Jeremiah 46:21

Jeremiah 46:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, and are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, and the time of their visitation.

American Standard Version ASV

Also her hired men in the midst of her are like calves of the stall; for they also are turned back, they are fled away together, they did not stand: for the day of their calamity is come upon them, the time of their visitation.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And those who were her fighters for payment are like fat oxen; for they are turned back, they have gone in flight together, they do not keep their place: for the day of their fate has come on them, the time of their punishment.

Free Bible Version FBV

The soldiers that Egypt hired are like calves made fat for slaughter. They will also retreat. They won't stand and fight—they will all run away. Their day of destruction is coming; the time when they'll be punished.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also her hired men are in the middes of her like fat calues: they are also turned backe and fled away together: they could not stand, because the day of their destruction was come vpon them, and the time of their visitation.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Even her hired ones in her midst [are] as calves of the stall, For even they have turned, They have fled together, they have not stood, For the day of their calamity hath come on them, The time of their inspection.

World English Bible WEB

Also her hired men in the middle of her are like calves of the stall, for they also are turned back. They have fled away together. They didn’t stand, for the day of their calamity has come on them, the time of their visitation.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also have turned back, and have fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity had come upon them, and the time of their visitation.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Her hirelings also that lived in the midst of her, like fatted calves are turned back, and are fled away together, and they could not stand, for the day of their slaughter is come upon them, the time of their visitation.

Translation for Translators T4T

The ◄mercenaries/soldiers from other countries who have been hired► will become like [SIM] fat calves; but they also will turn around and run away; they will not stand there and fight, because it will be a day when there will be a great disaster in Egypt, a day when their people will be greatly punished.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 46:21

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 46:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB גַּם שְׂכִרֶ֤י/הָ בְ/קִרְבָּ/הּ֙ כְּ/עֶגְלֵ֣י מַרְבֵּ֔ק כִּֽי גַם הֵ֧מָּה הִפְנ֛וּ נָ֥סוּ יַחְדָּ֖יו לֹ֣א עָמָ֑דוּ כִּ֣י י֥וֹם אֵידָ֛/ם בָּ֥א עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם עֵ֥ת פְּקֻדָּתָֽ/ם

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

שְׂכִרֶ֤י/הָ sâkîyr H7916 hired Adj | Suff

בְ/קִרְבָּ/הּ֙ qereb H7130 entrails Prep | N-ms | Suff

כְּ/עֶגְלֵ֣י ʻêgel H5695 calf Prep | N-mp

מַרְבֵּ֔ק marbêq H4770 stall N-ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

גַם gam H1571 also Adv

הֵ֧מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron

הִפְנ֛וּ pânâh H6437 Corner (Gate) V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

נָ֥סוּ nûwç H5127 to flee V-Qal-Perf-3cp

יַחְדָּ֖יו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

עָמָ֑דוּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Perf-3cp

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

י֥וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

אֵידָ֛/ם ʼêyd H343 calamity N-ms | Suff

בָּ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

עֵ֥ת ʻêth H6256 time N-cs

פְּקֻדָּתָֽ/ם pᵉquddâh H6486 punishment N-fs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 46:21

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

שְׂכִרֶ֤י/הָ sâkîyr H7916 "hired" Adj | Suff

This Hebrew word describes a hired worker, someone paid by the day or year. In the Bible, hired laborers were common, and the KJV translates this word as hired or hireling.

Definition: 1) hired 1a) hired (of animal) 1b) hireling, hired labourer (subst) 1b1) mercenary

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: hired (man, servant), hireling. See also: Exodus 12:45; Deuteronomy 15:18; Isaiah 16:14.

בְ/קִרְבָּ/הּ֙ qereb H7130 "entrails" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.

Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.

כְּ/עֶגְלֵ֣י ʻêgel H5695 "calf" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a young male calf, nearly grown into a steer. It appears in the book of Exodus and Leviticus, describing animal sacrifices. The word is often translated as 'bullock' or 'calf'.

Definition: calf, bull-calf

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: bullock, calf. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 29:6.

מַרְבֵּ֔ק marbêq H4770 "stall" N-ms

This word means a stall where animals like cattle are kept. It is a place where they can be fed and cared for. The KJV sometimes translates it as fat or stall.

Definition: stall (of animals)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] fat(-ted), stall. See also: 1 Samuel 28:24; Amos 6:4; Jeremiah 46:21.

