Jeremiah 44:14

KJV

So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape.

KJV (with Strong's)

So that none of the remnant {H7611} of Judah {H3063}, which are gone {H935} into the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} to sojourn {H1481} there, shall escape {H6412} or remain {H8300}, that they should return {H7725} into the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}, to the which they have {H5375} a desire {H5315} to return {H7725} to dwell {H3427} there: for none shall return {H7725} but such as shall escape {H6405}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that none of the remnant of Y'hudah who went into the land of Egypt to live as aliens will escape or remain, to be able to return to the land of Y'hudah. They long to return and live there, but none will return except a few refugees.'"

Berean Standard Bible

so that none of the remnant of Judah who have gone to reside in Egypt will escape or survive to return to the land of Judah, where they long to return and live; for none will return except a few fugitives.”

American Standard Version

so that none of the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or be left, to return into the land of Judah, to which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return save such as shall escape.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:14 delivers a profound and somber divine decree concerning the Jewish remnant who, in defiance of God's explicit command, had sought refuge in Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem. This verse emphatically declares that virtually none of this disobedient group would escape the judgment awaiting them in Egypt or ever fulfill their fervent desire to return to their beloved homeland of Judah. It stands as a stark testament to the certainty of God's word and the severe consequences of willful rebellion against His revealed will, sealing the fate of those who chose human security over divine obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 44:14 is situated within the final major prophetic address of Jeremiah, specifically directed at the Jewish remnant who had migrated to Egypt. The preceding chapters, particularly [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant's Disobedience") and [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - Flight to Egypt"), detail the events leading up to this pronouncement. After the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, the remaining Judahites, fearing further Babylonian retribution, consulted Jeremiah about whether to stay in Judah or flee to Egypt. God, through Jeremiah, explicitly warned them against going to Egypt, promising protection if they remained but judgment if they disobeyed ([Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19-22 - God's Warning Against Going to Egypt")). Despite this clear divine instruction, they defiantly chose to go to Egypt ([Jeremiah 43:1-7](/jeremiah/43-1 "Jeremiah 43:1-7 - The Remnant Goes to Egypt")), taking Jeremiah with them. Chapter 44 then records God's severe judgment against them in Egypt, largely due to their continued idolatry, particularly the worship of the "Queen of Heaven" ([Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - Idolatry in Egypt")). Verse 14 is a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion and idolatry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 44 is the turbulent period immediately following the final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Babylon in 586 BC. The Babylonian Empire had established control over Judah, appointing Gedaliah as governor. His assassination by Ishmael plunged the region into further chaos and fear, leading many remaining Judahites to believe that fleeing to Egypt, a long-standing regional power, offered the only hope of safety. Culturally, Egypt had historically been a place of both refuge and temptation for Israel, often leading to syncretism and idolatry, as seen during the Exodus and later periods. The Judahites' decision to seek refuge in Egypt reflected a common ancient Near Eastern practice of seeking alliances or asylum with powerful nations, but in this case, it directly contradicted God's specific command. Their continued worship of foreign deities, especially the "Queen of Heaven," in Egypt indicates a deep-seated spiritual apostasy that had plagued Judah for generations and persisted even in exile, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness and a rejection of the covenant with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 44:14 powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating God's unwavering resolve to execute judgment upon those who willfully disobey His explicit commands. Their desire to return to Judah is utterly thwarted by the consequences of their rebellion, illustrating that human desires cannot override divine decree. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Futility of Disobedience**; despite their longing for their homeland, their decision to flee to Egypt against God's will sealed their fate, proving that true security is found only in obedience to God, not in human strategies or foreign alliances. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Sovereignty and Certainty of God's Word**. What God declares will inevitably come to pass, whether it be blessing for faithfulness or severe judgment for rebellion. Finally, this passage helps to refine the concept of the "remnant." While God always preserves a faithful remnant (e.g., those who would return from Babylonian captivity as prophesied in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Hope for the Exiles")), this particular group in Egypt, though numerically a "remnant" of Judah, is clearly distinguished as a disobedient and unfaithful portion, illustrating that not all who survive are part of God's blessed, preserved remnant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** (H7611) This term, derived from a root meaning "to remain," refers to a remainder or residual portion. In Jeremiah 44:14, it specifically denotes the surviving Judahites who fled to Egypt. While "remnant" often carries a positive theological connotation in prophetic literature, referring to the faithful few preserved by God for His purposes (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20 - The Remnant of Israel")), here it describes a group who, despite their survival, are characterized by disobedience and are subject to God's judgment, distinguishing them from the truly blessed, future remnant of Israel.
