Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.

JEREMIAH 46:11KJV
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Jeremiah 46:11 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 46:11 mean?

Jeremiah 46:11 describes how Egypt is told to seek healing in Gilead, famous for its balm, but is warned that no medicine will cure her wounds. The verse uses the image of a "virgin daughter of Egypt" to show Egypt’s helplessness and the futility of her efforts to recover from coming disaster.

Jeremiah is speaking a message from God to Egypt as part of a prophecy about Egypt’s defeat by Babylon. Gilead was known for its healing balm, so telling Egypt to "go up into Gilead, and take balm" highlights that even the best remedies will not help. The verse uses strong language to show that Egypt’s downfall is certain, no matter what she tries.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 46:11

  • בַּת־מִצְרַיִם (bat-mitzrayim, "daughter of Egypt"): This phrase personifies Egypt as a young woman, emphasizing vulnerability and innocence, making the warning more vivid and personal.
  • צֳרִי (tsori, "balm"): This word refers to a well-known healing resin from Gilead. Mentioning this specific balm underlines the idea that even the most famous and trusted remedies will fail Egypt.
  • לַשָּׁוְא (lashav, "in vain"): This word means "uselessly" or "to no effect," stressing that Egypt’s efforts and resources will not change her fate.
  • רְפוּאוֹת (refu'ot, "medicines"): This term covers various treatments or healing attempts, reinforcing the point that no human solution will work in this crisis.

Why Jeremiah 46:11 matters

  • Jeremiah 46:11 clears up any idea that Egypt could avoid judgment through its own resources or alliances, showing that some situations are beyond human remedy.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by illustrating the certainty of Egypt’s defeat, as part of God’s message to the nations about Babylon’s rise.
  • By using the image of healing and medicine, Jeremiah 46:11 makes the prophecy more relatable and memorable, helping readers understand the depth of Egypt’s coming loss.

Where else these words appear

“medicines” Hebrew H7499 · used in 3 verses

  • Jeremiah 30:13 There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines.
  • Ezekiel 30:21 Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.

“balm” Hebrew H6875 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 37:25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
  • Genesis 43:11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
  • Jeremiah 51:8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.

“cured” Hebrew H8585 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Kings 18:32 And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.
  • 2 Kings 18:17 And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.
  • Isaiah 7:3 Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;

“vain” Hebrew H7723 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
  • Psalms 89:47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
  • Jeremiah 18:15 Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;