Ezekiel 29:20 Meaning and Explanation
“I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God grants Egypt to Babylon because they labored in service to God's purposes.
The Context of Ezekiel 29:20
God explains the justice of His gift to Babylon.
What Does Ezekiel 29:20 Mean?
Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Tyre, though pursued for his own imperial aims, was actually service to God's judgment. God's claim—'they wrought for me'—reframes human history: even pagan empires serve the purposes of God's governance, whether they acknowledge it or not.
This reveals a theology of providence: God works through human agents and powers without violating their autonomy. Babylon acts for its own reasons, yet God credits it as labor for His purposes and rewards it accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 29:20
What does Ezekiel 29:20 mean?
God grants Egypt to Babylon because they labored in service to God's purposes.
What is the context of Ezekiel 29:20?
God explains the justice of His gift to Babylon.