Ezekiel 29:14
New International Version
I will bring them back from captivity and return them to Upper Egypt, the land of their ancestry. There they will be a lowly kingdom.

New Living Translation
I will restore the prosperity of Egypt and bring its people back to the land of Pathros in southern Egypt from which they came. But Egypt will remain an unimportant, minor kingdom.

English Standard Version
and I will restore the fortunes of Egypt and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin, and there they shall be a lowly kingdom.

Berean Standard Bible
I will restore Egypt from captivity and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom.

Berean Literal Bible
and I will turn back the captivity of Egypt, and will return them to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin; and there they will be a lowly kingdom.

King James Bible
And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

New King James Version
I will bring back the captives of Egypt and cause them to return to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin, and there they shall be a lowly kingdom.

New American Standard Bible
And I will restore the fortunes of Egypt and bring them back to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin, and there they will be a lowly kingdom.

NASB 1995
“I will turn the fortunes of Egypt and make them return to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin, and there they will be a lowly kingdom.

NASB 1977
“And I shall turn the fortunes of Egypt and shall make them return to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin; and there they will be a lowly kingdom.

Legacy Standard Bible
I will return the fortunes of Egypt and make them return to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin, and there they will be a lowly kingdom.

Amplified Bible
I will reverse the fortunes of Egypt [as I will that of Israel] and cause them to return to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin, and there they will be a lowly kingdom.

Berean Annotated Bible
I will restore Egypt (land of bondage) from captivity (restore the fortunes of Egypt) and bring them back to the land of Pathros (region of the south), the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom.

Christian Standard Bible
I will restore the fortunes of Egypt and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will restore the fortunes of Egypt and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom.

American Standard Version
and I will bring back the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

Contemporary English Version
They will once again live in their homeland in southern Egypt. But they will be a weak kingdom

English Revised Version
and I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will bring back the Egyptian captives and return them to Pathros, the land they came from. There they will be a weak kingdom.

Good News Translation
and I will let them live in southern Egypt, their original home. There they will be a weak kingdom,

International Standard Version
I'll restore the economy of Egypt and return them to the land of Pathros, from which they originated, and there they will remain an insignificant kingdom,

NET Bible
I will restore the fortunes of Egypt, and will bring them back to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin; there they will be an insignificant kingdom.

New Heart English Bible
and I will bring back the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
I will restore Egypt from captivity and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom.

World English Bible
I will reverse the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth. There they will be a lowly kingdom.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I have turned back [to] the captivity of Egypt, "" And I have brought them back "" [To] the land of Pathros, to the land of their birth, "" And they have been a low kingdom there.

Berean Literal Bible
and I will turn back the captivity of Egypt, and will return them to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin; and there they will be a lowly kingdom.

Young's Literal Translation
And I have turned back to the captivity of Egypt, And I have brought them back To the land of Pathros, to the land of their birth, And they have been there a low kingdom.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I turned back the captivity of Egypt; and I caused them to turn back to the land of Paths upon the land of their nativity; and they were there a low kingdom.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I will bring hack the captivity of Egypt, and will place them in the land of Phatures, in the land of their nativity, and they shall be there a low kingdom:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I will lead back the captivity of Egypt, and I will collect them in the land of Pathros, in the land of their nativity. And in that place, they will be a lowly kingdom.

New American Bible
I will restore Egypt’s fortunes, bringing them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. But there it will be a lowly kingdom,

New Revised Standard Version
and I will restore the fortunes of Egypt, and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin; and there they shall be a lowly kingdom.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I will bring back the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to dwell in the land of Pathros, into the land from which they were sold; and they shall be there a humble kingdom.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall lead the captivity of Egypt and I shall settle them in the land of Pathros, in the land from which they were sold, and they shall be a humble kingdom there
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and I will turn the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their origin; and they shall be there a lowly kingdom.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and I will turn the captivity of the Egyptians, and will cause them to dwell in the land of Phathore, in the land whence they were taken;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Desolation of Egypt
13For this is what the Lord GOD says: At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the nations to which they were scattered. 14I will restore Egypt from captivity and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom. 15Egypt will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the nations. For I will diminish Egypt so that it will never again rule over the nations.…

Cross References
I will restore Egypt from captivity

Isaiah 19:22
And the LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will hear their prayers and heal them.

Isaiah 19:20
It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them.

Isaiah 19:21
The LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day Egypt will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them.
and bring them back to the land of Pathros,

Isaiah 11:11
On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Jeremiah 44:1
This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in the land of Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis—and in the land of Pathros:

Jeremiah 44:15
Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, and all the women standing by—a great assembly—along with all the people living in the land of Egypt and in Pathros, said to Jeremiah,
the land of their origin.

Genesis 10:6
The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.

Ezekiel 30:14
I will lay waste Pathros, set fire to Zoan, and execute judgment on Thebes.

Jeremiah 46:26
I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives—of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, Egypt will be inhabited as in days of old, declares the LORD.
There they will be a lowly kingdom.

Ezekiel 30:13
This is what the Lord GOD says: I will destroy the idols and put an end to the images in Memphis. There will no longer be a prince in Egypt, and I will instill fear in that land.

