Jeremiah 46:23 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 46:23 mean?

Jeremiah 46:23 describes a coming destruction where an enemy will cut down Egypt’s “forest,” meaning its people or resources, so thoroughly that even though the land seems impossible to search because of its vastness, the invaders are so numerous they will overwhelm it like countless grasshoppers. The verse uses vivid imagery to show how Egypt’s strength will be no match for the overwhelming force coming against it.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message about Egypt’s fate. He is warning that Egypt, once thought to be strong and unassailable, will be invaded by a force so large it cannot be counted. The “forest” likely represents Egypt’s population or defenses, and the “grasshoppers” image highlights the sheer number of invaders. This is part of a larger prophecy against Egypt, showing that even great nations can fall when God declares judgment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 46:23

• The word for “forest” is יַעַר (ya‘ar), which often means a literal forest but here is likely a metaphor for Egypt’s people or defenses, emphasizing how widespread and dense they seem.
• The word for “searched” is חָקַר (ḥāqar), meaning to search out or explore thoroughly. The verse says Egypt’s “forest” cannot be fully searched, stressing its vastness, but even so, the invaders will cut it down.
• The word for “grasshoppers” is אַרְבֶּה (’arbeh), which refers to locusts or grasshoppers, creatures known for swarming in huge, destructive numbers. This makes the comparison to the invading army even more vivid.
• The phrase for “innumerable” uses two words: אֵין (’ein, meaning “there is not”) and מִסְפָּר (mispar, meaning “number”), together meaning “without number.” This stresses the overwhelming size of the invading force.

Why Jeremiah 46:23 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that Egypt’s size or strength could protect it from defeat; the imagery shows that no human defense is too great to fall.
• The comparison to grasshoppers connects to other biblical images of swarming destruction, helping readers see the scale and inevitability of what is coming.
• Understanding this verse in its context reveals how Jeremiah’s prophecies are not just about Israel but also about the fate of other nations, showing God’s sovereignty over all peoples.