Jeremiah 42:19 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 42:19 mean?

Jeremiah 42:19 is a warning from God to the remaining people of Judah, telling them not to go to Egypt for refuge. God makes it clear that He has given them a direct and unmistakable warning on that very day.

Jeremiah is speaking to a group of Judeans who survived the Babylonian invasion and are considering fleeing to Egypt for safety. God, through Jeremiah, addresses them as the "remnant of Judah" and commands them not to enter Egypt. The verse emphasizes that this warning is not vague or optional—God has clearly and firmly instructed them, leaving no room for doubt about His will.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 42:19

• "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit): This word refers to those who are left after a disaster or judgment. Here, it highlights that these people are survivors of a national tragedy, making God's warning especially significant for their future.
• "admonished" (עֵדוּת, 'edut): The Hebrew word carries the sense of giving a solemn warning or testimony. It is stronger than just advice; it is an official, weighty warning from God Himself.
• "know certainly" (יָדַע תֵּדְעוּ, yada te'du): The Hebrew repeats the verb for "know" to stress absolute certainty. God wants the people to understand that this is not a suggestion but a definite, unmistakable command.

Why Jeremiah 42:19 matters

• Jeremiah 42:19 clarifies that God’s instructions were not hidden or ambiguous; the people could not claim ignorance if they disobeyed.
• The verse connects to the wider passage, where the people had asked Jeremiah to seek God’s guidance, promising to obey whatever answer they received—yet here, God anticipates their reluctance to follow through.
• This verse highlights the seriousness of seeking God’s will: when God answers clearly, He expects His people to listen, even if the answer is not what they hoped for.