Jeremiah 44:1

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} that came to Jeremiah {H3414} concerning all the Jews {H3064} which dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, which dwell {H3427} at Migdol {H4024}, and at Tahpanhes {H8471}, and at Noph {H5297}, and in the country {H776} of Pathros {H6624}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

This word came to Yirmeyahu concerning all the people from Y'hudah living in the land of Egypt - in Migdol, Tachpanches, Nof and the land of Patros:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in the land of Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis—and in the land of Pathros:

American Standard Version

The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews that dwelt in the land of Egypt, that dwelt at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Memphis, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:1 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, setting the stage for God's final, severe prophetic message delivered through Jeremiah to the Jewish remnant who had defiantly settled in various regions of Egypt. Despite explicit divine warnings against seeking refuge in Egypt after Jerusalem's fall, these exiles dispersed across key Egyptian locations—Migdol, Tahpanhes, Noph, and Pathros—thereby establishing the broad and disobedient audience for God's pronouncements of judgment and the dire consequences of their persistent idolatry and rejection of His authoritative word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Flight to Egypt"), where the Jewish remnant, led by Johanan, explicitly disobeys God's command delivered through Jeremiah not to go to Egypt. Despite Jeremiah's clear warnings and the divine promise of protection if they remained in Judah, they chose to flee to Egypt, forcibly taking Jeremiah and Baruch with them. [Jeremiah 44:1](/jeremiah/44-1 "Jeremiah 44:1 - God's Word to the Jews in Egypt") thus marks the beginning of the final major prophetic oracle in the book, specifically addressed to this disobedient community in their chosen place of refuge. It signals a crucial shift from pleas and warnings to a declaration of impending judgment upon those who had deliberately rejected God's counsel and sought security in a foreign, idolatrous land, underscoring the gravity of their rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. Fearing Babylonian reprisal, a significant portion of the remaining Jewish population, against Jeremiah's explicit prophetic word in [Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19-22 "Jeremiah's Warning Against Going to Egypt"), fled to Egypt. This move was a profound act of defiance against Yahweh, who had consistently forbidden reliance on Egypt as an ally or refuge (cf. [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah's Warning Against Alliance with Egypt")). Culturally, Egypt was infamous for its pervasive idolatry and polytheism, which posed a significant spiritual threat to the monotheistic Israelites. The specific cities mentioned—Migdol (a northern border fortress), Tahpanhes (a significant city in the Nile Delta where Jeremiah was taken, as seen in [Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah Taken to Tahpanhes")), Noph (ancient Memphis, a major religious and political center), and Pathros (Upper Egypt, further south)—indicate that the Jewish diaspora was widespread, covering the entire habitable length of the Nile Valley, demonstrating the extensive nature of their rebellion and the broad scope of God's message.

* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 44:1](/jeremiah/44-1 "Jeremiah 44:1 - God's Word to the Jews in Egypt") introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the book and beyond. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority and Persistence of the Word**, emphasizing that even when His people are in rebellion and scattered, God's word actively pursues them, demonstrating His unwavering sovereignty and persistent engagement. This echoes the very beginning of Jeremiah's ministry, where God's word "came to" him ([Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah's Call and God's Word")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, setting the stage for the severe judgments God will pronounce upon those who deliberately reject His commands and seek security outside His will. Their flight to Egypt, a place explicitly forbidden by God, represents a profound act of spiritual rebellion. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Omnipresence and Unwavering Concern**, showing that His reach extends beyond geographical boundaries, even to those who have actively distanced themselves from Him, as He continues to address His covenant people despite their apostasy and idolatry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr_):** This term (H1697) is far more expansive than a mere utterance; it encompasses a matter, an affair, a decree, a report, or a divine pronouncement. In this context, "The word that came to Jeremiah" signifies a comprehensive, authoritative message from God, not just a casual statement. It carries the weight of divine will and judgment, indicating that the ensuing prophecy is a definitive and binding communication from Yahweh concerning the fate of the Jewish exiles.
* **Jews (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdîy_):** This term (H3064), meaning "Judaite" or "descendant of Judah," specifically identifies the audience as those from the southern kingdom of Judah, God's covenant people. Despite their rebellion and geographical dispersion, God still identifies them by their covenant identity, underscoring His ongoing, albeit disciplinary, relationship with them. It highlights that this message is directed to those who, by birth and heritage, were uniquely called to bear His name, even as they strayed.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab_):** Derived from a primitive root (H3427) meaning "to sit down," this word implies more than just temporary residence; it suggests settling, abiding, establishing oneself, or making a permanent home. The repetition of "which dwell" emphasizes the deliberate and settled nature of the Jews' presence in Egypt. They were not merely passing through or seeking temporary refuge, but actively choosing to establish their lives in a land God had forbidden them to inhabit, thereby deepening their act of disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The word that came to Jeremiah":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. It is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or political analysis, but a direct, undeniable revelation from Yahweh, emphasizing the prophetic authority vested in Jeremiah as God's chosen messenger.
* **"concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt":** This clause defines the broad and specific audience of the prophecy. "All the Jews" indicates that the message is comprehensive, addressing the entire remnant community, not just a specific faction. Their location "in the land of Egypt" highlights their disobedient choice to seek refuge there, setting the stage for the specific judgments related to that decision and their subsequent idolatry.
* **"which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros":** This detailed enumeration of specific Egyptian locations underscores the widespread dispersion and integration of the Jewish exiles. From Migdol in the far north, Tahpanhes in the Delta, Noph (Memphis) in Middle Egypt, to Pathros (Upper Egypt) in the south, the verse paints a comprehensive picture of a community thoroughly settled across the entire nation, emphasizing the pervasive nature of their rebellion and the comprehensive scope of God's judgment.
* **"saying,":** This simple yet crucial word indicates that the following verses will contain the direct content of the divine message delivered through Jeremiah, serving as the formal introduction to the prophetic oracle itself.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:1 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message and set the tone for the ensuing prophecy. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as God, through His prophet, directly addresses a geographically distant and disobedient audience. This direct address underscores God's persistent engagement with His people, even when they have strayed far from His will and presence. **Enumeration** is also key, with the explicit listing of four distinct Egyptian locations (Migdol, Tahpanhes, Noph, Pathros). This detailed catalog serves to emphasize the widespread nature of the Jewish diaspora in Egypt and the comprehensive scope of God's concern and impending judgment, leaving no segment of the community unaddressed. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "which dwell" highlights the deliberate and settled nature of the Jews' presence in Egypt, underscoring their willful disobedience in establishing themselves in a forbidden land. Finally, the verse acts as a form of **Foreshadowing**, introducing the context for the severe pronouncements of judgment that will follow in the rest of the chapter, hinting at the dire consequences of their persistent idolatry and rejection of divine counsel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:1 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering sovereignty and His active pursuit of His covenant people, even in their rebellion. It underscores the theological truth that God's word is not confined by geographical boundaries or human disobedience; it actively seeks out those who have strayed to deliver both warning and judgment. This verse sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of the consequences of rejecting divine authority and seeking security in worldly alliances and idolatry, rather than in the Lord. It highlights the pervasive danger of syncretism, as the Jews in Egypt were prone to adopting Egyptian religious practices, which ultimately led to their downfall and God's severe judgment.

