King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 43:8 Mean?

Jeremiah 43:8 in the King James Version says “Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,”

Jeremiah 43:8 · KJV

Context

6

Even men, and women, and children, and the king's daughters, and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah.

7

So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes.

8

Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,

9

Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which is at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;

10

And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

Read Jeremiah 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes—Even in Egypt, in the midst of a rebellious community that had forcibly taken him there, Jeremiah continued to receive divine revelation. The prophetic formula the word of the LORD came (vayehi devar-YHWH, וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה) indicates authentic prophetic reception, identical to the formula used throughout Jeremiah's ministry (1:4, 11, 13; 2:1; 13:3, 8; 16:1; 18:5). God's word was not limited to the promised land—He spoke in Egypt just as He had spoken to the exiles in Babylon (Jeremiah 29).

Tahpanhes (תַּחְפַּנְחֵס, also spelled Tehaphnehes) was a major Egyptian frontier fortress in the eastern Nile delta, serving as Pharaoh's border garrison and administrative center. The name appears in Egyptian as Daphnae. By settling there, the remnant placed themselves under Pharaoh's authority rather than Yahweh's covenant protection. The location is significant: on Egypt's border with Sinai, it was the first major Egyptian city encountered when entering from Canaan—symbolically, the nearest point to reversing the Exodus.

That God continued to speak through Jeremiah in Tahpanhes demonstrates His sovereignty and faithfulness. The people could flee covenant land, but they could not escape covenant relationship. God pursued them even in their rebellion, sending prophetic word calling them to recognize their error.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tahpanhes (modern Tell Defenneh) was a strategic fortress-city during Egypt's 26th Dynasty under Pharaoh Hophra (Apries, 589-570 BC). Archaeological excavations by Flinders Petrie (1886) uncovered the fortress remains, including what may be 'Pharaoh's house' mentioned in verse 9. Greek mercenaries were stationed there, and it served as a major administrative center. The Jewish refugee community settled in this militarized border city, perhaps hoping for Egyptian protection against Babylon. Historical records indicate Nebuchadnezzar invaded Egypt around 568 BC (Josephus), fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies (43:10-13; 46:13-26). Tahpanhes was likely among the cities conquered. Ezekiel also prophesied against Tahpanhes, predicting its destruction (Ezekiel 30:18). The site was later known to Greeks as Daphne and maintained Jewish communities into the Hellenistic period, though the original refugee community perished as Jeremiah prophesied (42:17).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's continued revelation to Jeremiah in Egypt teach about His sovereignty and presence even when His people flee His will?
  2. How does the location Tahpanhes—Egypt's border fortress—symbolize the reversal of the Exodus?
  3. In what ways does God pursue us with His word even when we flee to places of disobedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְהִ֤י1 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבַר2 of 7

“Then came the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָה֙3 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶֽל4 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ5 of 7

“unto Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

בְּתַחְפַּנְחֵ֖ס6 of 7

“in Tahpanhes”

H8471

tachpanches, techaphneches or tachpenes, a place in egypt

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 43:8 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 43:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 2:9Psalms 139:7Jeremiah 2:16

Places in This Verse

TahpanhesSettlement · Modern: Tell Defenneh · 30.86°N, 32.17°E7 verses across 2 books
View all places in Jeremiah 43 →

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