Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

Ezekiel 30:21

Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.

Ezekiel 30:21 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse "Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword." from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible is a prophetic message from God. The arm is often symbolic of strength and power, and in this context, it represents Pharaoh's power and authority. By breaking Pharaoh's arm and declaring that it will not be healed or bound up, God is signaling the downfall and weakening of Pharaoh's rule over Egypt. The imagery of not being able to hold a sword further emphasizes Pharaoh's loss of power and ability to protect himself or his kingdom. This verse serves as a warning of the impending judgment and punishment that will come upon Pharaoh and Egypt for their defiance of God and oppression of His people. It conveys a message of divine retribution and the consequences of disobedience to God's will.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet is delivering a message from God to the people of Israel regarding the defeat of Pharaoh king of Egypt. The phrase "Son of man" is a term used to address Ezekiel as a human being and emphasizes his role as a prophet. The breaking of Pharaoh's arm symbolizes the complete destruction of his power and authority. The imagery of not being able to bind up the arm for healing signifies that there is no hope for restoration or recovery for Pharaoh. The mention of putting a roller to bind it highlights the futility of attempting to mend what God has broken. Ultimately, the message is clear - God's judgment is final, and even the mighty rulers of the earth are subject to His power. The use of vivid imagery and poetically constructed language in this verse serves to emphasize the severity of God's judgment on those who oppose Him.

Ezekiel 30:21 in other translations

American Standard Version

Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it hath not been bound up, to apply [healing] medicines, to put a bandage to bind it, that it be strong to hold the sword.

World English Bible

Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and behold, it has not been bound up, to apply medicines, to put a bandage to bind it, that it be strong to hold the sword.

Douay-Rheims

Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharao king of Egypt: and behold it is not bound up, to be healed, to be tied up with clothes, and swathed with linen, that it might recover strength, and hold the sword.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Sonne of man, I haue broken the arme of Pharaoh King of Egypt: and lo, it shall not be boud vp to be healed, neither shall they put a roule to bind it, and so make it strong, to hold the sworde.