Jeremiah 46:13 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 46:13 mean?

Jeremiah 46:13 records that God gave Jeremiah a message about Nebuchadrezzar, the king of Babylon, coming to attack and defeat the land of Egypt. This verse introduces a prophecy that Babylon would invade Egypt, showing that even powerful nations like Egypt were not beyond God's reach.

The verse is a heading or introduction to a specific prophecy. It tells us that the LORD (God) spoke directly to Jeremiah, who was a prophet, and gave him a message about future events involving Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon. The historical setting is during a time when Babylon was rising as a dominant empire, and Egypt was still seen as a strong regional power. This sets the stage for the following verses, which describe the coming judgment on Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 46:13

• word (דָּבָר, davar): This word means "message" or "thing spoken." Here, it emphasizes that what follows is not Jeremiah's own idea, but a direct communication from God.
• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting that the message carries divine authority.
• smite (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means "to strike" or "to defeat." It shows that the coming of Nebuchadrezzar is not just a visit, but an act of violent conquest against Egypt.
• Egypt (מִצְרַיִם, Mitzrayim): The Hebrew name for Egypt, reminding the reader that this prophecy concerns a real, historical nation known for its power and influence.

Why Jeremiah 46:13 matters

• Jeremiah 46:13 clarifies that the prophecy about Egypt’s defeat comes from God, not from Jeremiah’s own opinion or political analysis.
• The verse introduces Nebuchadrezzar as an instrument of God’s judgment, showing that even foreign rulers can be used by God to fulfill His purposes.
• This verse connects to the larger section of Jeremiah where prophecies are given against various nations, showing that God’s sovereignty extends beyond Israel to all peoples and lands.