Jeremiah 44:26

KJV

Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt; Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the LORD, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, The Lord GOD liveth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore hear {H8085} ye the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, all Judah {H3063} that dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}; Behold, I have sworn {H7650} by my great {H1419} name {H8034}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, that my name {H8034} shall no more be named {H7121} in the mouth {H6310} of any man {H376} of Judah {H3063} in all the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, saying {H559}, The Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} liveth {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore hear the word of ADONAI, all Y'hudah living in the land of Egypt: 'I swear by my own great name,' says ADONAI, 'that no man of Y'hudah will speak my name again in the land of Egypt, swearing, "As ADONAI, God, lives."

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah living in Egypt: Behold, I have sworn by My great name, says the LORD, that never again will any man of Judah living in the land of Egypt invoke My name or say, ‘As surely as the Lord GOD lives.’

American Standard Version

Therefore hear ye the word of Jehovah, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt: Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith Jehovah, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, As the Lord Jehovah liveth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:26 delivers a profound and irreversible divine judgment against the remnant of Judah residing in Egypt. Despite repeated prophetic warnings, they stubbornly persisted in idolatry, particularly the worship of the "queen of heaven." In response to their defiant disobedience, the Lord declares an unbreakable oath by His own great name: His name will no longer be invoked or honored by any Jew in Egypt, signifying a complete spiritual separation and the withdrawal of covenantal relationship and protection for those who have so thoroughly profaned His identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's final prophecies delivered to the Jewish remnant who, against God's explicit command, fled to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Chapters 42-44 detail this tragic episode of disobedience. Jeremiah 42 records God's clear instruction through the prophet for the people to remain in Judah, promising protection if they obeyed and destruction if they went to Egypt. However, in [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - Disobedience and Flight to Egypt"), the people, led by Johanan, defiantly reject God's word and force Jeremiah to accompany them to Egypt. Chapter 44 then presents God's severe indictment of their widespread idolatry in Egypt, particularly their devotion to the "queen of heaven" ([Jeremiah 44:17](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17 - Worship of the Queen of Heaven")). Verse 26 serves as a climactic declaration of divine judgment, sealing the consequences of their persistent rebellion and spiritual apostasy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, a significant portion of the remaining Judean population was exiled to Babylon. However, a remnant, fearing the Chaldeans and seeking security, contemplated fleeing to Egypt, a traditional refuge and a powerful ancient civilization. This move was a direct violation of God's covenantal instructions, which often warned against relying on Egypt for security (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt")). Culturally, ancient Near Eastern oaths were extremely serious, often invoked by the name of a deity or a powerful entity to guarantee the truth or certainty of a statement. For God to swear "by my great name" was the most solemn and unbreakable form of oath, emphasizing the absolute certainty and irreversibility of His decree. The phrase "The Lord GOD liveth" was a common Israelite oath or affirmation of faith, contrasting the living God with lifeless pagan idols.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 44:26 powerfully reinforces several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment for Disobedience and Idolatry**. The people's flight to Egypt and their subsequent embrace of pagan worship represent a profound breach of their covenant with Yahweh, leading to inevitable divine retribution. Another key theme is the **Sovereignty and Immutability of God's Word**. Despite the people's defiance, God's prophetic word, delivered through Jeremiah, proves true, demonstrating His unwavering control over history and His commitment to His declared purposes. The verse also highlights the **Profanation of God's Name**, as the people's actions render their invocation of His name meaningless and even blasphemous in the context of their apostasy. This speaks to the sanctity of God's identity and the severe consequences of treating it lightly or hypocritically.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sworn (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, meaning "to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)." This signifies the act of taking an oath, making a solemn, binding declaration. When God swears, it underscores the absolute certainty and immutability of His word, often indicating an irreversible decree.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, meaning "great (in any sense)." Here, applied to God's name, it emphasizes His immense power, authority, majesty, and unchallengeable sovereignty. It is not merely a descriptor of size but of supreme significance and renown.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, meaning "an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character." In biblical thought, God's "name" represents His entire revealed character, His presence, His power, and His very being. To "name" or "call upon" His name is to acknowledge His identity and authority. The judgment here is a cessation of the legitimate invocation of His character and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt;":** This serves as a solemn summons, demanding attention from the specific audience – the Jewish remnant who deliberately chose to reside in Egypt, defying God's earlier commands. It emphasizes that this is not a human pronouncement but a direct message from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel.
* **"Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the LORD,":** This clause introduces the divine oath, highlighting its absolute certainty and unbreakable nature. God's swearing "by my great name" signifies that His own character, honor, and very being are staked on the fulfillment of this declaration. It is the strongest possible affirmation of an irreversible decree, underscoring the gravity of the impending judgment.
* **"that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, The Lord GOD liveth.":** This is the core of the judgment. It means that the Jews in Egypt will no longer be able to legitimately or effectively invoke God's name, especially in an oath or affirmation of faith like "The Lord GOD liveth." Their persistent idolatry and rebellion have rendered their use of His name an abomination, stripping them of the privilege and power associated with acknowledging the true, living God. It signifies a profound spiritual alienation and the withdrawal of God's active presence and protection from them in that context.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Divine Oath**, explicitly stated with "I have sworn by my great name." This device elevates the pronouncement from a mere warning to an irreversible decree, emphasizing God's absolute commitment and the certainty of the judgment. The phrase "my name shall no more be named" functions as **Hyperbole**, conveying the absolute and comprehensive nature of the spiritual severing, rather than a literal inability to physically utter the words. It signifies the complete loss of covenantal privilege and the meaninglessness of their religious expressions. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the judgment: the people fled to Egypt, seeking life and security, but in doing so, they forfeited the right to invoke the name of the "living" God, thereby choosing a path that leads to spiritual death and ultimate destruction. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct divine utterance delivered through the prophet, marked by the authoritative "saith the LORD."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the sanctity of God's name and the severe consequences of profaning it through disobedience and idolatry. For the covenant people, the ability to call upon the name of the Lord was a profound privilege, signifying their relationship and access to His power and presence. When God declares His name will "no more be named," it signifies a spiritual divorce, a withdrawal of His active presence and a severing of the covenantal bond for those in Egypt. This judgment highlights that God's identity is not to be trifled with, and true worship demands exclusive allegiance. Their attempt to blend the worship of Yahweh with pagan deities rendered their invocation of His name an empty, even blasphemous, act. This serves as a timeless warning against syncretism and spiritual hypocrisy, emphasizing that God demands wholehearted devotion and that true life is found only in genuine relationship with the living God.

