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⇱ Ezekiel 29:16 Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD."

Bible > Ezekiel > Chapter 29 > Verse 16
◄ Ezekiel 29:16 ►
New International Version
Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the people of Israel but will be a reminder of their sin in turning to her for help. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.’”

New Living Translation
“Then Israel will no longer be tempted to trust in Egypt for help. Egypt’s shattered condition will remind Israel of how sinful she was to trust Egypt in earlier days. Then Israel will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.”

English Standard Version
And it shall never again be the reliance of the house of Israel, recalling their iniquity, when they turn to them for aid. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”

Berean Standard Bible
Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”

King James Bible
And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

New King James Version
No longer shall it be the confidence of the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity when they turned to follow them. Then they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.” ’ ”

New American Standard Bible
And it will no longer be a kingdom on which the house of Israel relies, bringing to mind the guilt of their having turned to Egypt. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”’”

NASB 1995
“And it will never again be the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing to mind the iniquity of their having turned to Egypt. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD."’”

NASB 1977
“And it will never again be the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing to mind the iniquity of their having turned to Egypt. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”’”

Legacy Standard Bible
And it will never again be the security of the house of Israel, bringing to remembrance the iniquity of their having turned to go after Egypt. Then they will know that I am Lord Yahweh.”’”

Amplified Bible
And Egypt will never again have the confidence of the house of Israel; their wickedness will be remembered whenever Israel looks toward them [for help]. Then they will know [without any doubt] that I am the Lord GOD.”’”

Christian Standard Bible
It will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, drawing attention to their iniquity of turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.’ ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, drawing attention to their sin of turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.”

American Standard Version
And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to remembrance, when they turn to look after them: and they shall know that I am the Lord Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
My own people Israel will never again depend on your nation. In fact, when the Israelites remember what happened to you Egyptians, they will realize how wrong they were to turn to you for help. Then the Israelites will know that I, the LORD God, did these things.

English Revised Version
And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to remembrance, when they turn to look after them: and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The nation of Israel will never trust Egypt again. The people of Israel will remember how wrong they were whenever they turned to Egypt [for help]. Then they will know that I am the Almighty LORD.'"

Good News Translation
Israel will never again depend on them for help. Egypt's fate will remind Israel how wrong it was to rely on them. Then Israel will know that I am the Sovereign LORD."

International Standard Version
Egypt will never again be a source of confidence to the nation of Israel. Instead, Egypt will serve as a reminder of when they sinned by turning to Egypt for help. Then they'll know that I am the Lord GOD.'"

NET Bible
It will never again be Israel's source of confidence, but a reminder of how they sinned by turning to Egypt for help. Then they will know that I am the sovereign LORD.'"

New Heart English Bible
It shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to memory, when they turn to look after them: and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD."'"

Webster's Bible Translation
And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”

World English Bible
It will no longer be the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to memory, when they turn to look after them. Then they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.”’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it is no longer for confidence to the house of Israel, "" Bringing iniquity to remembrance, "" By their turning after them, "" And they have known that I [am] Lord YHWH.”

Young's Literal Translation
And it is no more to the house of Israel for a confidence, Bringing iniquity to remembrance, By their turning after them, And they have known that I am the Lord Jehovah.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it shall be no more to the house of Israel for trust, bringing iniquity to remembrance in their turning after them: and they shall know that am the Lord Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they shall be no more a confidence to the house of Israel, teaching iniquity, that they may flee, and follow them: and they shall know that I am the Lord God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they will no longer be the confidence of the house of Israel, teaching iniquity, so that they may flee and follow them. And they shall know that I am the Lord God.”

New American Bible
No longer shall they be security for the house of Israel, But a reminder of its iniquity in turning away to follow them. Then they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

New Revised Standard Version
The Egyptians shall never again be the reliance of the house of Israel; they will recall their iniquity, when they turned to them for aid. Then they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the Egyptians shall be no more the hope of the house of Israel, bringing their iniquity to remembrance, because they went after them; and Israel shall know that I am the LORD God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they shall not be for the hope or for the memory of evil to the house of Israel again, because they went after them, and they shall know that I AM THE LORD OF LORDS
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to remembrance, when they turn after them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they shall no more be to the house of Israel a confidence bringing iniquity to remembrance, when they follow after them; and they shall know that I am the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Desolation of Egypt
…15Egypt 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. 16Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”

Cross References
Isaiah 30:2-3
They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.

Jeremiah 17:5
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Hosea 14:3
Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.”

