Jeremiah 2:16
Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בְּנֵי
Also the children
H1121
בְּנֵי
Also the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְתַחְפַּנְסֵ֑
and Tahapanes
H8471
וְתַחְפַּנְסֵ֑
and Tahapanes
Strong's:
H8471
Word #:
4 of 6
tachpanches, techaphneches or tachpenes, a place in egypt
Cross References
Jeremiah 46:14Declare 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.Isaiah 19:13The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.Jeremiah 44:1The 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,Deuteronomy 33:20And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.Ezekiel 30:16And I will set fire in Egypt: Sin shall have great pain, and No shall be rent asunder, and Noph shall have distresses daily.
Historical Context
This verse from Jeremiah 2 continues God's covenant lawsuit against Judah, delivered during the late 7th century BC as the nation spiraled toward Babylonian exile. The prophetic indictment addresses systematic idolatry, failed political alliances, and spiritual adultery that characterized Judah from Manasseh through Jehoiakim's reigns. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread syncretistic worship practices condemned here.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this accusation against ancient Israel reveal patterns of spiritual unfaithfulness that might appear in different forms today?
- What does God's persistent lawsuit demonstrate about His desire for His people's return versus immediate judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Egypt (Memphis and Tahpanhes) also harms Israel, showing that seeking Egyptian alliance rather than trusting God brings only additional suffering. Former oppressors remain dangerous broken cisterns.