Old Testament
Ezekiel 32:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"This is the funeral song they will sing over her. The women of the nations will sing it. They will mourn over Egypt and all her masses," says the Lord GOD.
Compare translations
This is the lamentation wherewith they shall lament her: the daughters of the nations shall lament her: they shall lament for her, even for Egypt, and for all her multitude, saith the Lord GOD.
What Ezekiel 32:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God reveals a somber moment where nations will express their sorrow over Egypt's downfall. The imagery of a funeral song highlights the deep sense of loss felt by the women of these nations. They will gather to mourn not just for Egypt, but for its vast population, symbolizing the end of an era. This lamentation serves as a reminder of the fragility of power and the inevitable consequences of pride. The Lord GOD emphasizes that this mourning is not just a personal loss but a collective experience shared by many. It reflects the interconnectedness of nations and how the fall of one can resonate deeply with others. Through this lament, we see the weight of history and the emotional impact of loss, urging us to reflect on our own lives and the legacies we leave behind. Ultimately, it calls us to consider how we respond to the downfall of others and the lessons we can learn from their experiences. This moment is a poignant reminder of the human experience of grief and empathy.
How to apply Ezekiel 32:16 to your life
When we witness the struggles or failures of others, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy. Reflect on how their experiences can teach us valuable lessons. Consider how you can support those in need, fostering a sense of community and understanding in times of hardship. We are all connected in our human experiences of loss and recovery. “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,”
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 32:16
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 32:16
Related Bible verses
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 32:16 mean?
Ezekiel 32:16 describes a lamentation sung by women from various nations mourning the downfall of Egypt. It symbolizes the collective grief over the loss of a powerful nation and reflects on the consequences of pride and the fragility of power.
What is the significance of the funeral song in Ezekiel 32:16?
The funeral song in Ezekiel 32:16 signifies deep sorrow and loss felt by the nations over Egypt's demise. It highlights how the fall of one nation can resonate with others, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human experiences.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 32:16?
Ezekiel 32:16 presents themes of mourning, loss, collective grief, and the fragility of power. It illustrates how the downfall of a nation impacts not just its people but also those connected to it.
Who are the 'daughters of the nations' in Ezekiel 32:16?
The 'daughters of the nations' in Ezekiel 32:16 refer to the women from various nations who come together to mourn Egypt. Their collective lamentation emphasizes the shared sorrow and empathy felt across different cultures.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.