The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt.

JEREMIAH 46:13KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Nebuchadrezzar” Hebrew H5019 · used in 59 verses

  • 2 Kings 24:1 In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.
  • Jeremiah 25:1 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;
  • Jeremiah 43:10 And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

“Jeremiah” Hebrew H3414 · used in 133 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
  • Jeremiah 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
  • Jeremiah 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;