* **sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** (H1481) This primitive root means "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest)." It implies a temporary stay in a foreign land. The Judahites intended their stay in Egypt to be temporary, a place of refuge until they could return. However, God's judgment through Jeremiah negates this intention, declaring that their "sojourning" would become permanent in a tragic sense, as they would not return to Judah. The term also carries connotations of fear or being a stranger, which aligns with their desperate flight from Babylonian threat.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** (H7725) A primitive root meaning "to turn back," "go back," or "come again." This word is central to the verse, appearing multiple times. It expresses the deep desire of the Judahites to return to their homeland, Judah, a longing for restoration and normalcy after the trauma of Jerusalem's fall. However, the repeated use of "return" in the negative ("none shall return") underscores the divine reversal of their human desire, highlighting the finality of God's judgment and the impossibility of their longed-for repatriation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there,"**: This opening clause identifies the specific group under divine judgment: the surviving Judahites who, having fled Jerusalem, deliberately entered Egypt with the intention of temporarily residing there as refugees. This act was in direct defiance of God's explicit command delivered through Jeremiah, setting the stage for the pronouncement of their fate.
* **"shall escape or remain,"**: This phrase emphasizes the totality of the impending judgment. It means that no one from this group will manage to flee the judgment that will befall them in Egypt, nor will any survive in a way that allows them to fulfill their desires. The judgment will be comprehensive, leaving no avenue for evasion or continued existence in the manner they desired.
* **"that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there:"**: This segment highlights the profound irony and tragedy of their situation. Despite their earnest longing and deep-seated desire (expressed by the repetition of "return" and the phrase "have a desire") to go back to their ancestral land and re-establish their lives there, this aspiration will be utterly thwarted. Their human will and emotional yearning are rendered powerless against the divine decree.
* **"for none shall return but such as shall escape."**: This concluding declaration re-emphasizes and seals the judgment with a powerful rhetorical flourish. It does not imply that a significant number will escape and return, but rather, it is an emphatic statement that the number will be negligible, if any. The "escape" here refers to a very small, almost non-existent number, perhaps a handful who might flee Egypt for other lands, but certainly not back to Judah. It underscores the severity and near-absolute nature of the judgment, leaving virtually no hope for their desired return.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the word "return" (Hebrew: _shûwb_). This repetition serves to underscore the deep desire of the Judahites to go back to their homeland, while simultaneously emphasizing the absolute certainty of God's decree that they will not. The phrase "none shall return but such as shall escape" is a powerful form of **Understatement** or **Irony**. On the surface, it might seem to suggest a small possibility of return, but in context, it functions as a hyperbolic denial, implying that the number of those who escape and return will be so infinitesimally small as to be practically non-existent. This creates a sense of **Divine Irony**, where human desire and will are directly contradicted and ultimately crushed by the sovereign will of God as a consequence of their disobedience. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle of Judgment**, delivering a definitive and irreversible divine verdict, characterized by its declarative and uncompromising tone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:14 stands as a stark theological warning about the gravity of disobedience and the certainty of divine judgment. It underscores the principle that seeking security and refuge outside of God's revealed will is not only futile but invites His righteous wrath. The Judahites' flight to Egypt, driven by fear and a lack of faith in God's promise of protection in Judah, exemplifies a profound spiritual misdirection. Their desire to return to Judah, though natural, was rendered impossible because their initial act of rebellion had set them on a path of irreversible consequences. This passage teaches that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His holy character and the inevitable outcome of rejecting His covenant. It highlights the tension between human autonomy and divine sovereignty, ultimately affirming that God's word will prevail, even over the most fervent human desires.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right")
* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:14 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the critical importance of obedience to God's revealed will, especially when faced with fear, uncertainty, or the allure of what seems like a "safer" path. The Judahites, despite having God's direct word through Jeremiah, chose to trust in their own reasoning and the perceived security of Egypt. Their story cautions us against seeking solutions to our problems that contradict divine guidance, reminding us that true safety and flourishing are found only within the boundaries of God's will. When we stubbornly pursue our own desires or plans, even if they seem rational or beneficial in the short term, we risk placing ourselves outside of God's protective hand and inviting unintended, often severe, consequences. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we truly trusting God's word, even when it seems counter-intuitive or difficult, or are we prone to devising our own escape routes that lead us further from His intended path? It calls for a deep introspection into our faith, urging us to prioritize divine obedience above all else, recognizing that God's warnings are expressions of His love and desire for our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek security or solutions outside of God's clear will?**
* **How does my desire for comfort or perceived safety sometimes override my commitment to obedience?**
* **What specific warnings from God's Word am I currently taking lightly, and what might be the potential consequences?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises, even when His path seems more difficult or less appealing than my own plans?**