* [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah's Call and the Word of the Lord"): Establishes the consistent theme that the word of the Lord "came to" Jeremiah throughout his ministry, affirming the divine authority and origin of all his prophecies.
* [Jeremiah 42:19](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah's Warning Against Going to Egypt"): Provides the immediate and crucial context, revealing that the Jews' decision to "dwell in the land of Egypt" was in direct and deliberate defiance of God's explicit command through Jeremiah.
* [Jeremiah 46:1](/jeremiah/46-1 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt"): While Jeremiah 44 focuses on the Jews in Egypt, Jeremiah 46 contains a broader prophecy against Egypt itself, demonstrating God's sovereign control over nations and His capacity to judge the very land in which His people sought refuge.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:1 serves as a potent reminder that God's word is not limited by our circumstances, our choices, or our geographical location. Even when we make decisions that lead us away from His perfect will, God continues to speak, offering warnings, guidance, and truth. This verse challenges us to honestly examine where we might be "dwelling" outside of God's intended path, seeking comfort or security in places or practices that contradict His revealed will. It compels us to consider whether we are truly listening to God's voice, especially when it challenges our comfort zones, our preferred courses of action, or our deeply ingrained habits. The persistent pursuit of God's word, even to a rebellious remnant in a foreign land, underscores His enduring love and desire for His people to return to Him, highlighting the critical importance of obedience as the pathway to blessing and protection. True security is found not in human strategies or foreign alliances, but in faithful reliance on the Lord and His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to seeking security or comfort outside of God's explicit guidance, much like the Jews who fled to Egypt?**
* **How do I typically respond when God's word, whether through Scripture, prayer, or godly counsel, challenges my preconceived plans or desires?**
* **Do I truly believe that God's presence and His authoritative word extend to me, no matter where I am or what difficulties I face?**
* **What are the "Migdols," "Tahpanheses," "Nophs," or "Pathroses" in my life—places or situations where I might be settling in disobedience rather than trusting God's provision and direction?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Jews go to Egypt despite God's warnings?**

Answer: After the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon in 586 BC and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, the remaining Jewish population feared further Babylonian reprisal. Despite explicit warnings from God delivered through Jeremiah not to go to Egypt, promising them protection if they remained in Judah ([Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19-22 "Jeremiah's Warning Against Going to Egypt")), they chose to flee to Egypt. Their motivation was primarily to seek safety, sustenance, and perhaps an alliance against Babylon, demonstrating a fundamental distrust in God's promises and a reliance on human wisdom and worldly power over divine command.

**What was the significance of the specific cities mentioned in Jeremiah 44:1?**

Answer: The mention of Migdol, Tahpanhes, Noph (Memphis), and Pathros is highly significant as it indicates the widespread dispersion of the Jewish exiles throughout Egypt. Migdol was likely a border fortress in the northeast, Tahpanhes a key city in the Nile Delta where Jeremiah himself was taken ([Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah Taken to Tahpanhes")), Noph was the ancient capital of Memphis, a major religious and political center, and Pathros referred to Upper Egypt, the southern region along the Nile. This comprehensive listing shows that the Jewish communities were not confined to one area but were scattered across the entire habitable length of Egypt, demonstrating the extensive nature of their disobedience and the broad scope of God's message and impending judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:1, while detailing the tragic consequences of Israel's disobedience, ultimately points to the greater faithfulness and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "word that came to Jeremiah" foreshadows the ultimate "Word" who became flesh, Jesus Christ ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God's final and complete revelation is given. Unlike the disobedient Jews who sought refuge in Egypt against God's command, Jesus, as a child, temporarily sojourned in Egypt in fulfillment of prophecy, only to be called out of it by God's perfect will ([Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13-15 "Matthew 2:13-15 - The Flight to Egypt and Return")). This highlights His perfect obedience where Israel failed. The scattered "Jews who dwell in the land of Egypt" represent humanity's universal tendency to seek security in the world's false refuges and idolatrous systems, rather than in God. Christ, however, is the true and ultimate refuge, the one in whom all who "dwell" find true safety, rest, and eternal life ([Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High")). His mission was to gather the scattered children of God, both Jew and Gentile, into one flock ([John 11:52](/john/11-52 "John 11:52 - Gathering the Scattered Children of God")), offering a new and living way back to the Father, far superior to any earthly "land" or "country" of supposed security. In Christ, God's word of judgment for disobedience is met with His word of grace and salvation for all who believe, fulfilling the deepest longings of the human heart for a secure dwelling place in God Himself.

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.

Exodus 14:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

Isaiah 11:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

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.

Ezekiel 30:18

At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.

Jeremiah 46:19

O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity: for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 2:16

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