Now therefore, know for sure that by sword and famine and plague you will die in the place where you desire to go to reside.”
Parallel translations
- WEB Now therefore know certainly that you shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place where you desire to go to live there.”
- KJV 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.
- NKJV Now therefore, know certainly that you shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence in the place where you desire to go to dwell.”
- NASB And now you shall know for certain that you will die by the sword, by famine, or by plague in the place where you desire to go to reside.
- NLT So you can be sure that you will die from war, famine, and disease in Egypt, where you insist on going.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Jeremiah delivers God's verdict that those fleeing to Egypt will perish there by sword, famine, and pestilence in the very place they thought would be safe. It warns that disobedience finds no refuge in human schemes.
Overview
The remnant of Judah had asked Jeremiah for God's word but had already determined to go to Egypt for safety. God's answer is solemn: the dangers they fear in Judah will overtake them in Egypt because they are fleeing from His will rather than trusting Him. The verse exposes the futility of seeking security apart from obedience, a theme fulfilled in Christ, who alone is true refuge for those who trust and obey Him.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 5
- Jer 42:17So all who resolve to go to Egypt to reside there will die by sword and famine and plague. Not one of them will survive or escape the disaster I will bring upon them.’
- Hos 9:6For even if they flee destruction, Egypt will gather them and Memphis will bury them. Their precious silver will be taken over by thistles, and thorns will overrun their tents.
- Ezek 6:11This is what the Lord GOD says: Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and cry out “Alas!” because of all the wicked abominations of the house of Israel, who will fall by sword and famine and plague.
- Jer 43:11He will come and strike down the land of Egypt, bringing death to those destined for death, captivity to those destined for captivity, and the sword to those destined for the sword.
- Ezek 5:3–4But you are to take a few strands of hair and secure them in the folds of your garment.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Against the failure of false shepherds Jeremiah promises the Righteous Branch, 'The LORD our righteousness,' and the new covenant written on the heart and sealed in the blood of Christ.
How Jeremiah 42:22 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.