2 Kings 18:21
Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.

Isaiah 36:6
Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.

Jeremiah 2:18
Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates?

Isaiah 20:5-6
Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed. / And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’”

Lamentations 4:17
All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us.

Psalm 118:8-9
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Isaiah 31:3
But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.

Isaiah 36:9
For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?

Jeremiah 46:25-26
The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh. / I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives—of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, Egypt will be inhabited as in days of old, declares the LORD.

Isaiah 19:11-15
The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. ...

2 Chronicles 28:16-21
At that time King Ahaz sent for help from the king of Assyria. / The Edomites had again come and attacked Judah and carried away captives. / The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages. ...


Ezekiel 29:6,7
And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel…

Ezekiel 17:15-17
But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered? …

Isaiah 20:5
And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.

bringeth

Ezekiel 21:23
And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.

Numbers 5:15
Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.

1 Kings 17:18
And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?

but

Ezekiel 29:6,9,21
And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel…

Ezekiel 28:22-24,26
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her…

Jump to Previous
Aid Causing Children Confidence Egypt Eyes Help Hope House Iniquity Israel Longer Memory Mind Recalling Reliance Remembrance Reminder Sin Sovereign Turn Turned Turning
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Aid Causing Children Confidence Egypt Eyes Help Hope House Iniquity Israel Longer Memory Mind Recalling Reliance Remembrance Reminder Sin Sovereign Turn Turned Turning
Ezekiel 29
1. The judgment of Pharaoh for his treachery to Israel
8. The desolation of Egypt
13. The restoration thereof after forty years
17. Egypt the reward of Nebuchadnezzar
21. Israel shall be restored














Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel
This phrase reflects the historical context where Israel often sought alliances with Egypt for military and political support, contrary to God's commands. Egypt, a powerful nation, was frequently seen as a potential ally against other regional threats like Assyria and Babylon. However, these alliances often led Israel away from reliance on God. The prophecy indicates a shift where Egypt's influence and reliability as an ally would be diminished, fulfilling God's judgment against them. This aligns with Isaiah 30:1-3, where God warns against relying on Egypt.

but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians
The phrase highlights Israel's repeated sin of seeking help from Egypt instead of trusting in God. This iniquity is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where Israel's reliance on foreign powers is seen as a form of idolatry and unfaithfulness. The reminder of their iniquity serves as a call to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. This is echoed in passages like Hosea 7:11, where Ephraim is described as a "silly dove" calling to Egypt.

Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.
This phrase underscores the purpose of God's judgment and actions: to reveal His sovereignty and identity to His people. The recognition of God as the Lord is a central theme in Ezekiel, emphasizing that through His judgments and acts of deliverance, Israel and the nations will acknowledge His authority and holiness. This is a recurring motif in Ezekiel, seen in passages like Ezekiel 6:7 and Ezekiel 20:42, where God's actions lead to the acknowledgment of His divine lordship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Egypt
A powerful nation in ancient times, often seen as a place of refuge or alliance for Israel. In this context, Egypt is portrayed as unreliable and a source of false confidence.

3. House of Israel
Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who often turned to other nations for help instead of relying on God.

4. Iniquity
The sin or wrongdoing of Israel, particularly their reliance on foreign powers like Egypt instead of trusting in God.

5. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who desires His people to recognize His authority and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
Misplaced Trust
Israel's reliance on Egypt serves as a cautionary tale about placing our trust in worldly powers or alliances instead of God.

Reminder of Sin
Just as Egypt became a reminder of Israel's sin, we should allow past mistakes to remind us of our need for repentance and reliance on God.

God's Sovereignty
This passage underscores God's desire for His people to recognize His sovereignty and faithfulness, encouraging us to trust Him above all else.

Learning from History
The history of Israel's alliances teaches us the importance of learning from past errors to avoid repeating them.

Spiritual Dependence
Encourages believers to cultivate a deep dependence on God for guidance and support, rather than seeking security in worldly systems.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 29:16?

2. How does Ezekiel 29:16 highlight Israel's reliance on God over Egypt?

3. What lessons can we learn about trusting worldly powers from Ezekiel 29:16?

4. How does Ezekiel 29:16 connect with God's covenant promises to Israel?

5. In what ways can Ezekiel 29:16 guide our trust in God's sovereignty today?

6. How can Ezekiel 29:16 encourage us to evaluate our own sources of security?

7. Why does Ezekiel 29:16 emphasize Egypt's insignificance to Israel's future?

8. How does Ezekiel 29:16 reflect God's judgment on Egypt?

9. What historical events align with the prophecy in Ezekiel 29:16?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 29?

