King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 37:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 37:5 in the King James Version says “Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, t...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem.”

Jeremiah 37:5 · KJV

Context

3

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.

4

Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison .

5

Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem.

6

Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

7

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.

Read Jeremiah 37 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt—this Egyptian intervention represents Pharaoh Hophra (Apries, 589-570 BC), whose forces moved north to challenge Babylon's siege. The Hebrew yatsa (יָצָא, came forth) suggests military deployment with apparent strength. Egypt had been Judah's forbidden ally; Isaiah and Jeremiah repeatedly warned against trusting Egypt rather than Yahweh (Isaiah 30:1-7; 31:1-3; Jeremiah 2:18, 36-37).

And when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem—the withdrawal seemed to vindicate those who trusted in Egyptian alliance. False prophets undoubtedly proclaimed deliverance; political leaders congratulated themselves on wise diplomacy. The Hebrew shama (שָׁמַע, heard) indicates intelligence reports prompting tactical withdrawal. Babylon temporarily lifted the siege to deal with Egypt, creating the illusion that Jerusalem was saved.

This apparent deliverance became a test of faith: would Judah interpret the reprieve as vindication of their politics or recognize it as temporary? Jeremiah would soon declare God's true word: Egypt would retreat, Babylon would return, and Jerusalem would fall. Human alliances provide only temporary, illusory security; covenant faithfulness to Yahweh is the only true refuge.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological and historical sources confirm Egypt's intervention during Nebuchadnezzar's siege. Pharaoh Hophra attempted to maintain Egyptian influence in Canaan by supporting Judah against Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar's forces temporarily withdrew to neutralize the Egyptian threat before resuming Jerusalem's siege. This brief reprieve gave false hope to Zedekiah's government. Lachish Letter #3 (discovered in excavations) may reference Egyptian forces, providing extrabiblical confirmation. Egypt's intervention ultimately failed—they retreated without engaging Babylon decisively, abandoning Judah to its fate. This fulfilled the prophets' warnings that Egypt was a 'broken reed' that would pierce the hand of those who leaned on it (2 Kings 18:21; Ezekiel 29:6-7).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Judah repeatedly turn to Egypt for security despite prophetic warnings against foreign alliances?
  2. How do temporary reprieves from consequences sometimes reinforce unbelief rather than prompt repentance?
  3. What modern 'Egypts' do people trust instead of relying fully on God's covenant promises?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְחֵ֥יל1 of 14

“army”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

פַּרְעֹ֖ה2 of 14

“Then Pharaoh's”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

יָצָ֣א3 of 14

“was come forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם4 of 14

“out of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַיִּשְׁמְע֨וּ5 of 14

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הַכַּשְׂדִּ֜ים6 of 14

“and when the Chaldeans”

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

הַצָּרִ֤ים7 of 14

“that besieged”

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

עַל8 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃9 of 14

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֶת10 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שִׁמְעָ֔ם11 of 14

“tidings”

H8088

something heard, i.e., a sound, rumor, announcement; abstractly, audience

וַיֵּ֣עָל֔וּ12 of 14

“of them they departed”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מֵעַ֖ל13 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃14 of 14

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 37:5 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 37:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 17:15Jeremiah 37:112 Kings 24:7Jeremiah 34:21Jeremiah 37:7

Places in This Verse

ChaldeaRegion · Modern: Tell el Muqayyar · 30.96°N, 46.10°E85 verses across 11 books
EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 37 →

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