Jeremiah 46:15
Jeremiah 46:15 in Multiple Translations
Why have your warriors been laid low? They cannot stand, for the LORD has thrust them down.
Why are thy valiant men swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them.
Why are thy strong ones swept away? they stood not, because Jehovah did drive them.
Why has Apis, your strong one, gone in flight? he was not able to keep his place, because the Lord was forcing him down with strength.
Why did Apis, your bull-god, run away? He couldn't stand his ground because the Lord knocked him down.
Why are thy valiant men put backe? they could not stand, because the Lord did driue them.
Wherefore hath thy bull been swept away? He hath not stood, because Jehovah thrust him away.
Why are your strong ones swept away? They didn’t stand, because the LORD pushed them.
Why are thy valiant men swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them.
Why are thy valiant men come to nothing? they stood not: because the Lord hath overthrown them.
Your god is a bull; Why does he fall down? He will not be able to stand up, because Yahweh will knock him down.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 46:15
BAB
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 46:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַדּ֖וּעַ
נִסְחַ֣ף
אַבִּירֶ֑י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
עָמַ֔ד
כִּ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
הֲדָפֽ/וֹ
מַדּ֖וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Part
נִסְחַ֣ף
çâchaph
H5502
to prostatrate
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
אַבִּירֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼabbîyr
H47
mighty
Adj | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עָמַ֔ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הֲדָפֽ/וֹ
Hâdaph
H1920
to thrust
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 46:15
מַדּ֖וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
נִסְחַ֣ף
çâchaph
H5502
"to prostatrate"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To prostrate or beat something down is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can also mean to scrape or sweep something away. This word is used to describe humility or being brought low.
Definition: 1) to prostrate, beat down 1a) (Qal) prostrating (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be prostrated
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: sweep (away). See also: Proverbs 28:3; Jeremiah 46:15.
אַבִּירֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼabbîyr
H47
"mighty"
Adj | Suff
A term used to describe something or someone as mighty or strong, often referring to God or powerful animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's power, like in Genesis 49:24, and strong animals, like oxen.
Definition: 1) mighty, valiant 1a) of men 1b) of angels 1c) of animals 1d) (metaph) 1d1) of enemies 1d2) of princes 1d3) of sacrificial objects 1e) obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. See also: Judges 5:22; Psalms 78:25; Psalms 22:13.
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.
עָמַ֔ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
כִּ֥י
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.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הֲדָפֽ/וֹ
Hâdaph
H1920
"to thrust"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To thrust means to push away or down, as seen in the Bible when driving out or expelling someone, like in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: 1) to thrust, push, drive, cast away, cast out, expel, thrust away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, push 1a2) to drive out, thrust out 1a3) to depose
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: cast away (out), drive, expel, thrust (away). See also: Numbers 35:20; 2 Kings 4:27; Proverbs 10:3.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 46:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 46:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 46:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 46:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 46:15
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 46:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
- Sermons on Jeremiah 46:15
Context — Judgment on Egypt
13This is the word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt:
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.’
15Why have your warriors been laid low? They cannot stand, for the LORD has thrust them down.
16They continue to stumble; indeed, they have fallen over one another. They say, ‘Get up! Let us return to our people and to the land of our birth, away from the sword of the oppressor.’ 17There they will cry out: ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt was all noise; he has let the appointed time pass him by.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 66:15–16 | For behold, the LORD will come with fire— His chariots are like a whirlwind— to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 68:2 | As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God. |
| 3 | Psalms 18:39 | You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 46:5 | Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD. |
| 5 | Psalms 18:14 | He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 46:21 | Even the mercenaries among her are like fattened calves. They too will turn back; together they will flee, they will not stand their ground, for the day of calamity is coming upon them— the time of their punishment. |
| 7 | Judges 5:20–21 | From the heavens the stars fought; from their courses they fought against Sisera. The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength! |
| 8 | Psalms 44:2 | With Your hand You drove out the nations and planted our fathers there; You crushed the peoples and cast them out. |
| 9 | Psalms 114:2–7 | Judah became God’s sanctuary, and Israel His dominion. The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, O mountains, that you skipped like rams, O hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, |
| 10 | Exodus 6:1 | But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, for because of My mighty hand he will let the people go; because of My strong hand he will drive them out of his land.” |
Jeremiah 46:15 Summary
[This verse is saying that the strong warriors of Egypt have been defeated and can't even stand up, because the Lord has pushed them down. This is a reminder that our strength comes from the Lord, not from ourselves, as it says in Psalm 121:2. The Lord is the one who gives us the power to stand, and without Him, we are weak and helpless, as seen in Jeremiah 17:5-8. We can trust in the Lord's sovereignty and power, even when we face challenges or defeats, knowing that He is our rock and our salvation, as in Psalm 18:2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the warriors have been laid low?
In Jeremiah 46:15, the warriors being laid low means they have been defeated and humiliated, unable to stand against their enemies, as the Lord has thrust them down in judgment, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:25 and Isaiah 30:3-5.
Why did the Lord thrust down the warriors of Egypt?
The Lord thrust down the warriors of Egypt as a judgment for their sins and idolatries, as seen in Jeremiah 46:13-14, where the Lord speaks of His coming judgment against Egypt through the king of Babylon.
Is this verse speaking of a physical or spiritual defeat?
