Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:

JEREMIAH 42:14KJV
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Jeremiah 42:14 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 42:14 mean?

Jeremiah 42:14 records the people’s response to God’s warning, as they insist on going to Egypt because they believe they will find safety there—no war, no alarms, and no hunger, a place where they can settle in peace. The verse captures their desire to escape danger in Judah by seeking security in Egypt, despite God’s instructions.

In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking to a group of Judeans who have survived the Babylonian invasion. They are asking God, through Jeremiah, what they should do next, but here they reveal their true intentions: they want to flee to Egypt, convinced it will be a safe haven. The verse shows their reasoning and their lack of trust in God’s guidance, preferring their own plan for survival.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 42:14

  • "Go" (בּוֹא, bo): This word means to enter or come into. Here, it shows the people’s active choice to relocate, not just a passing thought.
  • "Land" (אֶרֶץ, erets): Refers specifically to a territory or country, emphasizing Egypt as a real, physical place they believe will offer safety.
  • "Egypt" (מִצְרַיִם, Mitzrayim): Naming Egypt directly highlights their focus on a powerful nation they think can protect them, rather than relying on God.
  • "War" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah) and "trumpet" (שׁוֹפָר, shofar): These words bring out the fear of conflict and alarms, painting Egypt as a place free from the chaos they have just experienced.

Why Jeremiah 42:14 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that the people were waiting for God’s direction with open hearts; instead, they had already decided what they wanted to do.
  • Jeremiah 42:14 highlights the temptation to trust in human solutions—like running to a powerful neighbor—instead of trusting God’s promises.
  • The verse sets up the tension for the following verses, where God responds to their plans and warns them about the consequences of ignoring His guidance.

Where else these words appear

“hunger” Hebrew H7456 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 41:55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
  • Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
  • Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

“trumpet” Hebrew H7782 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • 1 Samuel 13:3 And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
  • Isaiah 18:3 All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye.