King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 42:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 42:22 in the King James Version says “Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn. to go: or, to go to sojourn”

Jeremiah 42:22 · KJV

Context

20

For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it. ye dissembled: or, ye have used deceit against your souls

21

And now I have this day declared it to you; but ye have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God, nor any thing for the which he hath sent me unto you.

22

Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn. to go: or, to go to sojourn

Read Jeremiah 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore know certainly (וְעַתָּה יָדֹעַ תֵּדְעוּ)—emphatic construction, literally 'knowing, you shall know'—absolute certainty, no ambiguity. The dual imperative intensifies urgency. That ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence (כִּי בַּחֶרֶב בָּרָעָב וּבַדָּבֶר תָּמֻתוּ)—the covenant curse triad (Deuteronomy 28:21-22, Jeremiah 14:12, 21:7, 24:10, Ezekiel 6:11-12) reverses exodus blessing. What they fear in Judah will pursue them to Egypt.

In the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn (בַּמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּם חֲפֵצִים לָבוֹא לָגוּר שָׁם)—biting irony. They 'desire' (chafetzim, חֲפֵצִים) Egypt as refuge, using the verb of delight and pleasure. Egypt symbolizes return to bondage (reversal of exodus), and God's prohibition echoes Deuteronomy 17:16: 'You shall not return that way again.' Their desired asylum becomes their tomb (43:11, 44:14, 27-28). Only escapees who survive will return, testifying whose word proved true (44:28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt had long tempted Judah as political ally against Mesopotamian powers (Isaiah 30:1-7, 31:1-3, Ezekiel 17:15). Pharaoh Hophra (589-570 BC) briefly raised Babylon's siege (37:5-11), encouraging pro-Egypt faction. After Jerusalem's fall, fleeing to Egypt seemed pragmatic—but violated God's explicit command. Chapter 44 records the tragic fulfillment: the remnant dies in Egypt, even worshiping Egyptian deities (Queen of Heaven, 44:15-19).

Reflection Questions

  1. When has 'safety' in disobedience proven more dangerous than risk in obedience?
  2. How does returning to 'Egypt' (pre-redemption bondage) symbolize covenant community's ultimate apostasy?
  3. What does this verse teach about the futility of seeking security apart from God's ordained path?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְעַתָּה֙1 of 14
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

תֵּֽדְע֔וּ2 of 14

“Now therefore know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

תֵּֽדְע֔וּ3 of 14

“Now therefore know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֗י4 of 14
H3588

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

בַּחֶ֛רֶב5 of 14

“by the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

בָּרָעָ֥ב6 of 14

“by the famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

וּבַדֶּ֖בֶר7 of 14

“and by the pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

תָּמ֑וּתוּ8 of 14

“that ye shall die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בַּמָּקוֹם֙9 of 14

“in the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 14
H834

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

חֲפַצְתֶּ֔ם11 of 14

“whither ye desire”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

לָב֖וֹא12 of 14

“to go”

H935

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

לָג֥וּר13 of 14

“and to sojourn”

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

שָֽׁם׃14 of 14
H8033

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

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 42:22 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 42:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 42:17Hosea 9:6Ezekiel 6:11Jeremiah 43:11Ezekiel 5:3-4

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Jeremiah 42 →

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