Jeremiah 46 23

Jeremiah 46:23 kjv

They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable.

Jeremiah 46:23 nkjv

"They shall cut down her forest," says the LORD, "Though it cannot be searched, Because they are innumerable, And more numerous than grasshoppers.

Jeremiah 46:23 niv

They will chop down her forest," declares the LORD, "dense though it be. They are more numerous than locusts, they cannot be counted.

Jeremiah 46:23 esv

They shall cut down her forest, declares the LORD, though it is impenetrable, because they are more numerous than locusts; they are without number.

Jeremiah 46:23 nlt

They will cut down her people like trees," says the LORD,
"for they are more numerous than locusts.

Jeremiah 46 verses

Jeremiah 46 23 Meaning

This verse describes the impending destruction of Egypt by the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar, depicted as a powerful, well-equipped military force cutting down everything in its path like trees in a forest. It signifies an irreversible judgment and the futility of Egypt's might against God's appointed instrument.

Jeremiah 46 23 Context

Jeremiah chapter 46 focuses on the prophetic pronouncements concerning Egypt. The preceding verses (46:1-12) describe the military might of Nebuchadnezzar and his impending invasion of Egypt, highlighting the weakness and panic of the Egyptians. Verse 23 stands within this prophecy, describing the method and thoroughness of the Babylonian army's destruction of Egypt's natural defenses and fortifications, symbolizing complete subjugation. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar II did campaign against Egypt, although the extent of his success is debated. However, for Jeremiah's audience, this prophecy served as a reassurance that even mighty nations like Egypt were subject to God's sovereign will and judgment, and that Judah's fate was not isolated from the broader geopolitical landscape governed by God.

Jeremiah 46 23 Word Analysis

• הִנֵּה (hinneh): "Behold," "Look," an interjection calling for attention to what follows. Emphasizes the certainty and immediacy of the described event.

• נְאוּם (ne'um): "utterance," "oracle." A formulaic declaration indicating divine authority behind the words spoken by the prophet.

• יְהוָה (YHWH): The personal name of God, "LORD." Reinforces that this prophecy comes directly from the God of Israel.

• וּבָא (u'va): "and comes." Connects the divine utterance to the action of the invading army.

• מִצְרַיִם (Mitzrayim): "Egypt." The object of the prophecy.

• כְּ (ke): "as," "like." A simile introducing the comparison.

• יַעַר (ya'ar): "forest." The initial comparison. Implies a thick, dense area.

• עֵץ (ets): "tree." The individual element within the forest.

• אֵיתָן (etan): "strong," "firm," "evergreen." Describes the trees as robust and seemingly insurmountable. This elevates the power of the attacking force to overcome something that appears to be inherently strong.

• כִּי (ki): "for," "because." Introduces the reason for the strength and the subsequent destruction.

• יָבֹא (yavo): "he comes," "it comes." Refers to Nebuchadnezzar's army.

• מִצְרַיִם (Mitzrayim): "Egypt." Repeated to emphasize the target of the attack.

• עָלָיו ('alav): "upon it," "against it." Indicates direct opposition.

• וְאָכַל (ve'achal): "and will eat," "and will consume." A strong verb signifying complete devastation and consumption, not just cutting.

• אוֹיֵב (oyev): "enemy." Clearly identifies the nature of the invading force.

• מִלָּא (milla): "filled," "complete." Suggests a totality of consumption, leaving nothing untouched.

• רַגְלַו (raglav): "its feet," "his feet." Referring to the feet of the army, symbolizing the entirety of its advance and impact. This implies the entire host moves and destroys.

• כֹּחַ (koach): "strength," "power." Emphasizes the destructive capability of the army's advance.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "כְּיַעַר עֵץ אֵיתָן" (ke'ya'ar etz etan): This phrase translates to "like a strong forest of trees." The comparison highlights the dense, powerful, and seemingly unyielding nature of Egypt's military might or its fortified positions. The strength implied by "etan" ("strong") suggests a formidable presence that the enemy will cut through.
  • "אָז יֹאכַל וְיִכְרֹת" (az yo'chal ve'ichroth): This combination signifies the act of consumption and cutting down. "Yo'chal" ("will eat/consume") implies a thoroughness of destruction, while "yichroth" ("will cut down") specifies the method, like felling trees.
  • "אוֹיֵב מִלָּא רַגְלָיו" (oyev milla raglav): "The enemy has filled his feet" or "the enemy with his feet has filled." This suggests the enemy army's overwhelming presence and relentless advance. Their very movement (feet) signifies total occupation and destruction, leaving nothing unfilled or untouched.

Jeremiah 46 23 Bonus Section

The concept of powerful armies being instruments of God's judgment is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, seen with Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-7) and Babylon. The imagery of felling trees can be found in other contexts, often symbolizing the removal of kings or powers (Jeremiah 22:7). The comparison of Egypt to a "forest of strong trees" could also allude to the fertility and potential resources of Egypt that God's enemies will plunder. The thoroughness of the destruction speaks to the finality of divine judgment when it is fully enacted.

Jeremiah 46 23 Commentary

The prophecy in Jeremiah 46:23 paints a vivid picture of divine judgment through military conquest. Nebuchadnezzar's army is metaphorically described as an unstoppable force cutting through the "strong forest of trees" that represents Egypt's formidable defenses and strength. The words "eat" and "cut down" convey total annihilation, implying that nothing will be left standing. The final phrase, "the enemy has filled his feet," emphasizes the complete occupation and destructive march of the enemy force across the land, leaving no part of Egypt untouched. This imagery underscores God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use human armies as instruments of His wrath against those who oppose Him or His people, regardless of their perceived power.