### FAQ
**Why did the remnant go to Egypt despite God's clear warnings through Jeremiah?**

Answer: The remnant went to Egypt primarily out of fear and a lack of faith in God's promises. After the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Babylon, they feared further retribution from the Babylonians ([Jeremiah 41:16-18](/jeremiah/41-16 "Jeremiah 41:16-18 - The Fear of the Remnant")). They sought divine counsel from Jeremiah, but they had already decided in their hearts to go to Egypt, viewing it as a place of safety and provision, where they would not "see war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread" ([Jeremiah 42:14](/jeremiah/42-14 "Jeremiah 42:14 - Their Desire to Go to Egypt")). Despite Jeremiah's explicit warning from the Lord that going to Egypt would lead to their demise by sword, famine, and pestilence ([Jeremiah 42:15-18](/jeremiah/42-15 "Jeremiah 42:15-18 - God's Warning of Death in Egypt")), they accused Jeremiah of lying and defiantly proceeded to Egypt ([Jeremiah 43:1-7](/jeremiah/43-1 "Jeremiah 43:1-7 - Their Disobedient Journey to Egypt")). Their decision was rooted in a stubborn refusal to trust God's protection and a preference for human strategy over divine command, compounded by their ongoing idolatry.

**What does "for none shall return but such as shall escape" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful rhetorical device emphasizing the near-total destruction and permanent exile of the disobedient remnant in Egypt. It does not imply that a significant number would escape and return to Judah. Instead, it means that the number of those who would genuinely "escape" the judgment in Egypt and manage to return to Judah would be so infinitesimally small as to be practically zero. The "escape" here might refer to a handful of individuals who might flee Egypt for other lands, not necessarily Judah, or it could be an ironic statement highlighting the absolute nature of the judgment – only those who miraculously evade the comprehensive destruction would return, implying virtually no one. It underscores the finality of God's judgment against this particular group, contrasting sharply with the promise of return given to the exiles in Babylon ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Babylon")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:14, with its depiction of a disobedient remnant facing irreversible judgment for seeking refuge outside God's will, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Judahites sought safety in Egypt, a symbol of worldly power and false security, only to find judgment. In contrast, Jesus is presented as the true and ultimate refuge, the only safe haven for humanity. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering deliverance not from physical enemies or foreign lands, but from the far greater threat of sin and death. Whereas the Judahites' desire to return to their earthly homeland was thwarted by their rebellion, Christ offers a spiritual return and true dwelling place in the [heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem") for all who believe and obey. The "remnant" in the New Testament is no longer defined by physical lineage or geographical location, but by faith in Christ ([Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel is Israel")). Those who "escape" judgment are not those who flee to a foreign land, but those who are found "in Christ," having been delivered from the power of darkness and transferred into His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Jesus' own flight to Egypt as an infant ([Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13-15 - Flight to Egypt")) foreshadows His role as the obedient Son who perfectly fulfills God's will, ultimately leading His people to the true promised land of eternal life, where there is no more sorrow or death, for the [former things have passed away](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow").

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

Romans 9:27

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

Jeremiah 22:26

And I will cast thee out, and thy mother that bare thee, into another country, where ye were not born; and there shall ye die.

Jeremiah 22:27

But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return.

Isaiah 4:2

¶ In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth [shall be] excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

Jeremiah 42:17

So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there; they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.

Isaiah 10:20

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

Jeremiah 44:27

Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that [are] in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.