Ezekiel 32:17
New International Version
In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me:

New Living Translation
On March 17, during the twelfth year, another message came to me from the LORD:

English Standard Version
In the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me:

Berean Standard Bible
In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

King James Bible
It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

New King James Version
It came to pass also in the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying:

New American Standard Bible
In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

NASB 1995
In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying,

NASB 1977
And it came about in the twelfth year, on the fifteenth of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me saying,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened in the twelfth year, on the fifteenth of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me saying,

Amplified Bible
In the twelfth year [after King Jehoiachin of Judah was taken into exile], on the fifteenth of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Christian Standard Bible
In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me: “

American Standard Version
It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Contemporary English Version
On the fifteenth day of that same month, the LORD said:

English Revised Version
It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On the fifteenth day of the month in the twelfth year, the LORD spoke his word to me. He said,

Good News Translation
On the fifteenth day of the first month of the twelfth year of our exile, the LORD spoke to me.

International Standard Version
On the fifteenth day of the first month of the twelfth year of our captivity, a message from the LORD came to me, and this is what it said:

NET Bible
In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me:

New Heart English Bible
It happened also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Webster's Bible Translation
It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

World English Bible
Also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, Yahweh’s word came to me, saying,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, in the twelfth year, on the fifteenth of the month, a word of YHWH has been to me, saying,

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth of the month, hath a word of Jehovah been unto me, saying,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth to the month, the word of Jehovah was to me, saying,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month that the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it happened that, in the twelfth year, on the fifteenth of the month, the word of the Lord came to me saying:

New American Bible
On the fifteenth day of that month in the twelfth year, the word of the LORD came to me:

New Revised Standard Version
In the twelfth year, in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It came to pass in the eleventh year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the LORD came to me, saying,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In the year eleven, in fifteenth in the month, the word of LORD JEHOVAH was against me, saying:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Egypt Cast into the Pit
17In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 18“Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit:…

Cross References
Isaiah 14:9-11
Sheol beneath is eager to meet you upon your arrival. It stirs the spirits of the dead to greet you—all the rulers of the earth. It makes all the kings of the nations rise from their thrones. / They will all respond to you, saying, “You too have become weak, as we are; you have become like us!” / Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.

Jeremiah 51:39
While they are flushed with heat, I will serve them a feast, and I will make them drunk so that they may revel; then they will fall asleep forever and never wake up, declares the LORD.

Revelation 20:13-14
The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. / Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire.

Isaiah 14:15-19
But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. / Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble, / who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who refused to let the captives return to their homes?” ...

Ezekiel 31:14-16
This happened so that no other trees by the waters would become great in height and set their tops among the clouds, and no other well-watered trees would reach them in height. For they have all been consigned to death, to the depths of the earth, among the mortals who descend to the Pit.’ / This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘On the day it was brought down to Sheol, I caused mourning. I covered the deep because of it; I held back its rivers; its abundant waters were restrained. I made Lebanon mourn for it, and all the trees of the field fainted because of it. / I made the nations quake at the sound of its downfall, when I cast it down to Sheol with those who descend to the Pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the well-watered trees, were consoled in the earth below.

Isaiah 24:21-22
In that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven above and the kings of the earth below. / They will be gathered together like prisoners in a pit. They will be confined to a dungeon and punished after many days.

Revelation 6:8
Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth.

Isaiah 38:18
For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness.

Ezekiel 26:20
then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, to the people of antiquity. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will no longer be inhabited or set in splendor in the land of the living.

Matthew 11:23
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.

Ezekiel 31:18
Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”

Luke 10:15
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades!

Ezekiel 28:8
They will bring you down to the Pit, and you will die a violent death in the heart of the seas.

Revelation 1:18
the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.

Ezekiel 29:5
I will leave you in the desert, you and all the fish of your streams. You will fall on the open field and will not be taken away or gathered for burial. I have given you as food to the beasts of the earth and the birds of the air.


Treasury of Scripture

It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

in the twelfth

Ezekiel 32:1
And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 1:2
In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,

Jump to Previous
Fifteenth First Month Twelfth Word
Jump to Next
Fifteenth First Month Twelfth Word
Ezekiel 32
1. A lamentation for the fearful fall of Egypt
11. The sword of Babylon shall destroy it
17. It shall be brought down to hell, among all the uncircumcised nations














In the twelfth year,
This phrase refers to the twelfth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, which helps to date the prophecy around 585 BC. This period is significant as it follows the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a pivotal event in Jewish history. The twelfth year marks a time of reflection and understanding of the consequences of Israel's disobedience.

on the fifteenth day of the month,
The specific dating indicates the precision with which Ezekiel recorded his visions, emphasizing the importance of the message. The fifteenth day of the month may not correspond to a specific Jewish festival, but it underscores the regularity and consistency of God's communication with His prophets.

the word of the LORD came to me,
This phrase highlights the divine origin of the message. The "word of the LORD" is a common expression in prophetic literature, signifying that the message is not of human origin but is a revelation from God. It underscores the authority and authenticity of the prophecy.

saying,
This introduces the content of the divine message. The use of "saying" indicates that what follows is a direct communication from God, which Ezekiel is to convey to the people. It sets the stage for the prophetic declaration that follows, emphasizing the role of the prophet as a mouthpiece for God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the recipient of God's messages and visions.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates His will and judgments through His prophets.

3. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied. The Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, having been exiled from their homeland due to their disobedience to God.

4. Twelfth Year
This refers to the twelfth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, which helps to date the prophecy.