Isaiah 19:16
In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them.

Isaiah 19:17
The land of Judah will bring terror to Egypt; whenever Judah is mentioned, Egypt will tremble over what the LORD of Hosts has planned against it.
Isaiah 19:23-25
In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt, and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. / In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth. / The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.”

Jeremiah 46:25-26
The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh. / I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives—of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, Egypt will be inhabited as in days of old, declares the LORD.

Zechariah 10:10-11
I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanon until no more room is found for them. / They will pass through the sea of distress and strike the waves of the sea; all the depths of the Nile will dry up. The pride of Assyria will be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will depart.

Isaiah 27:12-13
In that day the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered one by one. / And in that day a great ram’s horn will sound, and those who were perishing in Assyria will come forth with those who were exiles in Egypt. And they will worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.


Treasury of Scripture

And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

Pathros

Isaiah 19:22
And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

Jeremiah 46:26
And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants: and afterward it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the LORD.

Jump to Previous
Ancestry Base Birth Captivity Cause Changed Egypt Fate Fortunes Habitation Kingdom Lowly Origin Pathros Restore Turn Turned Unimportant Upper
Jump to Next
Ancestry Base Birth Captivity Cause Changed Egypt Fate Fortunes Habitation Kingdom Lowly Origin Pathros Restore Turn Turned Unimportant Upper
Ezekiel 29
1. The judgment of Pharaoh for his treachery to Israel
8. The desolation of Egypt
13. The restoration thereof after forty years
17. Egypt the reward of Nebuchadnezzar
21. Israel shall be restored












I will restore Egypt from captivity
This phrase indicates a future event where Egypt, having been subjected to conquest and exile, will experience a form of restoration. Historically, Egypt was conquered by Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, fulfilling earlier prophecies of judgment. The restoration suggests God's sovereignty over nations, emphasizing His control over historical events. This restoration is not a full return to former glory but a limited reprieve, highlighting God's mercy even in judgment. The concept of restoration after captivity is also seen in the return of the Israelites from Babylon, drawing a parallel between the two nations' experiences.

and bring them back to the land of Pathros
Pathros refers to Upper Egypt, a region south of Memphis. It is significant as the ancestral homeland of the Egyptians, emphasizing a return to their roots. This geographical reference underscores the historical and cultural identity of Egypt, as Pathros was known for its ancient civilization. The return to Pathros symbolizes a re-establishment of national identity, albeit in a diminished capacity. The mention of Pathros also connects to other biblical references to Egypt's geography, such as in Isaiah and Jeremiah, where Egypt's fate is often discussed.

the land of their origin
This phrase highlights the deep historical roots of the Egyptian people in Pathros. It serves as a reminder of Egypt's ancient heritage and its longstanding presence in the biblical narrative. The land of origin signifies a return to beginnings, which can be seen as a humbling process, stripping away the grandeur of Egypt's past empires. This return to origins can be compared to the spiritual journey of returning to foundational truths, a theme prevalent in the prophetic literature.

There they will be a lowly kingdom
The prophecy concludes with a declaration of Egypt's future status as a "lowly kingdom." This indicates a significant reduction in power and influence, contrasting sharply with Egypt's historical position as a dominant empire. The term "lowly" suggests humility and subservience, possibly as a vassal state. This humbling of Egypt serves as a warning to other nations about the consequences of pride and opposition to God's will. It also reflects the biblical theme of God exalting the humble and bringing down the proud, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and throughout the Old Testament.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages, including prophecies against foreign nations.

2. Egypt
A significant nation in biblical history, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and idolatry. In this context, Egypt is under God's judgment but also promised restoration.

3. Pathros
A region in Upper Egypt, considered the original homeland of the Egyptians. It signifies a return to roots and a humbling of the nation.

4. Restoration
God's promise to bring Egypt back to its land, albeit as a diminished kingdom. This reflects God's sovereignty and mercy even in judgment.

5. Lowly Kingdom
The future status of Egypt as a humbled nation, indicating a shift from its former glory and power.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God controls the rise and fall of nations, demonstrating His ultimate authority over world affairs.

Restoration and Mercy
Even in judgment, God offers restoration, showing His mercy and desire for repentance and renewal.

Humility as a Path to Restoration
Egypt's future as a lowly kingdom teaches the value of humility and the dangers of pride.

Return to Origins
The return to Pathros symbolizes a return to foundational truths and roots, encouraging believers to return to their spiritual origins in Christ.

God's Faithfulness to His Word
God's promises, whether of judgment or restoration, are always fulfilled, encouraging trust in His faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 29:14?

2. How does Ezekiel 29:14 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and their restoration?

3. What lessons can we learn about humility from Egypt's future in Ezekiel 29:14?

4. How does Ezekiel 29:14 connect with God's promises in other Old Testament prophecies?

5. In what ways can Ezekiel 29:14 inspire us to trust God's redemptive plans?

6. How can we apply the themes of restoration in Ezekiel 29:14 to our lives?

7. What is the significance of Ezekiel 29:14 in the context of Egypt's historical downfall?

8. How does Ezekiel 29:14 reflect God's judgment and mercy towards nations?

9. Why does God promise to restore Egypt in Ezekiel 29:14 despite their rebellion?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 29?

