King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 44:29 Mean?
“And this shall be a sign unto you, saith the LORD, that I will punish you in this place, that ye may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:”
Jeremiah 44:29 · KJV
Context
27
Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.
28
Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs. mine: Heb. from me, or, from them
29
And this shall be a sign unto you, saith the LORD, that I will punish you in this place, that ye may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:
30
Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd this shall be a sign unto you, saith the LORD (וְזֹאת־לָכֶם הָאוֹת נְאֻם־יְהוָה)—an authenticating ot (אוֹת, sign), proving God's threatened judgment will certainly occur. Biblical 'signs' confirm prophetic authority (Deuteronomy 18:21-22, 1 Samuel 2:34, Isaiah 7:14, 37:30). Here God graciously provides evidence before the fact, eliminating later claims that disaster was random rather than covenantal. That I will punish you in this place (כִּי־פֹקֵד אָנֹכִי עֲלֵיכֶם בַּמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה)—Egypt, their chosen refuge, becomes the execution site for covenant curses.
That ye may know that My words shall surely stand against you for evil (לְמַעַן תֵּדְעוּ כִּי קוֹם יָקוּמוּ דְבָרַי עֲלֵיכֶם לְרָעָה)—emphatic Hebrew construction: qom yaqumu (standing, they shall stand), doubling the verb for certainty. The word ra'ah (evil/calamity) echoes the covenant curse terminology. God's reputation is at stake—His words must prove reliable, whether blessing or curse. Tragically, only the curse will convince them His word is true.
That ye may know that My words shall surely stand against you for evil (לְמַעַן תֵּדְעוּ כִּי קוֹם יָקוּמוּ דְבָרַי עֲלֵיכֶם לְרָעָה)—emphatic Hebrew construction: qom yaqumu (standing, they shall stand), doubling the verb for certainty. The word ra'ah (evil/calamity) echoes the covenant curse terminology. God's reputation is at stake—His words must prove reliable, whether blessing or curse. Tragically, only the curse will convince them His word is true.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This oracle (580s BC) came after the remnant rejected Jeremiah's word and forcibly took him to Egypt (43:6-7), settling in Tahpanhes, Migdol, Memphis, and Pathros (44:1). They resumed pagan worship, particularly of the 'Queen of Heaven' (likely Ishtar/Astarte, 44:17-19), claiming idolatry brought prosperity. This verse warns them before Babylon's invasion that their doom is sealed—fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt (568/7 BC).
Reflection Questions
- Why does God provide signs/evidence of coming judgment—what does this reveal about His desire for people to recognize His justice?
- What does it mean that God's words 'stand against you for evil'—how does divine word become agent of judgment?
- When have you seen God's word prove true through painful consequences, forcing recognition of His authority?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsלָכֶ֤ם2 of 19
H0הָאוֹת֙3 of 19
“And this shall be a sign”
H226a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
כִּֽי6 of 19
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פֹקֵ֥ד7 of 19
“that I will punish”
H6485to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם9 of 19
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּמָּק֣וֹם10 of 19
“you in this place”
H4725properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
לְמַ֙עַן֙12 of 19
H4616properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תֵּֽדְע֔וּ13 of 19
“that ye may know”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּי֩14 of 19
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָק֧וּמוּ15 of 19
“shall surely”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יָק֧וּמוּ16 of 19
“shall surely”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
דְבָרַ֛י17 of 19
“that my words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם18 of 19
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 44:29 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 44:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge