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Jeremiah 42:14

Jeremiah 42:14 in Multiple Translations

and if you say, ‘No, but we will go to the land of Egypt and live there, where we will not see war or hear the sound of the ram’s horn or hunger for bread,’

Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:

saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:

Saying, No, but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we will not see war, or be hearing the sound of the horn, or be in need of food; there we will make our living-place;

or if you say instead, “No, we're going to Egypt to live there, where we won't experience war or hear trumpets sounding or go hungry;”

Saying, Nay, but we will goe into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no warre, nor heare the sounde of the trumpet, nor haue hunger of bread, and there will we dwell,

saying, No; but the land of Egypt we enter, that we see no war, and the sound of a trumpet do not hear, and for bread be not hungry; and there do we dwell.

saying, “No, but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we will see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there we will dwell;”’

Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor hunger for bread; and there will we dwell:

Saying: No, but we will go into the land of Egypt: where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor suffer hunger: and there we will dwell.

instead, we will go to Egypt. There we will not experience any wars, we will not hear trumpets signaling our soldiers to prepare for battles, and we will not be hungry,’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 42:14

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 42:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לֵ/אמֹ֗ר לֹ֚א כִּ֣י אֶ֤רֶץ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ נָב֔וֹא אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא נִרְאֶה֙ מִלְחָמָ֔ה וְ/ק֥וֹל שׁוֹפָ֖ר לֹ֣א נִשְׁמָ֑ע וְ/לַ/לֶּ֥חֶם לֹֽא נִרְעָ֖ב וְ/שָׁ֥ם נֵשֵֽׁב
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֹ֚א lôʼ H3808 not Part
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
אֶ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper
נָב֔וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
נִרְאֶה֙ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
מִלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 battle N-fs
וְ/ק֥וֹל qôwl H6963 voice Conj | N-ms
שׁוֹפָ֖ר shôwphâr H7782 trumpet N-ms
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
נִשְׁמָ֑ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
וְ/לַ/לֶּ֥חֶם lechem H3899 food Conj | Prep | N-cs
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
נִרְעָ֖ב râʻêb H7456 be hungry V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
וְ/שָׁ֥ם shâm H8033 there Conj | Adv
נֵשֵֽׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 42:14

לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֚א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֶ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
נָב֔וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִרְאֶה֙ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
מִלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
וְ/ק֥וֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" Conj | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
שׁוֹפָ֖ר shôwphâr H7782 "trumpet" N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִשְׁמָ֑ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/לַ/לֶּ֥חֶם lechem H3899 "food" Conj | Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִרְעָ֖ב râʻêb H7456 "be hungry" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To be hungry is what this Hebrew verb means, and it is used in stories like Exodus and Matthew to describe physical need. Hunger is a basic human experience, and the Bible often uses it to illustrate spiritual longing.
Definition: 1) to be hungry, be voracious 1a) (Qal) to be hungry 1b) (Hiphil) to allow one to be hungry, allow to hunger
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (suffer to) famish, (be, have, suffer, suffer to) hunger(-ry). See also: Genesis 41:55; Proverbs 19:15; Psalms 34:11.
וְ/שָׁ֥ם shâm H8033 "there" Conj | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
נֵשֵֽׁב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 42:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 41:17 And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt
2 Jeremiah 4:19 My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle.
3 Isaiah 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.
4 Numbers 11:4–5 Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.
5 Jeremiah 4:21 How long must I see the signal flag and hear the sound of the horn?
6 Exodus 16:3 “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!”
7 Jeremiah 43:7 So they entered the land of Egypt because they did not obey the voice of the LORD, and they went as far as Tahpanhes.
8 Exodus 17:3 But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”
9 Deuteronomy 29:19 because when such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself, saying, ‘I will have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my own heart.’ This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry.
10 Isaiah 30:16 “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.

Jeremiah 42:14 Summary

In Jeremiah 42:14, the people are trying to decide what to do, and they think going to Egypt will be a safe and easy solution. However, this decision is based on fear and a lack of trust in God's plan, rather than faith and trust in His provision, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4, where it is written that God is our shepherd and provider. The Bible encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where it is written that God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. By trusting in God's plan and provision, we can find true peace and security, rather than trying to escape difficulties on our own, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main concern of the people in Jeremiah 42:14?

The people are concerned about their safety and well-being, seeking to escape the hardships of war, hunger, and violence, as seen in their desire to go to Egypt where they will not see war or hear the sound of the ram's horn or hunger for bread, similar to the concerns expressed in Exodus 14:12.

Why do the people want to go to Egypt?

