Bible Strands
Jeremiah 46:14
“Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Lord speaks to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Nebuchadnezzar’s coming to strike Egypt. Jeremiah is commanded to deliver this warning to residents and authorities in Egypt, Migdol, Memphis, and Tahpanhes.
The words — The text uses הַגִּ֤ידוּ (ha.Gi.du) for “declare” and וְ/הַשְׁמִ֣יעוּ (ve./hash.Mi.'u) for “make a proclamation,” both commanding public announcement. אִמְר֗וּ ('im.Ru) translates literally as “say,” directing the messenger to state the impending judgment plainly.
The thread — The cities of Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis reappear in Jeremiah 44:1 as locations of Jewish exile. The motif of the sword devouring connects to Jeremiah 46:10’s day of vengeance and Isaiah 1:20’s warning that rebellion brings sword-like destruction.
Why it lands — The text states that military preparation is futile because divine judgment will consume those nearby. It demands recognition that human strategy cannot override the Lord’s decree against His foes.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Declare 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.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 44:1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in the land of Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis—and in the land of Pathros:
- Jeremiah 46:10 For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts, a day of vengeance against His foes. The sword will devour until it is satisfied, until it is quenched with their blood. For the Lord GOD of Hosts will hold a sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.
- Isaiah 1:20 But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
- Jeremiah 2:30 “I have struck your sons in vain; they accepted no discipline. Your own sword has devoured your prophets like a voracious lion.”
- Jeremiah 43:8 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah at Tahpanhes:
- Jeremiah 46:3 “Deploy your shields, small and large; advance for battle!
- Nahum 2:13 “Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will reduce your chariots to cinders, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voices of your messengers will no longer be heard.”
- Exodus 14:2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. You are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal-zephon.
- 2 Samuel 2:26 Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?”
- Isaiah 31:8 “Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor.