Ezekiel 32:19

Authorized King James Version

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Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.

Original Language Analysis

מִמִּ֖י H4310
מִמִּ֖י
Strong's: H4310
Word #: 1 of 6
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
נָעָ֑מְתָּ Whom dost thou pass in beauty H5276
נָעָ֑מְתָּ Whom dost thou pass in beauty
Strong's: H5276
Word #: 2 of 6
to be agreeable (literally or figuratively)
רְדָ֥ה go down H3381
רְדָ֥ה go down
Strong's: H3381
Word #: 3 of 6
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
וְהָשְׁכְּבָ֖ה and be thou laid H7901
וְהָשְׁכְּבָ֖ה and be thou laid
Strong's: H7901
Word #: 4 of 6
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
אֶת H854
אֶת
Strong's: H854
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
עֲרֵלִֽים׃ with the uncircumcised H6189
עֲרֵלִֽים׃ with the uncircumcised
Strong's: H6189
Word #: 6 of 6
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

Analysis & Commentary

Whom dost thou pass in beauty? sarcastically challenges Egypt's pride. You think you're special, but you're not—many before you have fallen. Go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised commands Egypt's descent among pagans. Uncircumcised was a term of contempt from Hebrew perspective, indicating those outside God's covenant. Egypt, who considered herself superior, will be buried among those she despised. Proud distinctions don't survive death. Self-perceived superiority means nothing when judgment comes. All face the same fate without God.

Historical Context

Egypt prided herself on civilization and culture, viewing surrounding peoples as barbarous. Yet in death, these distinctions vanish. Egypt joins the uncircumcised pagan nations in Sheol, her superiority revealed as meaningless. This demolishes human pride—all our distinctions, achievements, and status mean nothing in death without right relationship with God.

Questions for Reflection

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