Old Testament
Ezekiel 29:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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:
What Ezekiel 29:18 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 29:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 29:18
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.