Jeremiah 44:29
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:
Original Language Analysis
הָאוֹת֙
And this shall be a sign
H226
הָאוֹת֙
And this shall be a sign
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
3 of 19
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פֹקֵ֥ד
that I will punish
H6485
פֹקֵ֥ד
that I will punish
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
7 of 19
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
H5921
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּמָּק֣וֹם
you in this place
H4725
בַּמָּק֣וֹם
you in this place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
10 of 19
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)
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
לְמַ֙עַן֙
H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תֵּֽדְע֔וּ
that ye may know
H3045
תֵּֽדְע֔וּ
that ye may know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
13 of 19
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָק֧וּמוּ
shall surely
H6965
יָק֧וּמוּ
shall surely
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
15 of 19
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יָק֧וּמוּ
shall surely
H6965
יָק֧וּמוּ
shall surely
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
16 of 19
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
דְבָרַ֛י
that my words
H1697
דְבָרַ֛י
that my words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
17 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Isaiah 40:8The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.Jeremiah 44:30Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give Pharaoh-hophra 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.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And 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.