Jeremiah 46:25 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 46:25 mean?

Jeremiah 46:25 declares that the LORD, the God of Israel, will punish the city of No (Thebes), Pharaoh, Egypt, their gods, their kings, and all who trust in Pharaoh. This verse warns that Egypt and all its sources of power and security—including its rulers, religion, and people—will face judgment from God.

Jeremiah is speaking a message from God to Egypt during a time when Egypt was a major world power. The verse lists specific targets: the city of No (a major religious and political center), Pharaoh (the king), Egypt as a nation, their gods (idols), their kings, and everyone who relies on Pharaoh for safety. The context is a prophecy of coming defeat and humiliation for Egypt, showing that none of their usual sources of strength will protect them from God's judgment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 46:25

• "No" (נֹא, No): This is the Hebrew name for the Egyptian city of Thebes, a major religious and political center. Mentioning No highlights that even Egypt’s most important city would not escape judgment.
• "Punish" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word often means to visit or attend to, sometimes for blessing but here for judgment. It stresses that God’s action is deliberate and personal.
• "Trust" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to rely on or put confidence in. The verse singles out those who depend on Pharaoh, warning that such trust is misplaced when God brings judgment.

Why Jeremiah 46:25 matters

• Jeremiah 46:25 clarifies that God’s judgment is not just against Egypt’s leaders but also against its religious system, its people, and even those outside Egypt who put their hope in Pharaoh.
• The verse emphasizes that no earthly power—whether political, military, or religious—can stand against God’s decision to judge.
• This prophecy fits into a larger section where Jeremiah pronounces judgments on foreign nations, showing that God’s authority extends beyond Israel to all nations.