a formidable empire, renowned for its military might, advanced civilization, and the life-giving Nile River, which was central to its identity and prosperity. Pharaoh was viewed as a divine king, a living god, and Egypt itself was seen as a stable, powerful force. The imagery of a "sea monster" (tannin) likely alludes to the Nile crocodile, a creature of immense power and fear in the Egyptian psyche, but also a symbol of chaos that needed to be subdued by the gods. The prophecy of its blood watering the land and filling the rivers would have been particularly shocking and humiliating for a culture that revered the Nile as sacred and foundational to its existence. This judgment came at a time when Judah was caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining, yet still formidable, influence of Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 32:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, vividly demonstrating God's active role in bringing about the catastrophic downfall of nations that oppose His will and exhibit excessive pride, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"). The verse's graphic imagery emphasizes **Total Devastation**, portraying a complete and overwhelming defeat for Egypt, resulting in immense loss of life and the desecration of its vital resources. This serves as a stark consequence of Pharaoh's **Arrogance and Pride**, a recurring motif in Ezekiel's oracles against Egypt (e.g., [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh as a Great Dragon")). Ultimately, the prophecy asserts God's **Unquestionable Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty, can withstand the judgment of the Almighty, a truth echoed in [Daniel 4:32](/daniel/4-32 "Daniel 4:32 - God's Dominion Over Kingdoms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **water (Hebrew, _shâqâh'_):** From H8248, meaning "to quaff, i.e. (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to." In this context, the verb is used with chilling irony. Typically, to "water" implies life-giving nourishment, irrigation, or quenching thirst. Here, God declares He will "water" the land with blood, transforming an act of sustenance into an act of overwhelming destruction and death. This grim reversal underscores the severity and pervasiveness of the judgment.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** From H1818, referring to "blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed." The prominent use of "blood" emphasizes the sheer volume of lives lost. It is not merely a few casualties but a deluge, indicating a slaughter so vast that the very ground and rivers are saturated, symbolizing the complete and utter devastation of the nation.
* **swimmest (Hebrew, _tsâphâh'_):** From H6824, meaning "an inundation (as covering); [idiom] swimmest." This word, often translated as "wherein thou swimmest," refers to Egypt's vast territory and its intimate connection to water, particularly the Nile River. The phrase implies that Egypt, like a great beast, inhabits and thrives in its watery domain. The judgment, therefore, is not just external but penetrates the very essence of Egypt's existence, turning its life-source into a conduit of death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, even to the mountains":** This clause initiates the graphic depiction of judgment. The divine "I" (God) is the active agent, deliberately "watering" the land—a term usually associated with life and fertility—with the "blood" of the Egyptians. The phrase "wherein thou swimmest" alludes to Egypt's extensive territory, particularly its connection to the Nile, suggesting that the entire breadth of the nation, from its low-lying, water-rich areas to its elevated "mountains," will be saturated with the carnage. This signifies a judgment that is total in its geographical scope and devastating in its impact on human life.
* **"and the rivers shall be full of thee":** This second clause amplifies the image of desolation, focusing on the waterways. The "rivers," particularly the Nile and its tributaries, which were the lifeblood of Egypt, are prophesied to be "full of thee"—meaning full of the slain bodies and blood of the Egyptians. This imagery not only reinforces the immense scale of the slaughter but also symbolizes the defilement and corruption of Egypt's most vital resource, turning its source of life into a testament to its death and humiliation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:6 is rich in **Hyperbole**, using exaggerated imagery to convey the overwhelming scale of divine judgment. The idea of "watering the land with blood" and "rivers full of thee" is not meant to be taken literally as a physical impossibility, but rather to impress upon the reader the utter and unprecedented devastation. The verse also employs striking **Irony**, as the life-giving act of "watering" is subverted to describe the saturation of the land with death. This creates a powerful and disturbing contrast. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident, with "blood" representing not just physical death but also the complete loss of national vitality and the defilement of the land. The "rivers" symbolize Egypt's lifeblood and prosperity, which are now depicted as choked with the consequences of divine wrath. The entire passage functions as a **Lamentation** or funeral dirge, a poetic form designed to mourn and express profound sorrow, here used ironically to lament the impending destruction of a proud nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:6 stands as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, justice, and the consequences of national pride and rebellion. It affirms that God is not merely the God of Israel but the Lord of all nations, holding every kingdom accountable for its actions. The graphic imagery serves as a stark reminder that unchecked arrogance and opposition to divine will inevitably lead to catastrophic judgment. This passage underscores the principle that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and that God's power is absolute, capable of bringing even the mightiest empires to their knees. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of divine justice over human hubris and oppression.

* [Isaiah 63:3](/isaiah/63-3 "God's Winepress of Wrath")
* [Revelation 14:20](/revelation/14-20 "The Great Winepress of God's Wrath")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "God Exalts and Brings Low")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:6, while depicting a specific historical judgment, offers timeless principles for personal and communal reflection. It calls us to consider the gravity of pride and self-sufficiency, reminding us that true security and flourishing come not from human strength or earthly resources, but from humble reliance on God. The vivid imagery of devastation serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition, oppression, and disregard for divine justice. For believers, it reinforces the comforting truth that God remains sovereign over all circumstances, even amidst the rise and fall of nations, and that His ultimate purposes will prevail. It also prompts us to consider our own lives and communities: are we building on foundations of humility and righteousness, or are we susceptible to the same pride that led to Egypt's downfall?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "watering with blood" challenge your understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might personal or national pride manifest today, and what are the potential consequences?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's ultimate control, even when facing seemingly insurmountable powers or injustices?**
* **What are practical steps we can take to cultivate humility and reliance on God in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Why is the judgment against Egypt described in such graphic and violent terms?**

Answer: The graphic and violent terms used in Ezekiel 32:6 are characteristic of prophetic literature, which often employs **hyperbole** and vivid imagery to convey the severity and totality of divine judgment. For ancient audiences, such language would have powerfully communicated the devastating consequences of national pride and rebellion against God. It underscores that God's justice is not abstract but has real, tangible, and often terrifying outcomes for those who defy Him. The imagery also serves to demonstrate God's absolute power over even the mightiest nations, shattering any illusions of their invincibility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:6 describes a historical judgment on ancient Egypt, its imagery and underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The concept of a land being "watered with blood" and rivers being "full" of the slain foreshadows the ultimate and decisive judgment that Christ will execute upon all who oppose God, particularly at His second coming. Revelation often depicts Christ treading the "winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty," where blood flows in immense quantities, as seen in [Revelation 14:20](/revelation/14-20 "Revelation 14:20 - The Great Winepress of God's Wrath") and [Revelation 19:13](/revelation/19-13 "Revelation 19:13 - Jesus' Garment Dipped in Blood"). However, the shedding of blood also finds a redemptive fulfillment in Christ. While the blood in Ezekiel signifies judgment and death, the blood of Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), signifies atonement, cleansing, and new life. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of judgment against sin, yet it paradoxically became the source of salvation for all who believe. Thus, the terrifying imagery of blood-soaked judgment in Ezekiel ultimately points to the infinitely more profound and redemptive shedding of blood by Christ, which satisfies divine justice and offers eternal life, as explained in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness").

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 34:3

Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.

Exodus 7:17

Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that [is] in mine hand upon the waters which [are] in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

Isaiah 34:7

And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.

Revelation 14:20

And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand [and] six hundred furlongs.

Revelation 16:6

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.