Jeremiah 2:16

KJV

Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also the children {H1121} of Noph {H5297} and Tahapanes {H8471} have broken {H7462} the crown of thy head {H6936}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Nof and Tachpanches feed on the crown of your head.

Berean Standard Bible

The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head.

American Standard Version

The children also of Memphis and Tahpanhes have broken the crown of thy head.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 2:16 vividly portrays the severe consequences of Judah's spiritual infidelity and their misguided reliance on foreign alliances. The verse prophesies that Egypt, represented by its prominent cities Noph and Tahapanes, will inflict profound humiliation and national degradation upon Judah, symbolically "breaking the crown" of its honor and sovereignty. This prophetic warning underscores the futility of trusting in worldly powers over divine providence, revealing that the very nations Judah sought protection from would become instruments of its downfall and shame, a direct result of their abandonment of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 2 initiates a powerful indictment against Judah, contrasting their initial devotion to the Lord in the wilderness, described as a "bride" ([Jeremiah 2:2-3](/jeremiah/2-2-3 "Jeremiah 2:2-3 - Israel's Early Devotion")), with their subsequent spiritual apostasy. The chapter systematically details Judah's abandonment of God, the "fountain of living waters," for "broken cisterns" ([Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Judah Forsakes the Lord"))—a potent metaphor for idolatry and reliance on human alliances. Verses 14-19 elaborate on the dire consequences of this unfaithfulness, particularly their vulnerability to external enemies. Verse 16 directly follows a rhetorical question about Israel's plundered state ([Jeremiah 2:14](/jeremiah/2-14 "Jeremiah 2:14 - Israel's Plight")) and precedes further accusations of Judah's self-inflicted harm ([Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Jeremiah 2:19 - Judah's Self-Inflicted Harm")). Thus, Jeremiah 2:16 serves as a concrete and ironic illustration of the "plundering" and "correction" Judah would experience due to its covenant infidelity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Jeremiah's prophetic ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), the geopolitical landscape saw Judah precariously positioned between the rising Babylonian Empire and the declining, yet still formidable, power of Egypt. Many within Judah's leadership advocated for an alliance with Egypt as a strategic safeguard against the looming Babylonian threat. Jeremiah 2:16 specifically names Noph (ancient Memphis) and Tahapanes (Daphnae), two cities of significant Egyptian influence. Noph was a venerable capital, a center of religious and political power in Lower Egypt, while Tahapanes was a crucial frontier fortress, often a first point of contact for those seeking refuge or interaction with Egypt (e.g., [Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - Flight to Tahpanhes")). Judah's consistent vacillation between trusting in the Lord and seeking pragmatic political alliances, particularly with Egypt, was a practice vehemently condemned by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah as a profound betrayal of their covenant with God. The imagery of "the crown of thy head" would resonate deeply in a culture where headwear symbolized status, authority, and honor, from royal crowns to priestly turbans, making its "breaking" a powerful symbol of national disgrace.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 2:16 encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **futility of misplaced trust**, powerfully demonstrating that reliance on human strength or foreign powers, particularly Egypt, is a deceptive and ultimately destructive path for God's people (compare [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt")). Secondly, the verse vividly illustrates the **consequences of spiritual apostasy**. Judah's abandonment of the Lord, detailed as forsaking the "fountain of living waters" for "broken cisterns" ([Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Judah Forsakes the Lord")), directly leads to its vulnerability and subsequent humiliation at the hands of the very nations it sought help from. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **divine judgment and discipline**. The humiliation inflicted by Egypt is not random but is presented as a divinely permitted consequence, a form of corrective discipline intended to bring Judah back to repentance and exclusive devotion to the Lord, thereby reaffirming God's sovereignty over all nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Noph (Hebrew, _Nôph'_):** As per H5297, Noph was the capital of Upper Egypt. Its inclusion alongside Tahapanes signifies the comprehensive reach of Egyptian power and influence. The specific mention of these cities emphasizes that the threat is not vague but directly from the very nation Judah sought alliance with, making the impending humiliation particularly pointed and ironic.
