Old Testament
Ezekiel 29:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God speaks to Ezekiel about King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon and his military campaign against the city of Tyre.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Son of man, King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon made his army serve greatly against Tyre. Every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled. Yet neither he nor his army received any wages from Tyre for the service they performed against it.
Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks to Ezekiel about King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon and his military campaign against the city of Tyre. The king's army suffered greatly during the siege, with soldiers losing their hair and enduring physical strain. Despite their hard work and sacrifices, Nebuchadrezzar and his troops received no payment for their efforts. This situation highlights the futility of their struggle, as they fought valiantly but were left empty-handed. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, even the most intense efforts do not yield the expected rewards. The passage reflects on the nature of service and the consequences of conflict, emphasizing that not all battles lead to victory or compensation. It also illustrates the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices made by those involved, often without recognition or reward. Ultimately, it challenges us to consider the value of our own efforts and the motivations behind them, urging us to seek purpose beyond mere compensation.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 29:18 to your life
Reflect on your own efforts and the motivations behind them. Are you seeking recognition or reward for your hard work? Consider serving others without expecting anything in return, finding fulfillment in the act itself rather than the outcome. This mindset can lead to deeper satisfaction and purpose in your life and relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 29:18 mean?
Ezekiel 29:18 describes King Nebuchadrezzar's military campaign against Tyre, highlighting the suffering of his soldiers who received no payment for their efforts. It illustrates the futility of their struggle, emphasizing that hard work does not always lead to rewards.
What is the significance of bald heads and peeled shoulders in Ezekiel 29:18?
The mention of bald heads and peeled shoulders symbolizes the physical toll and suffering endured by Nebuchadrezzar's army during the siege of Tyre. It reflects the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers.
How does Ezekiel 29:18 relate to the theme of sacrifice?
Ezekiel 29:18 highlights the theme of sacrifice by showing how Nebuchadrezzar's army endured great hardships without any reward. It prompts reflection on the nature of service and the sacrifices made in pursuit of goals.
What lesson can we learn from Ezekiel 29:18?
Ezekiel 29:18 teaches that not all efforts lead to recognition or reward, encouraging us to find value in serving others without expecting anything in return. This perspective can lead to greater fulfillment in our actions.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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