King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 43:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 43:13 in the King James Version says “He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire. images: Heb. statues, or, standing images Bethshemesh: or, The house of the sun”

Jeremiah 43:13 · KJV

Context

11

And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such as are for death to death; and such as are for captivity to captivity; and such as are for the sword to the sword.

12

And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.

13

He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire. images: Heb. statues, or, standing images Bethshemesh: or, The house of the sun

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall break also the images of Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt (וְשִׁבַּר אֶת־מַצְּבוֹת בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם)—Beth-shemesh (House of the Sun, בֵּית־שֶׁמֶשׁ) is Heliopolis (Greek, 'City of the Sun'), center of Ra worship, Egypt's chief solar deity. The matzevot (מַצְּבוֹת, pillars/obelisks) were massive stone monuments, including famous sun-pillars that survived into Hellenistic times (later called 'Cleopatra's Needles').

And the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire (וְאֶת־בָּתֵּי אֱלֹהֵי מִצְרַיִם יִשְׂרֹף בָּאֵשׁ)—comprehensive destruction of Egypt's religious infrastructure. This judgment mirrors Exodus plagues (targeting Egyptian deities—Nile/Hapi, sun/Ra, Pharaoh/Horus), demonstrating YHWH's continued supremacy over Egypt's pantheon. Ironically, Jewish refugees fled to the nation whose gods God already humiliated at the Exodus—they exchange YHWH's protection for bankrupt deities about to face renewed judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Heliopolis (On in Hebrew, Genesis 41:45) was ancient Egypt's preeminent religious site, home to the Ennead (nine chief deities). Its obelisks symbolized sun-rays, through which Ra bestowed life. Nebuchadnezzar's destruction of these monuments would psychologically devastate Egyptian morale, proving their supreme god powerless. Ezekiel 30:13-19 contains parallel prophecy targeting Egyptian idolatry and cities.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God specifically target the 'House of the Sun' (Heliopolis)—what does this reveal about confronting a culture's chief spiritual stronghold?
  2. How does this judgment on Egyptian gods parallel the Exodus plagues—what does this continuity teach about God's consistent character?
  3. What modern 'Beth-shemesh' (centers of false worship) might God be confronting in our generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשִׁבַּ֗ר1 of 14

“He shall break”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶֽת2 of 14
H853

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

מַצְּבוֹת֙3 of 14

“also the images”

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

בֵּ֣ית4 of 14
H0
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ5 of 14

“of Bethshemesh”

H1053

beth-shemesh, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֖ר6 of 14
H834

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

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ7 of 14

“that is in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֖יִם8 of 14

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְאֶת9 of 14
H853

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

בָּתֵּ֥י10 of 14

“and the houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלֹהֵֽי11 of 14

“of the gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מִצְרַ֖יִם12 of 14

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

יִשְׂרֹ֥ף13 of 14

“shall he burn”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵֽשׁ׃14 of 14

“with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 43:13 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 43:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 19:18

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
HeliopolisSettlement · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E5 verses across 3 books
View all places in Jeremiah 43 →

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