Jeremiah 42:22
Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּה֙
H6258
תֵּֽדְע֔וּ
Now therefore know
H3045
תֵּֽדְע֔וּ
Now therefore know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
תֵּֽדְע֔וּ
Now therefore know
H3045
תֵּֽדְע֔וּ
Now therefore know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֗י
H3588
כִּ֗י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בַּחֶ֛רֶב
by the sword
H2719
בַּחֶ֛רֶב
by the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
5 of 14
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
תָּמ֑וּתוּ
that ye shall die
H4191
תָּמ֑וּתוּ
that ye shall die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
8 of 14
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בַּמָּקוֹם֙
in the place
H4725
בַּמָּקוֹם֙
in the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חֲפַצְתֶּ֔ם
whither ye desire
H2654
חֲפַצְתֶּ֔ם
whither ye desire
Strong's:
H2654
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
Cross References
Jeremiah 42:17So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there; they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.Ezekiel 6:11Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.Hosea 9:6For, lo, they are gone because of destruction: Egypt shall gather them up, Memphis shall bury them: the pleasant places for their silver, nettles shall possess them: thorns shall be in their tabernacles.Jeremiah 43:11And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such as are for death to death; and such as are for captivity to captivity; and such as are for the sword to the sword.
Historical Context
Egypt had long tempted Judah as political ally against Mesopotamian powers (Isaiah 30:1-7, 31:1-3, Ezekiel 17:15). Pharaoh Hophra (589-570 BC) briefly raised Babylon's siege (37:5-11), encouraging pro-Egypt faction. After Jerusalem's fall, fleeing to Egypt seemed pragmatic—but violated God's explicit command. Chapter 44 records the tragic fulfillment: the remnant dies in Egypt, even worshiping Egyptian deities (Queen of Heaven, 44:15-19).
Questions for Reflection
- When has 'safety' in disobedience proven more dangerous than risk in obedience?
- How does returning to 'Egypt' (pre-redemption bondage) symbolize covenant community's ultimate apostasy?
- What does this verse teach about the futility of seeking security apart from God's ordained path?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore know certainly (וְעַתָּה יָדֹעַ תֵּדְעוּ)—emphatic construction, literally 'knowing, you shall know'—absolute certainty, no ambiguity. The dual imperative intensifies urgency. That ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence (כִּי בַּחֶרֶב בָּרָעָב וּבַדָּבֶר תָּמֻתוּ)—the covenant curse triad (Deuteronomy 28:21-22, Jeremiah 14:12, 21:7, 24:10, Ezekiel 6:11-12) reverses exodus blessing. What they fear in Judah will pursue them to Egypt.
In the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn (בַּמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּם חֲפֵצִים לָבוֹא לָגוּר שָׁם)—biting irony. They 'desire' (chafetzim, חֲפֵצִים) Egypt as refuge, using the verb of delight and pleasure. Egypt symbolizes return to bondage (reversal of exodus), and God's prohibition echoes Deuteronomy 17:16: 'You shall not return that way again.' Their desired asylum becomes their tomb (43:11, 44:14, 27-28). Only escapees who survive will return, testifying whose word proved true (44:28).