Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Ezekiel 29:15

Next

It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

It shall be the basest {H8217} of the kingdoms {H4467}; neither shall it exalt {H5375} itself any more above the nations {H1471}: for I will diminish {H4591} them, that they shall no more rule {H7287} over the nations {H1471}.

the humblest of kingdoms. It will never again dominate other nations; I will reduce them, so that they never again rule other nations.

Egypt will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the nations. For I will diminish Egypt so that it will never again rule over the nations.

It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it any more lift itself up above the nations: and I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

Commentary

Ezekiel 29:15 is part of a series of prophecies delivered by the prophet Ezekiel against the nation of Egypt and its Pharaoh. This specific verse highlights the enduring consequence of God's judgment: Egypt's reduction from a mighty empire to a subservient state among the nations.

Context

The book of Ezekiel primarily addresses the sins of Judah and Jerusalem, the coming destruction of the temple, and the future restoration of Israel. However, chapters 25-32 contain prophecies against surrounding nations, including Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and, prominently, Egypt. God's judgment against Egypt in chapter 29 stems from its pride and self-exaltation, exemplified by Pharaoh's declaration, "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself" (Ezekiel 29:3). Furthermore, Egypt had historically proven to be an unreliable ally to Israel, often depicted as a "staff of reed" that would pierce the hand of anyone leaning on it (Ezekiel 29:6). This verse details the long-term abasement of Egypt as a result of its arrogance and unfaithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Humiliation: The verse explicitly states that Egypt "shall be the basest of the kingdoms." This signifies a profound demotion from its former status as a dominant world power. God's judgment is not merely punitive but aims to humble the proud, ensuring that Egypt would "not exalt itself any more above the nations."
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: This prophecy powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations. He declares, "I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations," emphasizing His active role in shaping geopolitical destinies. This theme resonates with other biblical accounts of God's rule over earthly kingdoms, such as seen in the book of Daniel 4:17.
  • Consequences of Pride: Egypt's downfall is directly linked to its arrogance and self-sufficiency. The Lord consistently opposes the proud, and this prophecy serves as a stark reminder that national or personal pride ultimately leads to abasement.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "basest" translates the Hebrew term shaphal (שָׁפַל), meaning low, humble, abased, or brought down. It conveys a strong sense of humiliation and reduction in status, a stark contrast to Egypt's former imperial glory. The term "diminish" comes from the Hebrew ma'at (מָעַט), which means to make small, lessen, or reduce. Both words underscore the deliberate and comprehensive nature of God's action to reduce Egypt's power and influence, preventing it from regaining its former dominance over other nations.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 29:15 offers timeless lessons for both individuals and nations. It serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of pride and self-exaltation, reminding us that true strength and stability come from humility and reliance on God. Just as God humbled ancient Egypt, He continues to be sovereign over all earthly powers. This verse encourages us to place our trust not in fleeting human strength or national might, but in the unchanging power and justice of the Almighty. It calls for humility, recognizing that God alone is the one who ultimately raises and lowers kingdoms.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Zechariah 10:11 (4 votes)

    And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.

  • Ezekiel 30:13 (4 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause [their] images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.

  • Nahum 3:8 (3 votes)

    ¶ Art thou better than populous No, that was situate among the rivers, [that had] the waters round about it, whose rampart [was] the sea, [and] her wall [was] from the sea?

  • Nahum 3:9 (3 votes)

    Ethiopia and Egypt [were] her strength, and [it was] infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.

  • Ezekiel 31:2 (3 votes)

    Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?

  • Ezekiel 32:2 (3 votes)

    Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou [art] as a whale in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.

  • Ezekiel 17:14 (3 votes)

    That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, [but] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.