Old Testament

Ezekiel 29:4

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God uses a vivid image to describe how He will take control of Egypt, represented as a great fish in the river.

Author: Ezekiel the prophet
Written: Around 590 BC
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: Exiled Israelites in Babylon

CBTClear Bible Translation

I will put hooks in your jaws and make the fish of your rivers cling to your scales. Then I will drag you up out of your rivers, with all those fish stuck to you.

KJVKing James Version

But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God uses a vivid image to describe how He will take control of Egypt, represented as a great fish in the river. The hooks symbolize His power to pull Egypt out of its comfort zone. The fish clinging to the scales illustrate how the people and resources of Egypt will be affected by this action. This imagery shows that God is not just a distant figure; He actively intervenes in the affairs of nations. The act of dragging the fish out signifies a dramatic change, highlighting God's authority over the natural world and human history. It serves as a reminder that no one can escape God's plans, and His will prevails over all. This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the consequences of turning away from Him. It invites us to reflect on our own lives and how we respond to His guidance and authority, urging us to stay aligned with His purpose for us and our communities. Understanding this can lead to a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful life.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Ezekiel 29:4 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize the areas in our lives where we resist change. Just as Egypt faced God's intervention, we too may need to embrace transformation. Reflect on how you respond to challenges and seek to align your actions with God's purpose. Trust that He has a plan for your life, even in difficult times. Stay open to His guidance and direction as you navigate your journey forward. It can lead to growth

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezekiel 29:4 mean?

Ezekiel 29:4 uses the imagery of hooks and fish to illustrate God's control over Egypt, symbolizing how He will pull the nation out of its comfort and authority. This verse highlights God's sovereignty and His active role in shaping the course of nations.

What is the significance of hooks in Ezekiel 29:4?

The hooks in Ezekiel 29:4 represent God's power to intervene and bring about change in Egypt. They symbolize the forceful removal of Egypt from its position of strength, emphasizing that no one can resist God's plans.

What does the imagery of fish mean in Ezekiel 29:4?

In Ezekiel 29:4, the fish clinging to Egypt's scales symbolize the people and resources of the nation that will be affected by God's actions. This imagery illustrates the interconnectedness of a nation's fate with divine intervention.

How can Ezekiel 29:4 apply to my life?

Ezekiel 29:4 encourages personal reflection on areas of resistance to change. It invites individuals to trust in God's guidance during challenging times and to remain open to transformation aligned with His purpose.

Book Summary

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.

Beside each living creature appears a wheel on the earth, and the wheels have the appearance of a wheel within a wheel. Their rims are high and full of eyes all around. When the living creatures move, the wheels move with them, and the spirit of the living creature is in the wheels. Above the heads of the living creatures is the likeness of a firmament like crystal, and above the firmament is the likeness of a throne like a sapphire stone. Upon the throne is the likeness of a man with brightness like fire and a rainbow around him. Ezekiel sees the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD, and when he sees it, he falls upon his face and hears a voice speaking. Ezekiel 2: Son of Man, Stand Upon Your Feet The voice says to him, "Son of man, stand upon your feet, and I will speak unto you." The Spirit enters him and sets him on his feet, and the LORD speaks to him. The LORD says he sends him to the children of Israel, a rebellious nation that has transgressed against Him. Their fathers have rebelled, and they continue in stubbornness and impudence. Ezekiel is sent to speak the LORD's words to them whether they hear or refuse to hear. The LORD tells him they shall know that a prophet has been among them. The LORD warns him not to fear them or their words, though they are like briers and thorns and though he dwells among scorpions. He is not to be afraid of their faces. He must speak the LORD's words to them whether they listen or refuse, for they are most rebellious. The LORD commands him not to be rebellious like that rebellious house. He is told to open his mouth and eat what the LORD gives him. He sees a hand with a scroll written inside and outside with lamentations, mourning, and woe.

Premium

Unlock the full Ezekiel summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Ezekiel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 48 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Ezekiel summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.

← Verse 3 Verse 5 →