Jeremiah Chapter 46 · Verse 13
The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
הַדָּבָר֙
The word
H1697
הַדָּבָר֙
The word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֣ר
spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 15
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֔ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
to Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
to Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
6 of 15
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
לָב֗וֹא
should come
H935
לָב֗וֹא
should come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
8 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
נְבֽוּכַדְרֶאצַּר֙
how Nebuchadrezzar
H5019
נְבֽוּכַדְרֶאצַּר֙
how Nebuchadrezzar
Strong's:
H5019
Word #:
9 of 15
nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon
בָּבֶ֔ל
of Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֔ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
11 of 15
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
לְהַכּ֖וֹת
and smite
H5221
לְהַכּ֖וֹת
and smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
12 of 15
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's use of pagan Nebuchadnezzar teach about His sovereignty over all nations?
- How does this prophecy vindicate God's justice against Egypt's long history of oppressing and misleading His people?
- Why is it important that this word came from the LORD rather than Jeremiah's political analysis?
Analysis & 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.