The people want to go to Egypt because they believe it will provide them with a safer and more stable environment, free from the conflicts and hardships they are experiencing in Judah, as stated in Jeremiah 42:14, where they hope to live without seeing war or hearing the sound of the ram's horn or hungering for bread, similar to the promises of God's provision in Deuteronomy 8:3.

Is going to Egypt a decision made in faith or fear?

Going to Egypt appears to be a decision made in fear, as the people are trying to escape the difficulties they are facing, rather than trusting in God's plan and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7, where it is written to trust in the Lord and do good, and to dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.

What does this verse reveal about the human tendency to rely on our own strength and resources?

This verse reveals that humans often rely on their own strength and resources, seeking to escape difficulties and find comfort in the things of this world, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it is written to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to rely on my own strength and resources, rather than trusting in God's plan and provision?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11?
  3. What are some ways that I can practically apply the principle of trusting in God's plan and provision, rather than seeking to escape difficulties, as encouraged in Romans 8:28?
  4. How can I balance the need for self-care and provision with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34?
  5. What does it mean to 'live by faith' in the context of Jeremiah 42:14, and how can I apply this principle in my own life, as encouraged in Hebrews 11:6?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 42:14

Saying, no, but we will go into the land of Egypt,.... It was all one as if they had said, no, we will not obey the voice of the Lord to continue in our own land; we are determined to go into Egypt,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 42:14

Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell: We will go into ... Egypt, where we shall see no war.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 42:14

The sense of the words is obvious, they thought that their life in the land of Judah would be at best an uneasy life, where they should be continually alarmed with the noise of war; and though they could not fear the want of bread in a land that flowed with milk and honey, yet they also considered that Egypt was a very fruitful country, by the overflowing of Nilus; and the prospect of this made them quit that usual fondness which people have of their native country. From whence appears that their great sin was unbelief; they would not take the promise of God for a security to them for a quiet and peaceable abode in Judah, but would fancy noises of drums and trumpets, and fear where no fear was. The prophet saw they were resolved into Egypt they would go, to live a more certain easy life (as they fancied); he therefore tells them, that if after their sending him to God to inquire for them, and promising a compliance with his will, and hearing now what that will was, this were their resolution, he had another word from God to them.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 42:14

Jeremiah 42:14 Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:Ver. 14. Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt.] Infamous for idolatry, luxury, and the oppression of your ancestors there, besides God’ s express prohibition and commination of it, as the last and greatest plague. "The Lord shall bring thee unto Egypt." And there will we dwell.] The prophet now, by their looks, or some other way, perceived their purpose so to do, whatever they had promised.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 42:14

(14) No; but we will go into the land of Egypt.—The thoughts that were in the hearts of the applicants are stated with dramatic vividness. Egypt, then under Apries (the Pharaoh-hophra of Jer 44:30), seemed to them so safe and peaceful. As of old, it was still the granary of the East, and its plenteous harvests formed a bright contrast to the famine which they had experienced during the invasion of the Chaldæans. Jeremiah, however, has simply to reject the plan, as from first to last he had resisted altogether the thought of an Egyptian alliance (Jeremiah 2:36; Jeremiah 37:7): there would be no safety nor peace nor plenty found in acting on it. Ezekiel’s prophecies as to Egypt and her king were in this respect in harmony with Jeremiah’s (Ezekiel 17:11-18; Ezekiel 29-32), and were, as nearly as possible, contemporary with them.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 42:14

14. we shall see no war] We shall be in a land further from Babylon, and therefore not so liable to invasion.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 42:14

Egypt had lost the battle of Carchemish, but it had not been the scene itself of military operations; while Judaea, from the date of the battle of Megiddo, had perpetually been exposed to the actual horrors of war.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 42:14

’S ANSWER, (B) IN EGYPT, Jeremiah 42:13-18.14. Egypt,… no war — A natural thought for the reason that in the recent troublous times the land of Egypt had been in a state of tranquillity.

Sermons on Jeremiah 42:14

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Take Heed, Lest You Fall by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's voice. The prophet in focus is described as having a fierce loyalty to God and
Samuel Davies In Time of War by Samuel Davies Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the Valley of Vision, using the prophecy in Isaiah to warn about the impending danger faced by Jerusalem due to their sins and lack of r
David Wilkerson A Call to Set Our Hearts on God by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of setting our hearts on God, drawing inspiration from the life of the prophet Jeremiah, who sought the Lord and received His word. Despit
David Wilkerson Called to Christlikeness by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the call to Christlikeness through the example of the prophet Jeremiah, who engaged his heart to seek the Lord and shared in God's burden of weeping for
Zac Poonen The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole
Alan Cairns Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo

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