Jeremiah 46:1-2
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This opening verse, while seeming like a simple title, actually signals a shift: Jeremiah is now speaking "concerning the nations," not just Judah. This collection of prophecies isn't necessarily in chronological order, but rather grouped together by theme to offer comfort and perspective to God's people amidst their own struggles.
The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations. About Egypt. Concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse serves as the heading for a series of prophecies directed not at Judah, but at the surrounding nations. It signals that Jeremiah's message is expanding beyond his own people to address God's judgment on other lands, particularly focusing on Egypt's military defeat by Babylon. The prophecies that follow, though perhaps not strictly chronological, are presented here to offer perspective and perhaps even comfort to the beleaguered people of Judah by showing God's sovereignty over all nations.
Jeremiah is known as the 'weeping prophet' for his messages to Israel. But did you know he also spoke powerfully to the nations around Judah?
This verse, Jeremiah 46:1, acts as a superscription, a title card, for a significant portion of Jeremiah’s prophecies. It clearly states that the 'word of the LORD' didn't just concern Israel, but also the surrounding 'nations' – often referred to as Gentiles.
While the primary focus of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry was the unfaithfulness and impending judgment of Judah, God's sovereign plan extended far beyond the borders of His chosen people. These prophecies against the nations served multiple purposes:
Why would God send a prophet like Jeremiah to speak judgment against foreign lands? It wasn't just about destruction.
Ask a follow-up
The prophecies found in Jeremiah 46-49 weren't simply pronouncements of doom. While they certainly declared God's judgment against nations like Egypt, Babylon, and others for their actions – their pride, their cruelty, their idolatry – they also contained seeds of hope and divine order.
For example, the prophecies concerning Egypt, which begin right here in chapter 46, detail a specific historical event: the defeat of Pharaoh Necho's army by Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish. This wasn't just military news; it was God demonstrating His power and control over earthly empires.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel (Yahweh). It signifies His self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness to His people as revealed in the Old Testament.
nabi' · Hebrew Noun
A person chosen and commissioned by God to communicate His divine message to His people, often functioning as a mouthpiece for God to declare judgment, repentance, or future promises.
goy · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the non-Israelite peoples of the world. In biblical context, it often highlights God's sovereignty over the entire earth, not just His covenant people.
chayil · Hebrew Noun
A generic term for a large group of armed combatants or a military force, often used in the context of divine judgment or historical conflict.
This chapter's prophecies about Egypt are deeply tied to the geopolitical shifts of the late 7th century BC, particularly the clash between Babylon and Egypt. The battle of Carchemish was a pivotal moment, marking the rise of Babylon and the decline of Egypt's power, directly impacting Judah and setting the stage for future judgments.
c. 609 BC
Josiah killed at Megiddo
King Josiah of Judah is killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt at Megiddo, as Necho marches to aid the Assyrians against the Babylonians.
c. 605 BC— this verse
Battle of Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon decisively defeats the Egyptian army of Pharaoh Necho II near the Euphrates River, ending Egyptian influence in Syria and securing Babylonian dominance.
4th year of Jehoiakim (c. 605/604 BC)
Jeremiah prophesies against Egypt
Jeremiah delivers prophecies concerning the defeat of the Egyptian army, likely around the time of the battle of Carchemish, to comfort the people of Judah.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar consolidates power
Following his victory at Carchemish, Nebuchadnezzar II assumes the Babylonian throne and begins his campaigns, further solidifying his empire.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem and destroys the Temple, exiling many Jews to Babylon. Some Jews flee to Egypt.
c. 570s BC
Nebuchadnezzar invades Egypt
Nebuchadnezzar II leads a significant invasion of Egypt, achieving a major conquest and further subjugating the region.
This passage is identified as a foundational outline for the prophecies against the nations found in Jeremiah 46, providing historical context for the prophetic collection.
Ezekiel 29:13-15This passage offers a parallel prophecy concerning Egypt's future, including a prediction of its eventual restoration, which echoes the themes of judgment and eventual divine care found in Jeremiah's prophecies against the nations.
Isaiah 19:25This verse speaks of a future blessing where Egypt, along with Assyria and Israel, will be a blessing in the midst of the land, showing a broader divine plan that encompasses even those nations judged by the prophets.
Acts 10:34-35This New Testament passage broadens the scope of God's acceptance beyond national and ethnic lines, reminding us that while prophets declared judgment against nations, God's ultimate plan includes salvation for all who fear Him, regardless of their origin.
barnesJeremiah 46:1: "The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;"
Against the Gentiles - Or, concerning the nations Jeremiah 46-49 :33.
calvinJeremiah 46:1-2: "The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;"
Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.
Quantum ad Aegyptum, contra exercitum Pharaonis Necho, regis Aegypti qui erat super flumen Euphratem in Charchamis, quem percussit Nabuchadnezer, rex Babylonis, anno quarto Jeh…
This opening verse, while seeming like a simple title, actually signals a shift: Jeremiah is now speaking "concerning the nations," not just Judah. This collection of prophecies isn't necessarily in chronological order, but rather grouped together by theme to offer comfort and perspective to God's people amidst their own struggles.
This verse serves as the heading for a series of prophecies directed not at Judah, but at the surrounding nations. It signals that Jeremiah's message is expanding beyond his own people to address God's judgment on other lands, particularly focusing on Egypt's military defeat by Babylon. The prophecies that follow, though perhaps not strictly chronological, are presented here to offer perspective and perhaps even comfort to the beleaguered people of Judah by showing God's sovereignty over all nations.
This verse serves as the heading for a series of prophecies directed not at Judah, but at the surrounding nations. It signals that Jeremiah's message is expanding beyond his own people to address God's judgment on other lands, particularly focusing on Egypt's military defeat by Babylon. The prophecies that follow, though perhaps not strictly chronological, are presented here to offer perspective and perhaps even comfort to the beleaguered people of Judah by showing God's sovereignty over all nations.
"The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations. About Egypt. Concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeate…" — This opening verse, while seeming like a simple title, actually signals a shift: Jeremiah is now speaking "concerning the nations," not just Judah. This collection of prophecies isn't necessarily in…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