* **râʻâh (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From H7462, this primitive root primarily means "to tend a flock" or "to graze." However, the Strong's data explicitly includes the idiom "[idiom] break" and other related concepts like "devour" or "waste." In this context, the phrase "have broken" implies a destructive, devouring, or wasting action. The Egyptians, instead of being protective shepherds, act as destructive forces, "grazing" upon Judah's strength and "breaking" its dignity, transforming a potential ally into an agent of ruin. This highlights the unexpected and perverse outcome of Judah's misplaced trust.
* **qodqôd (Hebrew, _qodqôd'_):** From H6936, this refers to the crown of the head, often associated with dignity, honor, authority, and sovereignty. In ancient cultures, the head was a primary symbol of strength, leadership, and status. To have the "crown of thy head" broken signifies a complete and utter loss of honor, a stripping away of national glory, and a profound humiliation. It implies a state of utter defeat and subjugation, where Judah's identity and standing as a chosen nation are severely compromised by external forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes":** This clause precisely identifies the agents of Judah's impending humiliation. "Children of" is a common Hebrew idiom referring to the inhabitants or representatives of a place. Noph (ancient Memphis) and Tahapanes (Daphnae) were significant Egyptian cities, symbolizing the full force and influence of Egypt. The naming of these specific cities underscores the bitter irony that the very power Judah sought to ally with would become its undoing, acting as instruments of divine judgment.
* **"have broken":** This verb, derived from the root `râʻâh` (H7462), conveys a sense of shattering, devouring, or wasting. It vividly describes a violent and destructive act. Instead of offering the promised protection, Egypt would inflict severe damage upon Judah, turning from a supposed ally into an aggressor, thereby fulfilling the prophetic warning of their misplaced trust.
* **"the crown of thy head":** This powerful metaphor represents Judah's national glory, dignity, sovereignty, and strength. The "crown" symbolizes its exalted status as God's chosen people, enjoying divine favor and protection. To have this "crown" broken signifies a profound loss of honor, a public disgrace, and a complete undermining of its independent standing. It foretells a state of deep shame and national degradation brought about by its unfaithfulness to God and its reliance on unreliable human alliances.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 2:16 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Personification**. The phrase "broken the crown of thy head" is a striking metaphor, where "crown of thy head" symbolizes Judah's national dignity, honor, and sovereignty. The breaking of this "crown" vividly conveys the humiliation and ruin Judah would suffer. The cities of Noph and Tahapanes are **personified** as active agents, performing the destructive act, thereby representing the entire nation of Egypt and its hostile actions. This personification makes the threat more immediate and impactful. The verse also employs **Irony**, as the very nation Judah sought as an ally for protection against Babylon (Egypt) is prophesied to be the instrument of its humiliation, highlighting the profound folly and spiritual blindness of trusting in human power over divine faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 2:16 serves as a stark theological declaration concerning the profound consequences of covenant infidelity and misplaced trust. It underscores the biblical principle that turning away from God, the true source of security and blessing, inevitably leads to vulnerability and humiliation at the hands of the very worldly powers one seeks to rely upon. Judah's persistent pursuit of Egyptian alliances, rather than trusting in the Lord's protective hand, is exposed as a self-destructive act that would result in the stripping away of its national dignity and honor. This verse powerfully illustrates that divine judgment often comes through the very means by which a people sought to circumvent God's will, transforming perceived helpers into instruments of discipline and shame.

* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children Seeking Egyptian Aid")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 2:16 offers a timeless and profound warning that resonates deeply with individuals and communities today. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. Just as Judah sought strength and protection from worldly powers like Egypt instead of relying on the Lord, we too can be tempted to find our stability in financial security, professional achievements, social status, or human relationships, rather than in God's unfailing providence. This verse reminds us that such misplaced trust inevitably leads to disappointment, shame, and a "broken crown"—a loss of true dignity, purpose, and spiritual integrity. Authentic honor and lasting security are found only in a faithful, dependent relationship with God. When we abandon our spiritual foundation and seek solace or strength in "broken cisterns," we become vulnerable to the very forces we hoped would protect us, ultimately experiencing a profound spiritual and existential humiliation. The call is to repent from self-reliance and return to the Lord, recognizing Him as our sole source of strength, identity, and protection, thereby preserving our true spiritual crown.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to place my trust in worldly resources or human efforts rather than in God alone?**
* **In what ways might seeking security outside of God lead to unexpected disappointment or "brokenness" in my life, mirroring Judah's experience?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of true dignity and honor, and what steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more exclusive reliance on God's sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Noph and Tahapanes being named specifically?**

Answer: The specific mention of Noph (ancient Memphis) and Tahapanes (Daphnae) is highly significant because these were prominent Egyptian cities representing the full scope of Egyptian power and influence. Noph was a historic capital and a major religious center, while Tahapanes was a strategic frontier city often associated with Judah's interactions with Egypt, including a place of refuge for some Judeans after the fall of Jerusalem ([Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - Flight to Tahpanhes")). By naming these cities, the prophecy emphasizes that the very nation Judah sought to ally with for protection against Babylon would become the instrument of its humiliation. It underscores the irony and futility of Judah's misplaced trust, highlighting that their supposed saviors would instead be their destroyers, a direct consequence of their spiritual apostasy.

**How does "broken the crown of thy head" relate to Judah's national identity?**

Answer: The phrase "broken the crown of thy head" is a powerful metaphor for severe national humiliation, loss of dignity, and the undermining of sovereignty. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the head, and specifically a crown or head-covering, symbolized honor, authority, and status. For Judah, a nation chosen by God and given a unique covenant relationship, this "crown" represented its divine favor, its independent standing, and its glory among nations. To have it "broken" by foreign powers signifies a complete stripping away of this honor, a public disgrace, and a profound loss of national identity and autonomy. It implies that Judah's pride and position would be utterly shattered due to its unfaithfulness to God and its reliance on unreliable human alliances. This imagery underscores the depth of the disgrace and damage Judah would suffer as a consequence of its apostasy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 2:16, with its vivid depiction of Judah's "broken crown" due to misplaced trust, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate "crown" that was broken and then gloriously restored through Jesus Christ. Judah's reliance on Egypt, a symbol of worldly power and false security, inevitably led to its shame and national degradation. In stark contrast, humanity's ultimate "broken crown"—our inherent dignity and glory lost through sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of God"))—is fully restored in Christ. He, the true King of Kings ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), willingly allowed His own "crown" to be broken, not by foreign powers but by the very people He came to save, enduring the crown of thorns ([Matthew 27:29](/matthew/27-29 "Matthew 27:29 - The Crown of Thorns")) and the ultimate humiliation of the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death on a Cross")). This unparalleled act of self-sacrifice, however, was not for His shame but for our redemption and the restoration of our spiritual dignity. Through His brokenness, believers are given a new "crown" of righteousness and eternal life ([2 Timothy 4:8](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness")). Unlike Judah, who sought alliances that failed, believers find their ultimate security and honor in Christ, who is the faithful King and the true "fountain of living waters" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). He is the one in whom all true trust is placed, and through whom our brokenness is healed, and our eternal crown secured in His everlasting kingdom ([Revelation 2:10](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - Crown of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 46:14

Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.

Jeremiah 43:7

So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they [even] to Tahpanhes.

Jeremiah 43:9

Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which [is] at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;

Jeremiah 44:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

Isaiah 19:13

The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, [even they that are] the stay of the tribes thereof.

Deuteronomy 33:20

And of Gad he said, Blessed [be] he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.

Ezekiel 30:16

And I will set fire in Egypt: Sin shall have great pain, and No shall be rent asunder, and Noph [shall have] distresses daily.