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

Jeremiah 46:23 pronounces a divine judgment upon Egypt, declaring that a massive, innumerable invading army, likened to a swarm of locusts, will utterly devastate the nation. Despite Egypt's perceived strength, represented by an "impenetrable forest," this force, acting as God's instrument, will cut it down. The verse emphasizes the absolute certainty and overwhelming nature of God's destructive judgment, which no human defense can withstand.

Jeremiah 46 23 Context

Jeremiah chapter 46 is the first of a series of prophecies concerning foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51). This specific prophecy targets Egypt, with its opening verses dating to Nebuchadnezzar's decisive victory over Pharaoh Neco at Carchemish around 605 BC, an event that reshaped the geopolitics of the Ancient Near East and confirmed Babylon as the dominant power. Verses 13-26, where verse 23 resides, predict Nebuchadnezzar's subsequent invasion of Egypt itself, extending Babylon's reach southward. The "impenetrable forest" here could symbolically refer to Egypt's vast resources, dense population centers along the Nile, or its formidable military strength that was believed to be unassailable. God, through Jeremiah, asserts His supreme authority over Egypt and all nations, using Babylon as His instrument to humble the proud and execute His divine plan for judgment and redemption in the region. This verse highlights the inevitability of this divinely ordained destruction against even a mighty empire.

Jeremiah 46 23 Word analysis

• They shall cut down: yikretu (יִכְרְתוּ). From the Hebrew verb karat (כָרַת), meaning to cut off, cut down, cut into, or destroy. It signifies a decisive and complete destruction, as when a tree is felled or a covenant is made (cut). Here, it denotes an act of devastation by the invaders.
• her forest, yaʿra (יַעְרָה). From yaʿar (יַעַר), meaning forest, thicket, wooded area. Symbolically represents strength, resources, defense, or a dense population. In the context of Egypt, which was not heavily forested in the modern sense, it could refer to its reedy riverbanks, agricultural wealth, vital resources, or the density of its people and fortifications. It emphasizes Egypt's perceived natural defenses or its core strength.
• declares the LORD, ne'um YHWH (נְאֻם יְהוָה). A solemn divine utterance, emphasizing the speaker as God (Yahweh). This phrase underscores the divine authority and certainty behind the prophecy, not merely a human prediction. It confirms that the destruction is not random but part of God's sovereign decree.
• though it is impenetrable, ki lo' yechaker (כִּי לֹא יֵחָקֵר). Yechaker comes from chaqar (חָקַר), meaning to search out, examine, explore, penetrate, or investigate. The phrase thus means "because it cannot be searched out" or "cannot be fathomed." It highlights Egypt's perceived invincibility, its hidden depths, or vastness which humans thought was insurmountable. It's a rhetorical contrast: what appears unsearchable will be easily discovered and destroyed.
• because they are more numerous than locusts; ki rabbu mimmasarim (כִּי רַבּוּ מִמַּשָּׂרִים). Rabbu (רַבּוּ) means they have become many, multiplied. Masarim (מַשָּׂרִים) is a rare word related to a type of insect or perhaps another term for locusts or swarms, derived from a root meaning to shut in or enclose. The primary imagery is the overwhelming numbers of a destructive insect plague. This hyperbole emphasizes the invaders' immense size, destructive potential, and unstoppable nature.
• they are without number: v'ein mispar (וְאֵין מִסְפָּר). Literally, "and no number." Reinforces the previous phrase, declaring the invading army to be countless, beyond enumeration. It reiterates the overwhelming numerical superiority, ensuring complete and absolute devastation.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• They shall cut down her forest, though it is impenetrable: This phrase encapsulates the theme of perceived invincibility yielding to irresistible force. Egypt's internal strength and protective qualities (the "forest") are presented as substantial, yet destined for utter destruction. The word "cut down" signifies decisive felling, suggesting an attack on the very life and structure of the nation. The "impenetrable" aspect serves to heighten the dramatic impact, demonstrating that no human stronghold or natural defense can stand against God's determined agents.
• declares the LORD, because they are more numerous than locusts;: The divine declaration (ne'um YHWH) explicitly attributes this judgment to God's will. It transitions from the consequence (cutting down the forest) to the means by which it will happen: an overwhelmingly numerous army. The "locust" imagery is crucial; it invokes natural disaster, rapid proliferation, total consumption, and an unstoppable force, drawing parallels to plagues sent by God (e.g., Exodus). This divine affirmation leaves no doubt about the source or certainty of the judgment.
• more numerous than locusts; they are without number: This pairing of phrases delivers a powerful, hyperbolic description of the invading army's numerical strength. The simile of locusts already implies vast numbers, and "without number" serves as an intensification, confirming their absolute multitude. This boundless quantity is what enables them to overcome even an "impenetrable" land, underscoring the inevitability and completeness of the impending destruction of Egypt.

Jeremiah 46 23 Bonus section

• Rahab Polemic: The Old Testament sometimes refers to Egypt symbolically as "Rahab" (e.g., Ps 87:4, Isa 51:9), associating it with the mythical primordial sea monster. This association often carries connotations of a chaotic, proud, and rebellious power that God ultimately subdues. The felling of Egypt's "impenetrable forest" can be seen as God's decisive act against this symbol of proud human strength, paralleling His mythical victory over the primeval chaos monster, thus demonstrating His absolute control over all opposing forces, even a mighty nation like Egypt.
• Deforestation as Desolation: Beyond a mere metaphor for destruction, the act of "cutting down a forest" had practical implications in the ancient world, especially for warfare. Armies would often clear forests not just for resources but to facilitate movement, deny cover, or literally open up a region to conquest. Symbolically, it signifies not just the destruction of natural resources but the breaking down of physical and psychological barriers, leaving the land exposed and vulnerable.

Jeremiah 46 23 Commentary

Jeremiah 46:23 is a stark prophetic declaration of Egypt's impending ruin at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, portrayed as God's instrument of judgment. The verse paints a vivid picture of overwhelming devastation. Egypt, perceived as mighty and secure, represented by its "impenetrable forest," is destined to fall. This "forest" symbolizes the nation's perceived strength, its resources, or even its dense population centers, which the invaders will ruthlessly cut down. The certainty of this event is established by the phrase "declares the LORD," highlighting God's sovereign command over historical events and nations. The Babylonian forces are hyperbolically described as "more numerous than locusts" and "without number," emphasizing their sheer numerical superiority, their unstoppable advance, and the thoroughness of the destruction they will inflict. This imagery echoes the devastating plagues of locusts in ancient times, symbolizing complete consumption and desolation. The prophecy demonstrates that no human power, however great or seemingly impenetrable, can thwart the divine will or escape God's judgment when He acts through chosen agents. It serves as a reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over kings and empires.