King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 44:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 44:1 in the King James Version says “The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at T... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

Jeremiah 44:1 · KJV


Context

1

The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

2

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Ye have seen all the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, and upon all the cities of Judah; and, behold, this day they are a desolation, and no man dwelleth therein,

3

Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods, whom they knew not, neither they, ye, nor your fathers.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt—this introduces Jeremiah's final recorded oracle, addressed to the Jewish diaspora in Egypt. The Hebrew construction emphasizes divine initiative: haddābār ʾăšer-hāyâ (the word which came). The geographical specificity—Migdol, Tahpanhes, Noph (Memphis), and Pathros (Upper Egypt)—reveals a widespread Jewish settlement throughout Egypt, fleeing despite God's explicit command through Jeremiah (42:19). This dispersion ironically reverses the Exodus, with God's people voluntarily returning to the land of their former bondage.

The phrase concerning all the Jews (ʾel-kol-hayyəhûdîm) is judicial in tone—this is a covenant lawsuit. These communities had disobeyed Jeremiah's prophetic warning not to flee to Egypt, demonstrating that geographical escape cannot evade spiritual accountability. Their physical locations span the entire length of Egypt from north (Migdol, Tahpanhes) to south (Pathros), showing the comprehensiveness of both their rebellion and God's coming judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This oracle dates to approximately 582 BC, after the murder of Gedaliah and the forced flight to Egypt (Jeremiah 43). Jewish mercenary colonies existed in Egypt from the 7th century BC onward, including the famous Elephantine garrison. Archaeological evidence confirms Jewish settlements at Tahpanhes (Tell Defenneh) and Memphis during this period. These refugees defied Jeremiah's explicit warning in chapter 42, choosing perceived safety in Egypt over obedience to God's word.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you sought safety or security in places or circumstances that contradict God's revealed will?
  2. How does the irony of God's people returning to Egypt challenge your understanding of spiritual regression?
  3. What does it mean that God's word pursues His people even in their disobedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
הַדָּבָר֙1 of 18

The word

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 18
H834

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

הָיָ֣ה3 of 18
H1961

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

אֶֽל4 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ5 of 18

that came to Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

אֶ֚ל6 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל7 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיְּהוּדִ֔ים8 of 18

concerning all the Jews

H3064

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

הַיֹּשְׁבִ֤ים9 of 18

which dwell

H3427

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

וּבְאֶ֥רֶץ10 of 18

and in the country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם11 of 18

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

הַיֹּשְׁבִ֤ים12 of 18

which dwell

H3427

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

בְּמִגְדֹּל֙13 of 18

at Migdol

H4024

migdol, a place in egypt

וּבְתַחְפַּנְחֵ֣ס14 of 18

and at Tahpanhes

H8471

tachpanches, techaphneches or tachpenes, a place in egypt

וּבְנֹ֔ף15 of 18

and at Noph

H5297

noph, the capital of upper egypt

וּבְאֶ֥רֶץ16 of 18

and in the country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פַּתְר֖וֹס17 of 18

of Pathros

H6624

pathros, a part of egypt

לֵאמֹֽר׃18 of 18

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 44:1 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 44:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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