King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 46:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 46:23 in the King James Version says “They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshopper...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable .”

Jeremiah 46:23 · KJV

Context

21

Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, and are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, and the time of their visitation. fatted: Heb. bullocks of the stall

22

The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.

23

They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable .

24

The daughter of Egypt shall be confounded; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north.

25

The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith; Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, and all them that trust in him: multitude: or, nourisher: Heb. Amon

Read Jeremiah 46 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched (כָּרְתוּ יַעְרָהּ נְאֻם־יְהוָה כִּי לֹא יֵחָקֵר)—The verb karatu (cut down) continues the timber metaphor, with yaarah (her forest) representing Egypt's dense population or military forces. The phrase lo yechaqer (cannot be searched/penetrated) emphasizes the forest's seeming impenetrability. Yet they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable (כִּי רַבּוּ מֵאַרְבֶּה וְאֵין לָהֶם מִסְפָּר)—Babylon's forces (rabbu me'arbeh) outnumber even locusts.

This reverses Egypt's eighth plague (Exodus 10:1-20), where locusts devoured Egypt. Now human "locusts" from Babylon will consume her. The forest metaphor also recalls Egypt's cedar trade and monumental architecture—all to be leveled by an army beyond counting.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Forests were rare in Egypt but symbolized abundance and strength in Hebrew poetry. Egypt's population density along the Nile was legendary. The locust comparison would immediately recall the Exodus plague, creating a theological reversal: the judged becomes the judgment instrument.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use the very plagues Egypt inflicted on Israel to judge Egypt itself?
  2. What seemingly "impenetrable" areas of your life might God be preparing to "cut down"?
  3. Why does Scripture emphasize the innumerable nature of God's judgment forces?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כָּרְת֤וּ1 of 13

“They shall cut down”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

יַעְרָהּ֙2 of 13

“her forest”

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

נְאֻם3 of 13

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּ֖י5 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֣א6 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵֽחָקֵ֑ר7 of 13

“though it cannot be searched”

H2713

properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately

כִּ֤י8 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רַבּוּ֙9 of 13

“because they are more”

H7231

properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad

מֵֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה10 of 13

“than the grasshoppers”

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

וְאֵ֥ין11 of 13

“and are innumerable”

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָהֶ֖ם12 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִסְפָּֽר׃13 of 13
H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

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 46:23 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 46:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 7:12Judges 6:5Joel 2:25Ezekiel 20:46Revelation 9:2-10Isaiah 10:18

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Jeremiah 46 →

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