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Jeremiah 46:11

Jeremiah 46:11 in Multiple Translations

Go up to Gilead for balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt! In vain you try many remedies, but for you there is no healing.

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt: in vain dost thou use many medicines; there is no healing for thee.

Go up to Gilead and take sweet oil, O virgin daughter of Egypt: there is no help in all your medical arts; nothing will make you well.

Go and find some healing ointment in Gilead, Virgin Daughter of Egypt! But whatever you use to help you will fail, because there's nothing that will heal you.

Goe vp vnto Gilead, and take balme, O virgine, the daughter of Egypt: in vaine shalt thou vse many medicines: for thou shalt haue no health.

Go up to Gilead, and take balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt, In vain thou hast multiplied medicines, Healing there is none for thee.

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, virgin daughter of Egypt. You use many medicines in vain. There is no healing for you.

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.

Go up into Galaad, and take balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt: in vain dost thou multiply medicines, there shall be no cure for thee.

You people [IDM] of Egypt, go up to the Gilead region to obtain medicine; but it will be useless to take all those medicines; you will not be healed.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 46:11

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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 46:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB עֲלִ֤י גִלְעָד֙ וּ/קְחִ֣י צֳרִ֔י בְּתוּלַ֖ת בַּת מִצְרָ֑יִם לַ/שָּׁוְא֙ הרביתי הִרְבֵּ֣ית רְפֻא֔וֹת תְּעָלָ֖ה אֵ֥ין לָֽ/ךְ
עֲלִ֤י ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Impv-2fs
גִלְעָד֙ Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead N-proper
וּ/קְחִ֣י lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
צֳרִ֔י tsᵉrîy H6875 balsam N-ms
בְּתוּלַ֖ת bᵉthûwlâh H1330 virgin N-fs
בַּת bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fs
מִצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper
לַ/שָּׁוְא֙ shâvᵉʼ H7723 vanity Prep | N-ms
הרביתי râbâh H7235 to multiply V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
הִרְבֵּ֣ית râbâh H7235 to multiply V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs
רְפֻא֔וֹת rᵉphuʼâh H7499 remedy N-fp
תְּעָלָ֖ה tᵉʻâlâh H8585 conduit N-fs
אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part
לָֽ/ךְ Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 46:11

עֲלִ֤י ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
גִלְעָד֙ Gilʻâd H1568 "Gilead" N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
וּ/קְחִ֣י lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
צֳרִ֔י tsᵉrîy H6875 "balsam" N-ms
This word refers to a type of balsam, a fragrant resin used for medicine and trade. It was a valuable commodity in ancient times, used to heal and perfume.
Definition: 1) a kind of balsam, balm, salve 1a) as merchandise 1b) as medicine
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: balm. See also: Genesis 37:25; Jeremiah 46:11; Jeremiah 8:22.
בְּתוּלַ֖ת bᵉthûwlâh H1330 "virgin" N-fs
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
בַּת bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
מִצְרָ֑יִם 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.
לַ/שָּׁוְא֙ shâvᵉʼ H7723 "vanity" Prep | N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
הרביתי râbâh H7235 "to multiply" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
הִרְבֵּ֣ית râbâh H7235 "to multiply" V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
רְפֻא֔וֹת rᵉphuʼâh H7499 "remedy" N-fp
This word means a remedy or medicine, as seen in Proverbs 4:22, where it refers to the healing power of wise words.
Definition: remedy, medicine
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: heal(-ed), medicine. See also: Jeremiah 30:13; Jeremiah 46:11; Ezekiel 30:21.
תְּעָלָ֖ה tᵉʻâlâh H8585 "conduit" N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to healing, like the process of new skin forming over a wound. It can also mean a channel for water, like a conduit or watercourse, and is used in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel. The idea of healing is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: conduit, water course, trench
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: conduit, cured, healing, little river, trench, watercourse. See also: 1 Kings 18:32; Job 38:25; Isaiah 7:3.
אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לָֽ/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Jeremiah 46:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
2 Micah 1:9 For her wound is incurable; it has reached even Judah; it has approached the gate of my people, as far as Jerusalem itself.
3 Nahum 3:19 There is no healing for your injury; your wound is severe. All who hear the news of you applaud your downfall, for who has not experienced your constant cruelty?
4 Jeremiah 14:17 You are to speak this word to them: ‘My eyes overflow with tears; day and night they do not cease, for the virgin daughter of my people has been shattered by a crushing blow, a severely grievous wound.
5 Isaiah 47:1 “Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of Chaldea! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate.
6 Luke 8:43–44 including a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians, but no one was able to heal her. She came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
7 Genesis 43:11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.
8 Matthew 5:26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
9 Jeremiah 51:8 Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.
10 Ezekiel 30:21–25 “Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt. See, it has not been bound up for healing, or splinted for strength to hold the sword. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break his arms, both the strong one and the one already broken, and will make the sword fall from his hand. I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands. I will strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king and place My sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, who will groan before him like a mortally wounded man. I will strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king, but Pharaoh’s arms will fall limp. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I place My sword in the hand of Babylon’s king, and he wields it against the land of Egypt.