כִּֽי 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.

גַם gam H1571 "also" Adv

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

הֵ֧מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

הִפְנ֛וּ pânâh H6437 "Corner (Gate)" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.

Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)

Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.

נָ֥סוּ nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.

Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.

יַחְדָּ֖יו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv

This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.

Definition: 1) union, unitedness

Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.

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.

עָמָ֑דוּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

י֥וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

אֵידָ֛/ם ʼêyd H343 "calamity" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means calamity or disaster, and can also mean oppression or misfortune. It's used in the Bible to describe difficult times, like in the book of Job.

Definition: 1) distress, burden, calamity 1a) burden (of the righteous) 1b) calamity (of nation) 1c) disaster (of wicked) 1d) day of calamity

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: calamity, destruction. See also: Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 6:15; Psalms 18:19.

בָּ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

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.

עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

עֵ֥ת ʻêth H6256 "time" N-cs

Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.

Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.

פְּקֻדָּתָֽ/ם pᵉquddâh H6486 "punishment" N-fs | Suff

This noun refers to a visitation, which can be an official oversight, care, or punishment. It is used in different contexts, including mustering, storing, or meting out punishment. The KJV translates it as account, charge, or oversight, among other words.

Definition: 1) oversight, care, custody, mustering, visitation, store 1a) visitation, punishment 1b) oversight, charge, office, overseer, class of officers 1c) mustering 1d) store

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: account, (that have the) charge, custody, that which...laid up, numbers, office(-r), ordering, oversight, [phrase] prison, reckoning, visitation. See also: Numbers 3:32; Isaiah 10:3; Psalms 109:8.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 46:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 46:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 46:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 46:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 46:21
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 46:21
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21
Sermons on Jeremiah 46:21

Context — Judgment on Egypt

19Pack your bags for exile, O daughter dwelling in Egypt! For Memphis will be laid waste, destroyed and uninhabited. 20Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly from the north is coming against her.

21Even 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.

22Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; with axes they will come against her like woodsmen cutting down trees. 23They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	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.
2	Obadiah 1:13	You should not enter the gate of My people in the day of their disaster, nor gloat over their affliction in the day of their disaster, nor loot their wealth in the day of their disaster.
3	2 Kings 7:6	For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.”
4	2 Samuel 10:6	When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob.
5	Jeremiah 50:27	Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come— the time of their punishment.
6	Amos 6:4	You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall.
7	Isaiah 34:7	And the wild oxen will fall with them, the young bulls with the strong ones. Their land will be drenched with blood, and their soil will be soaked with fat.
8	Psalms 37:13	but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.
9	Micah 7:4	The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion.
10	Hosea 9:7	The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived— let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.

Jeremiah 46:21 Summary

Jeremiah 46:21 says that even the strongest and most confident warriors will turn back and run away when they realize that God's judgment is coming. This is because they are not prepared to face the consequences of their actions, much like the foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Just like the mercenaries in this verse, we can become complacent and unprepared for the challenges of life, but God calls us to be ready and to trust in Him, as seen in 1 Peter 3:13-17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. By seeking God's help and trusting in His sovereignty, we can be prepared to face whatever comes our way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the mercenaries being compared to fattened calves in Jeremiah 46:21?

The comparison of the mercenaries to fattened calves in Jeremiah 46:21 signifies their complacency and lack of preparedness for battle, much like the Israelites in Jeremiah 22:28 who were scattered and helpless. This is similar to the description of the foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, who were unprepared for the bridegroom's arrival.

Why will the mercenaries turn back and flee according to Jeremiah 46:21?

The mercenaries will turn back and flee because they will realize that the day of calamity is coming upon them, which is a time of punishment and judgment from God, as seen in Isaiah 13:6 and Jeremiah 30:7. This will cause them to lose their courage and abandon their posts.

What is the 'day of calamity' mentioned in Jeremiah 46:21?

The 'day of calamity' in Jeremiah 46:21 refers to a time of great disaster and judgment, similar to the day of the Lord described in Joel 2:1-11 and Zephaniah 1:14-18. This day will bring punishment and destruction upon Egypt, as prophesied in Jeremiah 46:19-23.

