Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his people;
JEREMIAH 25:19KJVWhat does Jeremiah 25:19 mean?
Jeremiah 25:19 lists Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, along with his officials and all his people, as among those who will face judgment. The verse is part of a warning that God's judgment is not limited to Judah but will also reach powerful nations like Egypt.
Jeremiah, speaking as a prophet, is delivering God's message to a wide audience, including foreign rulers. In this chapter, God tells Jeremiah to announce coming consequences for many nations because of their actions. By naming Pharaoh (the ruler), his servants (officials), princes (leaders), and all his people, the verse emphasizes that no part of Egyptian society will be spared from this judgment.
The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 25:19
- פַּרְעֹה (par‘ōh, "Pharaoh"): This word refers specifically to the Egyptian king, highlighting Egypt’s political power and its leader’s responsibility.
- מֶלֶךְ (melekh, "king"): This term underlines Pharaoh’s official status as ruler, not just a figurehead.
- מִצְרַיִם (mitzrayim, "Egypt"): The Hebrew name for Egypt, pointing to the nation as a whole, not just its leadership.
- עֶבֶד (eved, "servant"): Here, it refers to Pharaoh’s officials or attendants, showing that those in service to the king are also included in the judgment.
- שַׂר (sar, "prince"): This word means a leader or chief, indicating that the upper class and those with authority are singled out.
- עָם (‘am, "people"): This term covers the general population, making clear that the coming judgment is comprehensive.
Why Jeremiah 25:19 matters
- Jeremiah 25:19 makes clear that God’s judgment is not only for Israel or Judah but extends to foreign nations, even those as powerful as Egypt.
- By listing every level of Egyptian society—ruler, officials, leaders, and people—the verse stresses that no one is exempt from accountability.
- This verse connects to the larger theme in Jeremiah 25, where God’s message is directed to many nations, showing the scope of divine justice beyond Israel’s borders.