5. Fifteenth Day of the Month
A specific time marker that indicates when this particular word of the LORD came to Ezekiel, emphasizing the precision and historical context of the prophecy.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in History
The specific dating of prophecies underscores God's control over historical events. Believers can trust that God is sovereign over the timelines of their lives.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Ezekiel were chosen to deliver God's messages. Today, believers are called to be messengers of God's truth in their own contexts.

The Importance of Obedience
The exile was a result of Israel's disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commands.

Precision in God's Word
The detailed recording of dates and events in Scripture highlights the reliability and accuracy of God's word. Believers can have confidence in the Bible's truth.

God's Communication
God speaks to His people in specific ways and times. Believers should be attentive to how God might be speaking to them through His word and circumstances.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 32:17?

2. How does Ezekiel 32:17 emphasize God's judgment on nations opposing His will?

3. What lessons can we learn about God's sovereignty from Ezekiel 32:17?

4. How does Ezekiel 32:17 connect with other prophecies about Egypt's downfall?

5. How should Ezekiel 32:17 influence our understanding of divine justice today?

6. In what ways can Ezekiel 32:17 inspire us to align with God's purposes?

7. What is the historical context of Ezekiel 32:17 and its significance in biblical prophecy?

8. How does Ezekiel 32:17 reflect God's judgment on nations in the Old Testament?

9. What theological themes are present in Ezekiel 32:17 regarding life after death?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 32?

11. Who was Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, in the Bible?

12. What does the Bible say about God versus Satan?

13. Ezekiel 32 overall - How do we reconcile the violent imagery of divine judgment here with other biblical passages that emphasize mercy and compassion?

14. What is the biblical perspective on eagles?
What Does Ezekiel 32:17 Mean
In the twelfth year

• Ezekiel dates this oracle twelve years after King Jehoiachin was taken to Babylon (Ezekiel 1:2), placing it about 585 BC, shortly after Jerusalem’s fall.

• The timeline roots the prophecy in verifiable history, reminding us that God’s dealings are not vague but anchored in real time (Luke 2:1–2).

• By linking the message to Judah’s exile, the verse shows God still speaking to His people even while they suffer discipline (Jeremiah 29:10–14).


on the fifteenth day of the month

• Scripture often records precise days—Genesis 7:11 notes the very day the flood began; Ezra 6:19 pinpoints the Passover restoration. Such detail underscores God’s sovereign control over specific moments.

• Mid-month dating hints at a period when the moon was full and nights were bright, symbolically fitting for a vision that would expose Egypt’s pride (Ezekiel 32:18–32).

• The exact date assures readers that future promised events will also unfold on God’s timetable (Acts 17:31).


the word of the LORD came to me

• This familiar refrain (Ezekiel 1:3; Jeremiah 1:4) stresses that Ezekiel is merely the conduit; the real speaker is the LORD Himself (2 Peter 1:21).

• God’s word arrives, not Ezekiel’s speculation, highlighting the inerrancy and authority of Scripture (Psalm 19:7–9).

• Because the word “came,” it carries divine initiative—He pursues His people with truth even when nations rise and fall (Hebrews 1:1–2).


saying

• The single participle introduces the substance that follows: a lament over Egypt descending to the pit (Ezekiel 32:18–32).

• By prefacing the lament with careful dating, God frames His judgment as deliberate, not impulsive (Isaiah 19:1; Jeremiah 46:25–26).

• The verse therefore functions as a doorway: readers step from the factual timestamp into a vision that will affirm the LORD’s supremacy over every empire.


summary

Ezekiel 32:17 is more than a timestamp; it is God’s precise marker in history announcing a fresh revelation. The twelfth year and fifteenth day root the oracle in real time, assuring us of Scripture’s reliability. The phrase “the word of the LORD came to me” underscores that the message originates with the sovereign, covenant-keeping God, not human opinion. Finally, “saying” invites us to listen expectantly as He unfolds His just verdict on Egypt—proof that every nation’s destiny is ultimately in His hands.

(17) The fifteenth day of the month.--The month itself is not mentioned, but since the previous prophecy was in the twelfth, or last month of the year, this must be in the same. There was thus an interval of just fourteen days between them. This dirge, which occupies the rest of the chapter, is to be compared with Isaiah 14, on which it is evidently founded.

Verse 17. - For yet fourteen days the mind of the prophet brooded over the fall of Egypt, and his thoughts at last found utterance in another lamentation, based upon that of Isaiah 14. Taken together, the two passages give a vivid picture of the thoughts of the Hebrews as to the unseen world, and we find in them the germs of the later belief of Judaism in Paradise and Gehenna. What I have called the Dante element in Ezekiel it seen here raised to its highest power. Ver 18. - Cast them down, etc. The prophet thinks of himself as not only the predictor, but the minister, of the Divine judgments. So it was given to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:10) "to root out and to pull down," and to Amos (Amos 9:1) to "smite" and to wound. He executes the sentence, not on Egypt only, but on the other daughters of the famous nations, sc. on the nations themselves, especially those that are named in the verses that follow.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In the twelfth
בִּשְׁתֵּ֣י (biš·tê)
Preposition-b | Number - fdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

year,
שָׁנָ֔ה (šā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year

on the fifteenth
בַּחֲמִשָּׁ֥ה (ba·ḥă·miš·šāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 2568: Five

day of the month,
לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ (la·ḥō·ḏeš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

the word
דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

came
וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to me,
אֵלַ֥י (’ê·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

saying,
לֵאמֹֽר׃ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 32:17 It happened also in the twelfth year (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 32:16
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