11. Why does Isaiah 19's prophecy differ from other prophetic passages about Egypt (e.g., Ezekiel 29) if they both claim divine judgment?

12. In light of previous judgments on other nations, why does Ezekiel 29's specific timeline for Egypt seem inconsistent with events recorded elsewhere in the Bible?

13. Why do historical records show dominant powers rising despite Ezekiel 17:24's promise that God will bring down the high and exalt the low?

14. How does Ezekiel 29:6-7 align with or contradict known historical alliances and events regarding Egypt and its neighbors?
What Does Ezekiel 29:14 Mean
I will restore Egypt from captivity

• This promise follows the judgment pronounced in Ezekiel 29:8–12, where Egypt is scattered for forty years.

• The phrase mirrors God’s pattern with other nations (Jeremiah 46:26; Amos 9:14): He judges sin yet keeps ultimate control over every nation’s future.

• Restoration underscores the Lord’s sovereignty—He alone decides when discipline ends (Ezekiel 34:13; Isaiah 14:24–27).

• It also reveals divine mercy: even hostile powers can receive grace once His purposes in judgment are met (Isaiah 19:22; Romans 9:17).


and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin

• Pathros refers to Upper Egypt (Isaiah 11:11; Ezekiel 30:14), reminding readers that God knows the exact homeland of every people group.

• Returning “to the land of their origin” stresses literal fulfillment—real geography, real history—just as Israel’s returns were literal (Jeremiah 29:14).

• The detail shows that exile is neither random nor permanent; God charts both the scattering and the gathering (Deuteronomy 32:26–27; Ezekiel 36:24).

• For believers, this illustrates how the Lord restores us to intended purposes, not halfway measures (Psalm 23:3; 1 Peter 5:10).


There they will be a lowly kingdom

• Egypt once dominated the ancient world (Exodus 1:9–10), but God reduces its status so it “will never again exalt itself over the nations” (Ezekiel 29:15).

• The humbling fulfills Proverbs 16:18: pride invites downfall. It also parallels God’s dealings with Babylon (Isaiah 13:19) and Tyre (Ezekiel 28:17–19).

• A “lowly kingdom” means Egypt survives but without former glory—permanent reminder of God’s authority over political power (Daniel 4:17).

• This outcome restrains Israel from future alliances with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1–5) and redirects trust toward the Lord alone (Psalm 20:7).


summary

Ezekiel 29:14 shows the Lord judging Egypt’s pride, then restoring the nation to its homeland in Pathros while permanently lowering its stature. God’s justice, mercy, and sovereign control over all nations stand out. His actions warn against pride, comfort the faithful with assured restoration, and highlight that every promise in Scripture will come to pass exactly as spoken.

(14) The land of Pathros.--Comp. Isaiah 11:11. Pathros is Upper Egypt, the Thebaid. In the following clause this is described as "the land of their birth" (Marg.). According to ancient testimony and the opinion of many moderns, this was the original seat of Egyptian power. It may, however, be put only as the part for the whole--Pathros for Egypt.

Shall be there a base kingdom.--Egypt should be restored, but not to its former power. Historically this has been eminently true. For a little while Egypt struggled against its oppressors, but its power was already broken, and from the time of its conquest by Cambyses it has never been for any length of time independent. There are few stronger contrasts in any inhabited country than between the ancient glory, dignity, power, and wealth of Egypt, and its later insignificance.

Verse 14. - Into the land of Pathros. (For the land of their habitation, read, with the Revised Version, the land of their birth.) (For Pathres, see Genesis 10:13, 14; 1 Chronicles 1:12; Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 44:1.) Its position is somewhat doubtful, but the balance of evidence is in favor of placing it in the Thebaid of Upper Egypt, which Herodotus (2. 4, 15) describes as the original seat of the Egyptian monarchy. Its name may be connected with the Pathyrite name in which Thebes was situated (Pliny, 'Hist. Nat.,' 5:9). The LXX. gives the form Pathures, and is followed by the Vulgate, with a slight change, Phathures.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I will restore
וְשַׁבְתִּי֙ (wə·šaḇ·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

Egypt
מִצְרַ֔יִם (miṣ·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

from captivity
שְׁב֣וּת (šə·ḇūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7622: Exile, prisoners, a former state of prosperity

and bring them back
וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֤י (wa·hă·ši·ḇō·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Pathros,
פַּתְר֔וֹס (paṯ·rō·ws)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6624: Pathros -- a designation of Upper Eg

the land
אֶ֖רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of their origin.
מְכֽוּרָתָ֑ם (mə·ḵū·rā·ṯām)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4351: Origin

There
שָׁ֖ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

they will be
וְהָ֥יוּ (wə·hā·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a lowly
שְׁפָלָֽה׃ (šə·p̄ā·lāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 8217: Depressed

kingdom.
מַמְלָכָ֥ה (mam·lā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 29:14 And I will bring back the captivity (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 29:13
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