This verse speaks of a physical defeat, as the warriors are unable to stand in battle, but it also has spiritual implications, as the Lord's judgment is often a call to repentance, as seen in Jeremiah 25:4-7 and 2 Chronicles 7:14.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Jeremiah?
This verse is part of Jeremiah's prophecies against the nations, specifically Egypt, and serves as a warning of the Lord's judgment against those who oppose Him, as seen in Jeremiah 1:10 and Jeremiah 25:15-38.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of humility from this verse to my own life, recognizing that my strength comes from the Lord, as in Proverbs 28:26?
- How can I trust in the Lord's sovereignty, even when I face defeat or hardship, as the Israelites did in Exodus 14:13-14?
- What are some idols or strongholds in my life that the Lord may be calling me to surrender, as the Egyptians were called to surrender their idols in Jeremiah 46:13-17?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others who are facing defeat or discouragement, pointing them to the Lord's power and grace, as in Psalm 34:17-20?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 46:15
Why are thy valiant [men] swept away?.... As with a mighty torrent, or a sweeping rain; so the word is used in Proverbs 28:3; to which the Chaldean army may be compared; which came with such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 46:15
Why are thy valiant men swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them. Why are thy valiant men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
The prophet first propoundeth a question, then returneth answer to himself. Egypt was full of valiant men, yet, saith the prophet, they shall be swept away, or broken down, as fruit or grass is beaten down with a violent storm of hail . How comes this to pass? (saith the prophet). He answereth himself; Because it was of God to destroy Egypt, who worketh, and none can let him; when he strikes, none can stand before him; none can stand up against him.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
Jeremiah 46:15 Why are thy valiant [men] swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them.Ver. 15. They stood not, because the Lord did drive them.] He struck a panic terror into them; and then no wonder that men flee at the noise of a shaken leaf.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
(15) Why are thy valiant men swept away?—Better, Why is thy strong bull dragged away! The Hebrew verbs are in the singular, and the adjective is given in the same number both in the LXX. and Vulgate. The former gives the rendering “Why did Apis flee from thee, and thy chosen calf abode not” as if referring to the bull Apis as the representative of Osiris, the chief deity of Egypt; and this version receives some support from the use of the Hebrew words for “oxen,” “bulls,” “beasts,” in Isaiah 34:7 and Psalms 22:12; Psalms 68:30, and from the fact that the same word is used in Isaiah 1:24; Isaiah 49:26 as a Divine name “the mighty one of Israel.” So understood, the prophet’s words contemplate the triumph of the God of Israel over the theriomorphic deity of Egypt. We may find a literal fulfilment of the words in the slaughter of the sacred bull by Cambyses (Herod. iii. 29).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
Verse 15. They stood not, because the Lord did drive them.] The Lord panic-struck them, and drove them back.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 46:15
15. Why … swept away?] The mg. is to be preferred. The adjective in the Hebrew is plural, while both the verb connected with it and the pronouns that follow are in the singular. Hence we conclude that the singular is right. But probably we should, with LXX, divide the Hebrew verb rendered “swept away” into two words, translating with them, “Why is Apis fled? Thy mighty one stood not, because, etc.” The sacred bull Apis worshipped at Memphis is called the mighty one (the word in MT. being often used of bulls), i.e. the deity of Egypt, ‘just as Jehovah is named the Mighty One of Jacob or of Israel in Genesis 49:24; Isaiah 1:24; Isaiah 49:26, etc. “The authority of the Egyptian-Jewish version in a prophecy relative to Egypt is not slight” (Cheyne, ad loc.). A failure to understand this application of the word may have early induced a Hebrew copyist to alter it to the plural (which was effected by the insertion of the smallest Hebrew letter). For the thought of the Egyptian gods as overthrown before the Eastern power cp. Isaiah 19:1; Isaiah 46:1 f. drive them] rather, as mg. thrust them down.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 46:15
Translate it: “Why is thy mighty one cast down? He stood not, because Yahweh thrust him down.” The “mighty one” is explained by the Septuagint to be the bull Apis.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:15
15. Valiant — The original is plural in the common text, but the verb and the pronoun are singular. The literal reading of the verse is, Why is thy valiant cast down? He stood not, because Jehovah thrust him down.
Sermons on Jeremiah 46:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Day of the Lord by Thaddeus Barnum | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unimaginable sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity by taking on the justice that was due to us. He quotes John 5:24, which states that |
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Of the Conflagration of the Universe. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the universal conflagration of the universe, emphasizing the literal interpretation of biblical prophecies regarding the end times, particularly the burning o |
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How Clean Are Your Hands? by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean hands and righteousness before God, highlighting how God rewards those who walk in integrity and keep His ways. Throug |
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The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 8 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall preaches about the strengthening power of sincerity in a Christian's spirit, emphasizing how sincerity acts as a girdle that fortifies the believer in their spiritu |
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"The Suffering of Christ From John's Gospel" ch.17:1 by Charles Alexander | In this sermon on John 17 and 18, the preacher delves into the profound significance of Jesus' words and actions leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals His |
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Exposition on Psalm 19 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the glory of God revealed through the heavens and the works of His hands, as well as the proclamation of His Word day and night. He emphasizes the univers |
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Joshua (Part 8): Victory Over Our Enemies by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing how Joshua and his army marched up from Gilgal with determination and strength. The speaker then shares his personal experience of |