And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants: and afterward it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 46:26KJV
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Jeremiah 46:26 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 46:26 mean?

Jeremiah 46:26 says that God will hand over Egypt and its people to those who want to take their lives, specifically to Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon, and his servants; but after this time of conquest, Egypt will be inhabited again as it was before, according to the LORD. This verse promises both judgment and eventual restoration for Egypt.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to Egypt during a time when Babylon was rising in power. God declares that Egypt will fall into the control of Nebuchadrezzar (another name for Nebuchadnezzar), the Babylonian king, as punishment. However, the final part of the verse assures that Egypt will not be left desolate forever—life will return to normal there in the future, showing both God’s justice and mercy.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 46:26

  • "Deliver" (נָתַן, natan, H5414) means to give or hand over. Here, it emphasizes that Egypt’s fate is ultimately in God’s control, not just the result of political events.
  • "Hand" (יָד, yad, H3027) appears several times, highlighting the idea of power or control—Egypt will be under the authority of those who seek their lives.
  • "Afterward" (אַחַר, achar, H310) marks a turning point, signaling that the destruction is not the end of Egypt’s story.
  • "Inhabited" (שָׁכַן, shakan, H7931) means to dwell or settle. Its use here assures that Egypt will again be a place where people live, not left in ruins.

Why Jeremiah 46:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s judgment on Egypt is not permanent—restoration is promised, which might be surprising given the severity of the warning.
  • The mention of Nebuchadrezzar by name connects this prophecy to real historical events and leaders, grounding the message in a specific time and place.
  • The verse balances themes of justice and mercy, showing that while God allows consequences for nations, He also provides hope for renewal.

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.

“old” Hebrew H6924 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Joshua 18:20 And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.
  • Psalms 139:5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

“inhabited” Hebrew H7931 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:9 Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,
  • Proverbs 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.