Jeremiah 46:11 Summary

[This verse is saying that even though Egypt tries many different things to heal itself, it won't work because God is judging them. It's like when we try to fix our problems on our own, but they just get worse. We need to turn to God for true healing, just like it says in Psalm 107:20, 'He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions'. Egypt is trying to heal itself with 'balm from Gilead', but it's not working because God is in control. We can learn from this that only God can truly heal us, and we should seek Him first in times of trouble, as seen in Jeremiah 33:6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'go up to Gilead for balm' in Jeremiah 46:11?

Gilead was a region known for its healing balm, so this phrase is a call to seek healing, but in this context, it's a futile effort, as stated in the verse, 'for you there is no healing' (see also Jeremiah 8:22).

Who is the 'Virgin Daughter of Egypt' in this verse?

The 'Virgin Daughter of Egypt' is a metaphorical reference to Egypt, emphasizing its beauty and purity, but also its vulnerability and impending judgment, as seen in Isaiah 47:1 where Babylon is also referred to as a 'virgin daughter'.

Why does the verse say 'In vain you try many remedies, but for you there is no healing'?

This statement highlights the futility of Egypt's attempts to heal itself from the wounds of God's judgment, much like the futile efforts described in Jeremiah 30:13, where no healing is found for the wounds of the people.

What is the significance of this verse in the context of Jeremiah's prophecies?

This verse is part of a larger prophecy against Egypt, foretelling its downfall at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, as mentioned in Jeremiah 46:13, and serves as a warning of God's judgment against nations that oppose Him, as seen in Ezekiel 29:1-16.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the things in my life that I try to use as 'balm' to heal my spiritual wounds, and are they truly effective?
  2. How do I respond to God's call to repentance and healing, and what are the consequences of ignoring that call?
  3. In what ways do I see the 'futility of many remedies' in my own life, and how can I turn to God for true healing?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's judgment and the importance of seeking Him for true healing?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 46:11

Go up into Gilead,.... Still the irony or sarcasm is continued Gilead was a place in the land of Israel famous for balm or balsam, used in curing wounds; see Jeremiah 8:22; hence it follows: and take

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 46:11

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:11

Great states are ordinarily in Scripture called virgins, for their beauty and pleasant state; Gilead was a most famous place for balm. The prophet ironically calls to the Egyptians to go to Gilead for balm, but tells them it would be to no purpose, God was about to wound them beyond all help of medicines.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:11

Jeremiah 46:11 Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; [for] thou shalt not be cured.Ver. 11. Go up unto Gilead, and take balm.] See Jeremiah 8:22 cf. Genesis 37:25; q.d., Thy calamity is no less incurable than ignominious.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:11

(11) Go up into Gilead, and take balm . . .—The words have the tone of a triumphant irony. The “balm of Gilead” was looked on as a cure for all wounds (Jeremiah 8:22; Jeremiah 51:8), but the wounds which Egypt received at Carchemish would be found incurable. It proved, in fact, to be a blow from which the old Egyptian monarchy never recovered. In the “virgin, the daughter of Egypt”—virgin, as being till then, as it boasted, unconquered (Isaiah 23:12)—we have a like touch of sarcasm. The report of the defeat and the utter rout and confused flight that followed (Jeremiah 46:12) would spread far and wide among the nations.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:11

Verse 11. Go up into Gilead, and take balm] An irony. Egypt is so completely enfeebled by this overthrow, that her political wound is utterly incurable. This figure is used with the more propriety here, as the Egyptians have been celebrated from the remotest antiquity for their knowledge of medicine.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 46:11

11. balm] See on Jeremiah 8:22, Jeremiah 30:13. Egyptian knowledge of medicine is celebrated by Homer (Od. 4:229). Cyrus and Darius both sent to Egypt for medical men (Herod. III. 1, 132); cp. Pliny XIX. 5.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 46:11

Balm - i. e., balsam, the usual remedy for wounds Jeremiah 8:22. In vain shalt ... - Or, in vain hast thou multiplied medicines: healing-plaster hast thou none. Nothing shall avail to heal the blow.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:11

11. Balm — Balsam.

Sermons on Jeremiah 46:11

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Broken or Brokenness by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession. He mentions how young people are leaving their careers to go to the mission field because of the
A.W. Tozer Practical Aspects of the Holy Spirit - Promise of a Father by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker discusses three periods in the disciples' journey after Jesus' departure. The first period is characterized by Jesus intensifying His teaching and prepa
J.C. Philpot Balm in Gilead by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches about the desperate state of God's people, emphasizing the deep wounds of sin and the need for a profound realization of one's sinful nature to fully apprecia
A.W. Tozer Make Time to Pray by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of making time for prayer amidst our busy lives, drawing parallels with the dedication of Jesus and Martin Luther, who prioritized prayer even w
John Wesley Causes of the Inefficiency of Christianity by John Wesley John Wesley addresses the inefficiency of Christianity, questioning why it has not brought about the spiritual healing it promises. He highlights the widespread ignorance of true C
A.B. Simpson Hearken Unto the Voice of the Lord Thy God by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of trusting in the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, for healing. He explains that true healing requires implicit faith in God's promises and obe
Peter Hammond Bible Survey - Nahum by Peter Hammond Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Nahum, emphasizing God's sovereignty over history and the consequences of rejecting Him. The prophet Nahum, a descendant of Israel's Ten North

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