Jeremiah 46 14

Jeremiah 46:14 kjv

Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.

Jeremiah 46:14 nkjv

"Declare in Egypt, and proclaim in Migdol; Proclaim in Noph and in Tahpanhes; Say, 'Stand fast and prepare yourselves, For the sword devours all around you.'

Jeremiah 46:14 niv

"Announce this in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it also in Memphis and Tahpanhes: 'Take your positions and get ready, for the sword devours those around you.'

Jeremiah 46:14 esv

"Declare in Egypt, and proclaim in Migdol; proclaim in Memphis and Tahpanhes; say, 'Stand ready and be prepared, for the sword shall devour around you.'

Jeremiah 46:14 nlt

"Shout it out in Egypt!
Publish it in the cities of Migdol, Memphis, and Tahpanhes!
Mobilize for battle,
for the sword will devour everyone around you.

Jeremiah 46 verses

Jeremiah 46 14 Meaning

Jeremiah 46:14 is a prophetic declaration commanded by the Lord to be proclaimed throughout significant cities of Egypt—Migdol, Noph, and Tahpanhes. It serves as an ironic call for Egypt to prepare for imminent war and overwhelming destruction. The "sword" represents a devouring instrument of divine judgment that will consume all around them, indicating the widespread and inescapable nature of the coming defeat.

Jeremiah 46 14 Context

Jeremiah 46 begins a collection of prophecies against foreign nations, a common feature in prophetic books (e.g., Isa 13-23; Ezek 25-32). Chapter 46 specifically targets Egypt, primarily detailing two distinct phases of its downfall. The earlier verses (vv. 2-12) recount Egypt's historical defeat by Babylon at the battle of Carchemish in 605 BCE, which significantly diminished Egypt's influence. Verse 14, however, introduces a further, more comprehensive future judgment on Egypt, not just at its border, but within its very heartland. The specific cities mentioned—Migdol, Noph (Memphis), and Tahpanhes—were strategic and prominent centers across Egypt, also notably places where Jewish fugitives settled after Jerusalem's fall (Jer 43-44). The divine command to "declare" and "publish" this grim prophecy implies that the news of Egypt's inescapable doom was to reach all its inhabitants and potentially the misguided Judahites who sought refuge there, underscoring the futility of trusting in worldly power.

Jeremiah 46 14 Word analysis

• Declare (הַגִּידוּ - haggidu): An imperative verb, "tell" or "announce." It carries the weight of a divine command, emphasizing the certainty and public nature of the message. This isn't a suggestion, but an urgent directive to proclaim widely.
• ye in Egypt: The broad target of the message, signifying that the entire nation is affected by the coming judgment, not just a specific region or group.
• publish (וְהַשְׁמִיעוּ - v'hashmi'u): "Cause to hear" or "proclaim aloud." It intensifies "declare," demanding a clear, public, and unmistakable announcement. It emphasizes that no one should claim ignorance.
• in Migdol: Located in the northeastern Delta, a fortified frontier city. Its inclusion highlights that judgment will breach Egypt's defenses, attacking even its points of entry.
• and in Noph: Ancient Memphis, the prestigious capital and a major cultural and administrative center in lower Egypt. Mentioning Noph shows that the judgment will strike the very heart and glory of Egypt.
• and in Tahpanhes: Also in the northeastern Delta, a border fortress and city where Jewish refugees settled (Jer 43:7). Its inclusion emphasizes that judgment will reach those places considered safe havens, especially where God's people have mistakenly sought refuge.
• say ye: Reiterates the direct speech and command, giving authority to the proclamation.
• Stand fast (הִתְיַצְּבוּ - hityatz'vu): "Position yourselves," "take your stand." This is an ironic command. Instead of preparing for victory, they are told to prepare for an inevitable, overwhelming defeat, implying their preparations are futile. It suggests a desperate, defensive posture.
• and prepare thee (וְהָכִינוּ לָךְ - v'hakinu lakh): "Get ready for yourself" or "make ready." This is a similar ironic injunction, telling them to marshal their resources, but implying it will be in vain against God's appointed instrument. It's an indictment of their self-reliance.
• for the sword (כִּי חֶרֶב - ki cherev): "For a sword." The "sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev) is a common biblical metaphor for war, destruction, and divine judgment. Here, it explicitly refers to Babylon's military force, divinely commissioned.
• shall devour (תֹּאכַל - tokhal): "Will eat" or "consume." This powerful, anthropomorphic imagery depicts the sword as a hungry entity, not just killing, but thoroughly consuming or obliterating, emphasizing the totality of the devastation.
• round about thee (סְבִיבָיִךְ - svivayich): "Around you" or "all around you." This signifies the widespread nature of the destruction. It won't be localized; it will encompass and engulf Egypt entirely, leaving no corner untouched.

Words-group Analysis

• Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph, and in Tahpanhes: This powerful repetitive phrasing across specific, significant locations emphasizes the pervasiveness of the message and the inevitability of judgment throughout all of Egypt, from its borders to its capital. It underscores divine omniscience and omnipotence, as no part of the nation can escape the coming doom.
• Say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee: This ironic double imperative mocks Egypt's military might and self-confidence. They are ordered to make futile preparations for a battle they cannot win, highlighting their arrogance and the stark contrast between their perception of strength and the reality of divine decree. It conveys the certainty of their downfall despite any human effort.
• for the sword shall devour round about thee: This phrase immediately explains the reason for their "preparation." The image of the "sword devouring" vividly portrays total destruction and consumption, indicating a judgment that is both inescapable and comprehensive. It's not just a defeat, but an utter dismantling of the nation's power and security.

Jeremiah 46 14 Bonus section

The mention of Migdol, Noph, and Tahpanhes in this prophecy against Egypt carries added significance due to their later appearance in Jeremiah (Jer 43:7; 44:1) as places where the remaining Judahites, defying God's command, fled for refuge after Jerusalem's destruction. This prophetic proclamation reaching these specific cities foreshadows that even in their supposed havens, the Judahites would witness God's judgment unfold against the very power they mistakenly trusted, reinforcing the prophet's earlier warnings against relying on Egypt and abandoning God's word. It highlights a consistent theological principle: God’s judgment will find you, and fleeing from His command leads to greater peril.

Jeremiah 46 14 Commentary

Jeremiah 46:14 encapsulates God's sovereign control over world powers and His unswerving justice. It's a prophetic "memo to Egypt," not for them to effectively prepare for battle, but rather to confront the stark reality of their impending divine judgment. The ironic command to "stand fast and prepare" highlights the futility of human strength and reliance when facing the Almighty's decree. The selection of Migdol, Noph (Memphis), and Tahpanhes—cities ranging from the frontier to the capital, and places of refuge for the disobedient people of Judah—symbolizes the sweeping, pervasive nature of the judgment. No corner of Egypt, however secure or fortified, would be exempt from the Babylonian "sword" acting as God's instrument. This verse served as a warning not only to Egypt but also to Israel, who repeatedly placed their trust in foreign alliances and worldly power instead of relying solely on God. It emphasizes that ultimate security and deliverance come only from the Lord.