Ezekiel 32:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou art as a whale in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ezekiel is called to lament Egypt's Pharaoh, portrayed as a powerful beast whose dominance corrupts the land.
The Context of Ezekiel 32:2
A funeral song begins, likening the Pharaoh to mighty beasts whose ambitions have polluted the land.
What Does Ezekiel 32:2 Mean?
The Pharaoh is compared to a young lion and a whale—creatures that symbolize military power and territorial dominion. The imagery emphasizes Egypt's strength in ancient geopolitics and its visible supremacy over neighboring nations and resources.
When the Pharaoh emerges with his armies ('thy rivers'), he disturbs and fouls the waters, meaning his actions destabilize and corrupt the world around him. Power without restraint leaves damage in its wake.
Ezekiel 32:2 in the Original Language
Lamentation (קִנָה qinah) — a formal dirge or elegy, used for the dead or the fallen; here applied to Egypt's coming destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 32:2
What does Ezekiel 32:2 mean?
Ezekiel is called to lament Egypt's Pharaoh, portrayed as a powerful beast whose dominance corrupts the land.
What is the context of Ezekiel 32:2?
A funeral song begins, likening the Pharaoh to mighty beasts whose ambitions have polluted the land.