* [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")
* [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely by God's Name")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:26 serves as a stark reminder that God's warnings are not empty threats, and His character demands our utmost reverence and obedience. The people of Judah in Egypt chose to pursue perceived safety and comfort over divine instruction, leading them further into idolatry and ultimately to a profound spiritual barrenness where they could no longer genuinely call upon the name of the Lord. For us today, this challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies. Do we seek security and comfort in worldly pursuits or in the faithful obedience to God's word? Modern idolatry may not involve physical statues, but anything that takes the place of God in our affections, loyalties, or pursuit of satisfaction can become an idol. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, ensuring that our profession of faith in the "living God" is not merely lip service but is reflected in a life of genuine devotion, obedience, and reverence for His holy name. Our actions must align with our confession, lest our invocation of His name become meaningless.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be seeking security or comfort outside of God's revealed will, similar to Judah fleeing to Egypt?**
* **What "idols" (whether tangible or intangible) might be competing for God's rightful place in my heart and affections today?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a genuine reverence for God's name, ensuring that my words and actions align with my confession of faith?**
* **What does it mean to truly "call upon the name of the Lord" in a way that honors Him and reflects a living relationship?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that God's "name shall no more be named" by the people in Egypt?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a profound spiritual judgment and a severing of the covenantal relationship for the defiant Jewish remnant in Egypt. It does not mean they would literally be physically unable to utter the words "The Lord GOD liveth." Rather, it means that any invocation of God's name by them would be meaningless, ineffective, and even blasphemous in His sight due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience. They would no longer have the privilege of legitimately calling upon Him, claiming His protection, or having their prayers heard, as their actions had rendered their relationship with the living God null and void in that context. It's a declaration of divine abandonment concerning their spiritual claims while in rebellion.

**Why was swearing by God's "great name" so significant?**

Answer: In ancient cultures, an oath was a solemn declaration, and swearing by a deity's name was the strongest possible guarantee of truth and commitment. When God swears "by my great name," it means He is staking His entire character, His supreme authority, His majesty, and His very being on the absolute certainty and irreversibility of His pronouncement. It emphasizes that His word is unchangeable and His judgment will be executed without fail. It highlights the immutability of God's counsel, as seen in [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Unchangeable Oath"), where God's oath by Himself provides an unshakeable anchor for hope.

**How does this passage relate to modern-day idolatry?**

Answer: While modern idolatry rarely involves bowing to physical statues, the principle remains the same: anything that takes the place of God as the supreme object of our worship, trust, or affection becomes an idol. This could be money, power, career, relationships, comfort, self-image, or even religious rituals devoid of true devotion. Jeremiah 44:26 warns that persistent devotion to anything other than the one true God leads to spiritual barrenness and a breakdown in genuine relationship with Him. It reminds us that God is a jealous God ([Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God is a Jealous God")) who demands exclusive allegiance, and failure to give it results in a loss of His active presence and blessing in our lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:26, with its declaration of God's name no longer being named among the disobedient, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. While the Old Covenant people in Egypt forfeited the right to legitimately invoke God's name through their idolatry, the New Testament reveals that God's name is now supremely exalted in the person of Jesus Christ. The very name of God, Yahweh, which the Jews in Egypt could no longer call upon, is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). Through His perfect obedience, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has opened the way for all people, Jew and Gentile, to genuinely call upon the name of the Lord. Indeed, [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exalted Name") declares that God has highly exalted Jesus and bestowed on Him "the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." No longer is the privilege of invoking God's name restricted or removed; rather, salvation itself is found in "no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). The judgment in Jeremiah foreshadows the ultimate spiritual death that comes from rejecting the true God, while Christ offers eternal life to all who call upon His name in faith, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")). In Christ, God's name is not withdrawn but is made accessible and glorious for all who believe.

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

Ezekiel 20:39

As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter [also], if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.

Hebrews 6:13

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

Genesis 22:16

And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:

Psalms 50:16

¶ But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or [that] thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

Amos 6:8

¶ The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

Isaiah 48:1

¶ Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, [but] not in truth, nor in righteousness.

Isaiah 48:2

For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts [is] his name.