11. Who were the elders in the Old Testament?

12. Historically and archaeologically, is there evidence to support the repeated cycles of rebellion and divine judgment described throughout Ezekiel 20?

13. In Ezekiel 20:5-8, how credible is the claim that the Israelites rebelled immediately after God's promise to deliver them from Egypt, given the differing details in Exodus?

14. Is the Old Covenant still in effect? (Jeremiah 31:31-34 vs. Luke 16:17)
What Does Ezekiel 29:16 Mean
Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel

Israel had a long history of looking to its powerful neighbor for military and political help. God now announces that this pattern is ending.

• The judgment pronounced in Ezekiel 29:1-15 reduces Egypt to a “lowly kingdom” that cannot offer security. This fulfills the warning of Isaiah 31:1-3, where trusting Egypt’s horses and chariots is called futile.

• 2 Kings 17:4 and 2 Kings 18:21 show earlier kings of Israel and Judah seeking Egyptian aid; both alliances failed, proving human dependence empty.

• By stripping Egypt of the strength that once attracted Israel, God lovingly forces His people to rely on Him alone, echoing Psalm 20:7—“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God”.

…but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians.

Egypt’s diminished status becomes a living memorial of Israel’s misplaced confidence.

• Each time the nation recalls Egypt’s downfall, they are confronted with their own rebellion against God’s covenant commands (Deuteronomy 17:16; Hosea 7:11-13).

• The “iniquity” was not merely political; it was spiritual adultery—abandoning the LORD for worldly strength. Jeremiah 2:18 puts it plainly: “And now what do you gain by going to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile?”.

• Remembering sin is meant to foster repentance, just as in Ezekiel 16:61, where memory of past failure leads to humility and renewed obedience.

Then they will know that I am the LORD GOD.

The ultimate purpose is revelation of God’s supremacy.

• Every judgment in Ezekiel ends with this refrain (e.g., Ezekiel 6:7; 25:17); here it seals the lesson that only the LORD is Savior and Shield (Psalm 18:2).

• By orchestrating history so that Egypt can no longer rescue Israel, God vindicates His word and character, confirming Numbers 23:19—“Has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?”.

• Future generations of Israel, reading both prophecy and its fulfillment, would see the hand of the sovereign LORD directing nations for His redemptive plan (Daniel 4:35).

summary

Ezekiel 29:16 declares that God will so humble Egypt that Israel will cease looking to it for help. Egypt’s fall becomes a perpetual reminder of Israel’s past unbelief, steering the nation back to exclusive reliance on the LORD. Through this historical object lesson God magnifies His faithfulness and sovereignty, ensuring His people “know that I am the LORD GOD.”

(16) The confidence of the house of Israel.--Here the result of this judgment in God's providence concerning His people is brought out: they had hitherto continually transgressed by looking to Egypt for aid; now this temptation should be entirely removed. This trust of Israel in Egypt had continually brought "their iniquity to remembrance when they looked" to them for help, both by its being against the express command of God, and also by its involving treachery and rebellion against Chaldaea.Verse 16. - It shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel. Throughout the history of the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as in the case of Hoshea (2 Kings 17:4), Hezekiah (Isaiah 30:2, 3; Isaiah 36:4, 6), and Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:35), their temptation had been to place its "confidence" in the "chariots and horses" of Egypt as an ally. That temptation should not recur again. Egypt should not in that way bring the iniquity of Israel to the remembrance of the Judge, acting, as it were, as a Satan, first tempting and then accusing. There should be no more looking after Egypt instead of Jehovah, as their succor and defense.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Egypt will never
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

again be
יִֽהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

an object of trust
לְמִבְטָח֙ (lə·miḇ·ṭāḥ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4009: A refuge, security, assurance

for the house
לְבֵ֨ית (lə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

but will remind them
מַזְכִּ֣יר (maz·kîr)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

of [their] iniquity
עָוֺ֔ן (‘ā·wōn)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

in turning
בִּפְנוֹתָ֖ם (bip̄·nō·w·ṯām)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look

to the Egyptians.
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם (’a·ḥă·rê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

Then they will know
וְיָ֣דְע֔וּ (wə·yā·ḏə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I
אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD.’”
יְהוִֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 29:16 It shall be no more the confidence (Ezek. Eze Ezk)