Jeremiah 42 14

Jeremiah 42:14 kjv

Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:

Jeremiah 42:14 nkjv

saying, 'No, but we will go to the land of Egypt where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor be hungry for bread, and there we will dwell'?

Jeremiah 42:14 niv

and if you say, 'No, we will go and live in Egypt, where we will not see war or hear the trumpet or be hungry for bread,'

Jeremiah 42:14 esv

and saying, 'No, we will go to the land of Egypt, where we shall not see war or hear the sound of the trumpet or be hungry for bread, and we will dwell there,'

Jeremiah 42:14 nlt

instead, we will go to Egypt where we will be free from war, the call to arms, and hunger,'

Jeremiah 42 verses

Jeremiah 42 14 Meaning

The verse states that even if they go to Egypt, a place they desired to escape to, they will meet the same fate of destruction, sword and famine, by the very people from whom they were trying to flee. This signifies that their disobedience and refusal to heed God’s warning through Jeremiah will follow them, and no refuge on earth can shield them from the consequences of turning away from God.

Jeremiah 42 14 Context

Jeremiah chapter 42 follows the fall of Jerusalem and the murder of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians. The remaining Jewish survivors, led by Johanan son of Kareah, seek guidance from Jeremiah regarding whether to stay in the land or flee to Egypt. Despite Jeremiah's prayer and receiving a direct word from God advising them to remain in Judah and promising peace and protection, the leaders reject God's counsel. They accuse Jeremiah of lying and force him and his scribe, Baruch, to go with them to Egypt. Jeremiah 42:14 is part of God's message delivered through Jeremiah to these recalcitrant leaders, detailing the grim consequences of their planned disobedience.

Jeremiah 42 14 Word Analysis

• ve'im yeqirew (וְאִם יִקְרָ֔וּ) - "and if you should be intent" or "and if you insist." This phrase indicates a determined and willful pursuit of a particular course of action despite clear warnings.
  • Significance: It highlights the stubbornness and self-will of the people who are making a conscious choice against God's command.
• mitsrayimah (מִצְרַ֙יְמָה֙) - "to Egypt." Egypt was historically a place of both refuge and spiritual compromise for Israel.
  • Historical Context: Israel's history with Egypt was complex, from enslavement to liberation. Many strayed from God by adopting Egyptian practices.
• la shuv (לָב֖וּא) - "to go in" or "to enter." It implies a full immersion or settlement in Egypt.
• sharerū (שָׁר֔וּ) - "they dwell" or "they settle." This word emphasizes taking up residence rather than a temporary visit.
• wəhalawti (וְהָֽלַוְתִ֖י) - "and I will bring you" or "and I will cause you to continue." It signifies God's active involvement in bringing them to the intended outcome, in this case, judgment.
• ehem (אֹתָ֖ם) - "them." Refers to the disobedient group of survivors.
• shamah (שָׁ֑מָּה) - "there." Specifically points to Egypt as the destination where judgment will overtake them.
• lalet lechem (לֶ֤צֶת־) - "for destruction" or "for consummation." Indicates utter ruin or being completely consumed.
• ulahev (וּלְחֶ֙רֶב֙) - "and for famine." One of the instruments of God's judgment, signifying lack of sustenance.
• al-mafakhad (עַל־מִפְחַ֣ד) - "from dread" or "from that which they fear." This refers to the specific calamities they were attempting to avoid by fleeing to Egypt.
  • Significance: The very things they feared and sought to escape in Judah will pursue them in Egypt, underscoring the futility of their action.
• tihyeh (תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה) - "it shall be." A future definitive statement.
• la-levudmim (לְבֻּדִ֣ים) - "for habitations" or "for settlements." Refers to the places they intend to inhabit in Egypt. This might also imply being left as exiles even in Egypt, separated from their homeland and God's promised presence.

Words Group Analysis:

• "and if you insist on going to Egypt and sojourn there": This phrase powerfully captures the deliberate defiance against God's word given through Jeremiah. It’s not an accidental move but a willful persistence.
• "there you shall die by the sword which you dread and there you shall die by famine": This is a parallel construction emphasizing the certainty and totality of the judgment. The instruments of death are the very ones they sought to avoid by leaving their land. The repetition of "die" and "there" drives home the inescapable nature of this fate.
• "from that which you fear, to dwell in the land of Egypt": This further clarifies that the intended dwelling place will become the site of their feared destruction. The supposed safety of Egypt is nullified by their disobedience.

Jeremiah 42 14 Bonus Section

The prophecy here extends the judgment beyond Judah to Egypt itself. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, did extend his campaigns into Egypt after conquering Jerusalem. Many Jews who fled to Egypt after Gedaliah's assassination were indeed captured and killed by the Babylonians, or met their demise through internal strife and the general turmoil that characterized Egypt during that period. This fulfillment demonstrates the far-reaching power of God's judgments. The Egyptian context also touches on Israel's ancient relationship with Egypt, which was often a temptation to idolatry and political reliance instead of trust in God, as seen in Hosea and Isaiah.

Jeremiah 42 14 Commentary

This verse is a stark pronouncement of judgment upon those who reject God's direct word. The survivors who asked Jeremiah for counsel, ultimately desired their own outcome over God's. Their fear of Babylonian rule in Judah leads them to seek refuge in Egypt, a nation known for its instability and eventual Babylonian conquest. God reveals through Jeremiah that their chosen escape route will become their tomb. The sword and famine they dreaded will find them in Egypt, a consequence of their refusal to trust the Lord and obey His prophet. This exemplifies the principle that obedience to God provides true security, while defiance leads to inescapable judgment, regardless of where one flees. Even a foreign land cannot shield those who turn their backs on the Almighty. The prophecy serves as a final, devastating warning to a remnant that has already endured the destruction of their homeland.