King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 42:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 42:14 in the King James Version says “Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor hav... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:

Jeremiah 42:14 · KJV


Context

12

And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.

13

But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,

14

Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:

15

And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;

16

Then it shall come to pass, that the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die. shall follow: Heb. shall cleave after you


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
No; but we will go into the land of Egypt—The remnant's reply reveals their predetermined decision, rejecting Jeremiah's prophetic word despite their earlier vow to obey (42:5-6). The emphatic Hebrew lo (לֹא, no) introduces outright refusal of God's command to remain in Judah. Their reasoning exposes the root sin: where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet (shofar, שׁוֹפָר, the ram's horn signaling battle). They sought safety through human calculation rather than divine protection.

The threefold appeal—no war... no trumpet... no hunger—demonstrates pragmatic self-reliance. Egypt represented military power, agricultural abundance (the Nile's fertility versus Judah's drought), and distance from Babylon. Yet this 'wisdom' directly contradicted God's revealed will. Like Israel's earlier desire to return to Egypt's 'leeks and onions' (Numbers 11:5), this generation preferred Egypt's perceived security to trusting Yahweh's provision in the land of promise.

Their declaration there will we dwell seals their apostasy. Jesus later warned, 'He who seeks to save his life will lose it' (Matthew 16:25)—exactly what befell these refugees. By fleeing to Egypt for safety, they ran into the very judgment they hoped to escape (v. 17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred circa 582 BC, after Gedaliah's assassination left Judah's remnant leaderless and fearful of Babylonian retribution. Egypt, under Pharaoh Apries (Hophra), had recently provoked Babylon by supporting Zedekiah's rebellion (588-586 BC). Despite Egypt's disastrous failure to save Jerusalem, the remnant viewed Egypt as a safe haven. Historically, Egypt had been Israel's repeated temptation—Isaiah condemned alliances with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-3, 31:1), and Hosea denounced Israel's diplomatic overtures there (Hosea 7:11). Archaeological evidence shows a significant Jewish refugee community developed in Egypt, including the Elephantine colony. Jeremiah himself was forcibly taken to Egypt (43:6-7), where tradition says he was stoned to death by his own people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fear-based decision-making lead us to contradict God's revealed will while appearing 'reasonable'?
  2. In what ways do we seek 'Egypt'—worldly security—rather than trusting God's provision in difficult circumstances?
  3. How does the remnant's vow to obey (42:5-6) followed by immediate disobedience reveal the danger of presumptuous promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לֵאמֹ֗ר1 of 19

Saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֚א2 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כִּ֣י3 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶ֤רֶץ4 of 19

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙5 of 19

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

נָב֔וֹא6 of 19

No but we will go

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר7 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא8 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִרְאֶה֙9 of 19

where we shall see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מִלְחָמָ֔ה10 of 19

no war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וְק֥וֹל11 of 19

the sound

H6963

a voice or sound

שׁוֹפָ֖ר12 of 19

of the trumpet

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

לֹ֣א13 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִשְׁמָ֑ע14 of 19

nor hear

H8085

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

וְלַלֶּ֥חֶם15 of 19

of bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לֹֽא16 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִרְעָ֖ב17 of 19

nor have hunger

H7456

to hunger

וְשָׁ֥ם18 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

נֵשֵֽׁב׃19 of 19

and there will we dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry


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 42:14 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 42:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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