King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 46:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 46:13 in the King James Version says “The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt.”

Jeremiah 46:13 · KJV

Context

11

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured. thou shalt: Heb. no cure shall be unto thee

12

The nations have heard of thy shame, and thy cry hath filled the land: for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, and they are fallen both together.

13

The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt.

14

Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.

15

Why are thy valiant men swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them.

Read Jeremiah 46 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt—This verse introduces a second oracle against Egypt, predicting Nebuchadnezzar's later invasion of Egypt itself (fulfilled 568 BC). The phrase devar-YHWH (דְּבַר־יְהוָה, "word of the LORD") emphasizes divine origin—this is not political speculation but prophetic certainty. The verb nakah (נָכָה, "smite") means to strike down, defeat utterly, demonstrating God's active judgment through pagan Babylon.

Significantly, God calls Nebuchadnezzar by name and identifies his role as divine instrument. Though pagan, Nebuchadnezzar executes God's purposes (cf. Isaiah 45:1 where Cyrus is called God's "anointed"). This reveals God's absolute sovereignty—He raises up and casts down empires according to His will (Daniel 2:21, 4:17). Egypt, who enslaved Israel and resisted God's purposes through Pharaoh Necho's interference in Judah (killing righteous King Josiah, 2 Kings 23:29), would face comprehensive judgment. The prophecy's later fulfillment confirmed Jeremiah as true prophet versus the false prophets who promised Egypt's continued strength.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After Carchemish (605 BC), Nebuchadnezzar campaigned repeatedly toward Egypt. His full invasion of Egypt occurred around 568 BC, documented in fragmentary Babylonian texts. This came after Egypt's Pharaoh Hophra encouraged Judah's final rebellion (Jeremiah 37:5-7), leading to Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC. Egypt's consistent role as a 'broken reed' (Isaiah 36:6) that injured those trusting it justified this later invasion. Apries (Pharaoh Hophra) was eventually overthrown, partially fulfilling these prophecies.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's use of pagan Nebuchadnezzar teach about His sovereignty over all nations?
  2. How does this prophecy vindicate God's justice against Egypt's long history of oppressing and misleading His people?
  3. Why is it important that this word came from the LORD rather than Jeremiah's political analysis?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הַדָּבָר֙1 of 15

“The word”

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 15
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֣ר3 of 15

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 15

“that the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶֽל5 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ6 of 15

“to Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַנָּבִ֑יא7 of 15

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לָב֗וֹא8 of 15

“should come”

H935

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

נְבֽוּכַדְרֶאצַּר֙9 of 15

“how Nebuchadrezzar”

H5019

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מֶ֣לֶךְ10 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֔ל11 of 15

“of Babylon”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

לְהַכּ֖וֹת12 of 15

“and smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת13 of 15
H853

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

אֶ֥רֶץ14 of 15

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃15 of 15

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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 46:13 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 46:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 44:30Jeremiah 43:10-13Isaiah 29:1-24Isaiah 19:1-25

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Jeremiah 46 →

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