Ezekiel 29:4
But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָתַתִּ֤י
But I will put
H5414
וְנָתַתִּ֤י
But I will put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בִּלְחָיֶ֔יךָ
in thy jaws
H3895
בִּלְחָיֶ֔יךָ
in thy jaws
Strong's:
H3895
Word #:
3 of 16
the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone
תִּדְבָּֽק׃
shall stick
H1692
תִּדְבָּֽק׃
shall stick
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ
of thy rivers
H2975
יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ
of thy rivers
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
6 of 16
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
בְּקַשְׂקְשֹׂתֶ֖יךָ
unto thy scales
H7193
בְּקַשְׂקְשֹׂתֶ֖יךָ
unto thy scales
Strong's:
H7193
Word #:
7 of 16
a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal)
וְהַעֲלִיתִ֙יךָ֙
and I will bring thee up
H5927
וְהַעֲלִיתִ֙יךָ֙
and I will bring thee up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 16
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
מִתּ֣וֹךְ
out of the midst
H8432
מִתּ֣וֹךְ
out of the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
9 of 16
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ
of thy rivers
H2975
יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ
of thy rivers
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
10 of 16
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ
of thy rivers
H2975
יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ
of thy rivers
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
14 of 16
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
Cross References
Ezekiel 38:4And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:2 Kings 19:28Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt circa 568-567 BC, fulfilling this prophecy. Egypt never regained her former glory, becoming a 'base kingdom' (verse 14) under Persian, Greek, and Roman rule. The prophecy's fulfillment validated Ezekiel's ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's control over history's most powerful empires assure you of His sovereignty today?
- What does it mean that nations and leaders are accountable to God regardless of their acknowledgment of Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God will put 'hooks in thy jaws' and bring Pharaoh up from his river with fish clinging to his scales. This vivid imagery depicts Egypt's capture and deportation along with her allies. The fish represent nations dependent on Egypt who would share her fate. God's sovereignty extends to controlling and judging the mightiest earthly powers.