For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.

JEREMIAH 46:10KJV
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Jeremiah 46:10 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 46:10 mean?

Jeremiah 46:10 describes a day when the Lord GOD of hosts will take vengeance on His adversaries, using the sword to bring judgment and bloodshed, especially in the region by the river Euphrates. The verse presents this as a solemn, almost sacrificial event, where God’s justice is carried out against those who oppose Him.

In this passage, Jeremiah is speaking God’s message about the coming defeat of Egypt by Babylon at the battle near the Euphrates River. The language of vengeance and sacrifice shows that this is not just a political conflict, but a moment when God acts as judge against those who have set themselves against Him and His purposes.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 46:10

  • "Day" (יוֹם, yom): This word signals a specific, decisive time when God intervenes in history, often called "the day of the LORD."
  • "Vengeance" (נְקָמָה, neqamah): This term means retribution or payback, highlighting that God’s actions are a response to wrongdoing, not random violence.
  • "Sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach): Here, the defeat of Egypt is described with the language of ritual sacrifice, emphasizing the seriousness and finality of God’s judgment.
  • "Hosts" (צְבָאוֹת, tseva’ot): This title for God, "LORD of hosts," underscores His command over heavenly armies, stressing His power and authority in carrying out this judgment.

Why Jeremiah 46:10 matters

  • Jeremiah 46:10 clarifies that the coming disaster for Egypt is not just a result of human politics or military might, but is portrayed as God’s deliberate act of judgment.
  • The use of sacrificial language reminds the reader that this event is solemn and purposeful, not arbitrary or meaningless violence.
  • This verse connects the fate of Egypt to the broader theme in Jeremiah of God’s sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel, showing that God holds every nation accountable.

Where else these words appear

“drunk” Hebrew H7301 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
  • Proverbs 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
  • Isaiah 43:24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

“Euphrates” Hebrew H6578 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
  • Jeremiah 13:5 So I went, and hid it by Euphrates, as the LORD commanded me.

“vengeance” Hebrew H5360 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
  • Psalms 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
  • Jeremiah 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

“avenge” Hebrew H5358 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
  • Judges 16:28 And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
  • Jeremiah 5:9 Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?