How does Jeremiah 46:21 relate to the overall message of the book of Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 46:21 is part of a larger section in the book of Jeremiah that prophesies judgment against various nations, including Egypt, as seen in Jeremiah 46:1-28. This verse contributes to the overall theme of God's sovereignty and judgment, as expressed in Jeremiah 18:1-10 and Jeremiah 25:1-38.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I, like the mercenaries in Jeremiah 46:21, may be complacent or unprepared for the challenges of life, and how can I seek God's help to be more prepared?
How does the concept of a 'day of calamity' in Jeremiah 46:21 relate to my own life, and what can I do to be prepared for times of trouble or hardship?
What are some ways that I can, like the prophet Jeremiah, faithfully proclaim God's message of judgment and redemption to those around me, as seen in Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Jeremiah 20:1-18?
How can I, in my own life, balance the need to be prepared for challenges with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:25-34?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 46:21

All her hired men [are] in the midst of her like fatted bullocks,.... Or, "bullocks of the stall" (k); soldiers of other countries, that were hired into the service of Egypt, and lived so deliciously

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 46:21

Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, and are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21

Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; the mercenary soldiers also, which the Egyptians have hired from Cush and Phut, and other parts, are at present in a flourishing, prosperous state. For they also are turned back, and are fled away together; they did not stand: we have translated yk here ill, it had been better translated but, for that is manifestly the sense. Though they at present lying in garrisons be fat and flourishing, like bullocks in the stalls, yet when it cometh to it they shall not stand, but turn back, and flee as well as the rest. Because the day of their calamity was come upon them, and the time of their visitation; because the time is come when God resolveth to punish them, and bring calamity upon them. When the time is come which God hath set in his counsels, wherein he will punish persons or nations, no probabilities to the contrary are much considerable.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21

Jeremiah 46:21 Also her hired men [are] in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, [and] are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, [and] the time of their visitation.Ver. 21. Also her hired men in the midst of her like fatted bullocks.] Heb., Bullocks of the stall, not like to do much good service in respect of their luxury and petulancy; fat Eglon had but sluggish soldiers. Campania with her delicacies marred Hannibal’ s forces. These mercenaries carried themselves as if hired non ad militiam sed saginam. not to fight, but to fat themselves

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21

(21) Her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks.—Literally, bullocks of the stall. The prophet harps, as it were, on the same image. The mercenaries—Ionians, Carians, and others—in the army of Pharaoh-Hophra, who had their camp at Bubastis (Herod. ii. 152, 163), should be like a drove of terrified cattle, fed to the full, driven to the slaughter-house.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21

Verse 21. Are fled away together] Perhaps there is a reference here to the case of a cow stung with gnats. She runs hither and thither not knowing where to go; so shall it be with this scattered people.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 46:21

21. her hired men] her mercenary troops. like calves of the stall] See on Jeremiah 44:30. The reference is to the Ionian and Carian soldiers, who (Herod. II. 163) numbered 30,000, and lived on the Pelusiac branch of the Nile in a fertile district. Hence they seem to have earned the description given of them here, and were useless in war (Herod. II. 152 ff.). Cp. Malachi 4:2.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 46:21

Rather, “Also her hirelings in the midst of her are like calves of the stall.” The mercenaries of Egypt - Nubians, Moors, and Lydians Jeremiah 46:9 - were destroyed at the battle of Carchemish, and

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:21

21. Hired men — Mercenary soldiers. Fatted bullocks — The soldiers mentioned in Jeremiah 46:9, the Ethiopians, Libyans, and Lydians, were allies; but after their destruction in the battle of

Sermons on Jeremiah 46:21

	Sermon	Description
	"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
	When God Says "Trust Me," He Means It! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness throughout history, illustrating how He has met the needs of His people, from providing manna in the wilderness to miraculo
	An Example of God’s Purpose in Our Taking Spoils by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the spiritual warfare faced by David when the Amalekites attacked Ziklag, illustrating that such attacks are aimed at undermining God's eternal purpose.
	The False Gospel of Prosperity by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dire state of the world, with one billion people near starvation and millions unemployed. He emphasizes the persecution faced by God's c
	Through the Bible - Amos, Obadiah by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the evil and luxurious lifestyle of the people in Judah and Israel. He criticizes their complacency and lack of concern for the state of the
	The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-06 True Discipleship by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Sermon on the Plane, where Jesus shares revolutionary teachings with both the multitude and his disciples. Jesus reveals that he will go
	Social Conditions by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the alarming increase in the consumption of cigarettes and intoxicants, despite the efforts of reformers and prohibitionists, revealing the na