Jeremiah 46 20

Jeremiah 46:20 kjv

Egypt is like a very fair heifer, but destruction cometh; it cometh out of the north.

Jeremiah 46:20 nkjv

"Egypt is a very pretty heifer, But destruction comes, it comes from the north.

Jeremiah 46:20 niv

"Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly is coming against her from the north.

Jeremiah 46:20 esv

"A beautiful heifer is Egypt, but a biting fly from the north has come upon her.

Jeremiah 46:20 nlt

Egypt is as sleek as a beautiful heifer,
but a horsefly from the north is on its way!

Jeremiah 46 verses

Jeremiah 46 20 Meaning

Jeremiah 46:20 declares Egypt as a beautiful heifer that has been bitten by a horsefly from the north. This imagery vividly portrays Egypt's distress and defeat, attributing their suffering to an invading force from the north. It signifies a period of severe torment and helplessness for Egypt.

Jeremiah 46 20 Context

Jeremiah 46 is part of Jeremiah's prophetic pronouncements against foreign nations. This chapter specifically addresses Egypt, detailing the impending doom brought upon them by the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. Historically, this prophecy aligns with Nebuchadnezzar's campaign into the Levant and his eventual victory over Egypt at Carchemish in 605 BC. The verse serves to illustrate the severe nature of this judgment, describing Egypt's vulnerability and suffering as a result of this northern invasion.

Jeremiah 46 20 Word Analysis

• Hebrew Transliteration and Meaning:

  • "Ascen" (עָשָׂה): asah - "to do," "to make."
  • "alah" (עָלָה): alah - "to go up," "to ascend," "to bring up."
  • "yeruq" (יָרֹק): yaraq - "to spit," often implying contempt or rejection.
  • "shal" (שַׁל): shal - "heat," "burning," often associated with painful afflictions.
  • "mi" (מִ): mi - "from," "out of."
  • "tsaphon" (צָפוֹן): tsaphon - "north," referring to the geographical direction.
  • "bah" (בָהּ): bah - "in her," "in it" (referring to Egypt).
  • "yaph" (יָפֶה): yapheh - "beautiful," "fair," "comely."
  • "rechem" (רֶחֶם): rechem - "womb," but used here metaphorically for Egypt, suggesting something cherished or fertile, often translated as "heifer."
  • "shekhir" (שְׁכִיר): shachir - "moth," "fly," implying something irritating or biting.

• Word-Group Analysis:

  • "beautiful heifer" (heifer) (יָפָה רָחֵל): The term "heifer" (רָחֵל - rachel, or in this context often rendered as רֶחֶם - rechem suggesting a fertile or perhaps even the womb-like nature of Egypt) signifies a prime, fertile, and valuable animal, representing Egypt's former strength and prosperity. It evokes an image of something valuable being attacked.
  • "horsefly" (מַקּוֹק from a root related to stinging/biting): This phrase (not explicitly "horsefly" in common translation, but suggesting a biting insect, potentially similar to the pestilence or plague associated with God's judgment, or a tormenting entity) implies an incessant, painful, and irritating affliction that weakens and causes distress.
  • "from the north" (מִצָּפוֹן): This clearly indicates the source of the affliction is the invading forces from the north, specifically Nebuchadnezzar and his army.

Jeremiah 46 20 Bonus Section

The imagery of Egypt as a "heifer" or a fertile, valued creature can also be linked to its historical significance as a breadbasket of the ancient world and its boasts in its own strength and agriculture. The "horsefly" could represent the unseen, persistent, and ultimately debilitating effect of divine judgment, even through military means. This verse is part of a larger prophecy showing God's sovereign control over history and His ability to use Gentile nations to judge other Gentile nations, as well as His own covenant people. It demonstrates that no nation, however powerful or beautiful, is immune to God's judgment when they stray from His will or oppress His chosen.

Jeremiah 46 20 Commentary

Jeremiah 46:20 paints a striking picture of Egypt's impending doom. The metaphor of a "beautiful heifer" underscores Egypt's former might, fertility, and significance in the ancient world. This imagery of a valuable, yet vulnerable creature being assailed by a stinging "horsefly" or tormenting force from the north vividly portrays the unexpected and agonizing nature of the Babylonian invasion. The northern invader, like a persistent and painful insect, inflicts debilitating wounds upon Egypt. This verse highlights not just military defeat but a profound sense of torment and helplessness, reflecting God's judgment on Egypt for its pride and its role in opposing His people. The northern aggressor is the instrument of this divinely orchestrated chastisement.