King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:18 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:18 in the King James Version says “And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of As... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?

Jeremiah 2:18 · KJV


Context

16

Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head. have: or, feed on thy crown

17

Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?

18

And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?

19

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

20

For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress ; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. transgress: or, serve


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Questioning Israel's political alliances with Egypt and Assyria/Babylon reveals the futility of seeking security through foreign powers rather than trusting God as the true source of protection and provision.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse from Jeremiah 2 continues God's covenant lawsuit against Judah, delivered during the late 7th century BC as the nation spiraled toward Babylonian exile. The prophetic indictment addresses systematic idolatry, failed political alliances, and spiritual adultery that characterized Judah from Manasseh through Jehoiakim's reigns. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread syncretistic worship practices condemned here.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this accusation against ancient Israel reveal patterns of spiritual unfaithfulness that might appear in different forms today?
  2. What does God's persistent lawsuit demonstrate about His desire for His people's return versus immediate judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעַתָּ֗ה1 of 15
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

מַה2 of 15
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לָּךְ֙3 of 15
H0
לְדֶ֣רֶךְ4 of 15

And now what hast thou to do in the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מִצְרַ֔יִם5 of 15

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לִשְׁתּ֖וֹת6 of 15

to drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מֵ֥י7 of 15

the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

שִׁח֑וֹר8 of 15

of Sihor

H7883

shichor, a stream of egypt

וּמַה9 of 15
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לָּךְ֙10 of 15
H0
לְדֶ֣רֶךְ11 of 15

And now what hast thou to do in the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אַשּׁ֔וּר12 of 15

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לִשְׁתּ֖וֹת13 of 15

to drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מֵ֥י14 of 15

the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

נָהָֽר׃15 of 15

of the river

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 2:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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