Jeremiah 44:28

KJV

Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet a small {H4962} number {H4557} that escape {H6412} the sword {H2719} shall return out {H7725} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} into the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}, and all the remnant {H7611} of Judah {H3063}, that are gone {H935} into the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} to sojourn {H1481} there, shall know {H3045} whose words {H1697} shall stand {H6965}, mine, or theirs.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who escape the sword will return from the land of Egypt to the land of Y'hudah few in number; and all the remnant of Y'hudah who went into the land of Egypt to live will know whose word will stand - mine or theirs!

Berean Standard Bible

Those who escape the sword will return from Egypt to Judah, few in number, and the whole remnant of Judah who went to dwell in the land of Egypt will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs!

American Standard Version

And they that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, few in number; and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose word shall stand, mine, or theirs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:28 serves as a chilling and definitive declaration of divine judgment against the Judean remnant who defiantly settled in Egypt, rejecting God's explicit commands through Jeremiah. The verse prophesies that while the vast majority of these disobedient individuals will perish by sword, famine, and pestilence in Egypt, a very small number will escape and return to Judah. This stark outcome is intended to unequivocally demonstrate whose words—God's or the people's rebellious assertions—will ultimately stand and be proven true.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 44:28 concludes Jeremiah's final major prophetic message, delivered to the Judean exiles and refugees who had fled to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Chapters 42-43 detail the people's initial request for Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord regarding their future, followed by their defiant rejection of God's clear instruction not to go to Egypt. Instead, they chose to migrate to various Egyptian cities (Tahpanhes, Migdol, Noph, Pathros), taking Jeremiah and Baruch with them against their will. Chapter 44 specifically records God's severe judgment against these Judeans for their persistent idolatry, particularly their open veneration of the "queen of heaven," even in a foreign land ([Jeremiah 44:17](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17 - Worshipping the Queen of Heaven")). Verse 28 acts as the climactic pronouncement, emphasizing the absolute certainty of God's word and the impending, undeniable proof of His sovereignty over their rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Babylon in 586 BC, many Judeans were deported to Babylon. However, a significant number, including a remnant who had survived the siege, chose to flee to Egypt, seeking refuge from Babylonian rule and the perceived instability in Judah. This move was made despite Jeremiah's clear prophetic warnings that going to Egypt would lead to their destruction, not safety ([Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19-22 - God's Warning Against Going to Egypt")). Culturally, their continued worship of foreign deities, especially the "queen of heaven," was a deep-seated syncretism that had plagued Judah for generations, representing a profound rejection of the covenant with Yahweh. Their defiance in Egypt was a continuation of this pattern, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual rebellion and a refusal to acknowledge Yahweh as the sole sovereign God. The prophecy in verse 28 highlights the cultural clash between divine authority and human stubbornness, where the outcome would serve as undeniable proof of God's word.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment**, asserting that God's word is utterly reliable and will always prevail over human defiance and false claims. The rhetorical challenge, "whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs," is a stark affirmation of God's ultimate authority. Secondly, it highlights **Judgment for Disobedience and Idolatry**, demonstrating the severe consequences of rejecting God's explicit commands and engaging in syncretistic worship. The perishing of the vast majority by sword, famine, and pestilence is a direct result of their stubborn rebellion, as foretold in [Jeremiah 44:12-13](/jeremiah/44-12 "Jeremiah 44:12-13 - Judgment on Those in Egypt"). Thirdly, the concept of **The Remnant** is crucial; despite widespread destruction, God promises that "a small number that escape the sword shall return." This recurring biblical theme, seen in books like [Isaiah](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - The Remnant of Israel"), signifies God's preservation amidst judgment and His faithfulness to His covenant purposes, ensuring that a seed remains for future fulfillment. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Vindication of God's Word**, as the return of this small remnant would serve as tangible, undeniable proof that God's warnings and promises were true, and the people's defiant words were utterly false.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** This word (H1481) means "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest)." It also carries connotations of being a stranger or dwelling temporarily. In Jeremiah 44:28, its use emphasizes that the Judeans who went to Egypt were intended to be temporary residents, but their defiant decision to "sojourn there" became a permanent, rebellious act against God's will. Their seeking of refuge in Egypt was not a divinely sanctioned temporary stay but a willful, disobedient settlement.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The Hebrew term (H1697) for "words" is much broader than simply spoken utterances. It encompasses "a matter (as spoken of) or thing," "act," "affair," "decree," "deed," "message," or "purpose." In this context, "my words" refers to God's entire prophetic message, His decrees, His warnings, and His promises, while "their words" refers to the defiant declarations of the Judeans, their intentions to continue idolatry, and their belief that they would find safety and prosperity in Egypt despite God's warnings. The contest is not just about spoken phrases, but about ultimate reality and authority.
* **stand (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This primitive root (H6965) means "to rise," "to establish," "to confirm," or "to endure." When God's "words shall stand," it signifies their undeniable establishment, confirmation, and enduring truth. It implies that God's prophecies will be demonstrably fulfilled, proving their absolute validity and power, while the words and plans of the rebellious Judeans will fall, be disproven, and come to nothing. The outcome would be an undeniable, public vindication of divine truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah":** This clause introduces a crucial exception to the widespread judgment pronounced earlier in the chapter. While the majority of the Judeans in Egypt would perish by sword, famine, and pestilence, God, in His sovereign grace, declares that a "small number" will "escape the sword" and be preserved. This preservation is not necessarily a sign of their faithfulness but an act of divine purpose, ensuring that a remnant survives to bear witness to God's word. Their return to Judah would be a tangible, undeniable sign of the fulfillment of God's prophecy.
* **"and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there":** This phrase clearly identifies the specific group to whom the prophecy applies: the entire "remnant of Judah" who had defiantly chosen to "sojourn" (live, dwell) in Egypt. This emphasizes that the judgment is directed at those who consciously rejected God's command to remain in Judah or submit to Babylonian rule, opting instead for a perceived, but ultimately false, refuge in Egypt, where they continued their idolatrous practices.
* **"shall know whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs."** This is the climactic and most significant part of the verse. It presents a divine challenge and a promise of ultimate vindication. The outcome—the perishing of the many and the return of the few—would serve as irrefutable proof to all involved. The Judeans in Egypt, and by extension, all who witnessed the events, would "know" (yada`, to perceive, ascertain, experience) with certainty that God's prophetic words had been fulfilled precisely, while their own defiant words, self-assurances, and idolatrous vows proved utterly futile and false. This declaration underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the infallible truth of His revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:28 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and vindication. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** embedded in the final clause: "whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs." This question is not posed to elicit an answer, but to emphatically assert the obvious truth: God's words alone will stand. It serves as a direct challenge to the people's rebellion and a powerful affirmation of God's ultimate authority. Another device is **Contrast**, starkly juxtaposing the "small number that escape" with "all the remnant... that are gone into the land of Egypt," highlighting the vast difference in outcomes between those who face judgment and the divinely preserved few. This contrast also extends to the "words" of God versus "their" words, emphasizing the absolute reliability of the former against the futility of the latter. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the Judeans fled to Egypt for safety, yet it is precisely in Egypt that the sword, famine, and pestilence would consume them, while the "small number that escape the sword" are those who survive the very dangers they sought to avoid by fleeing. The fulfillment of the prophecy thus becomes a public, undeniable demonstration of God's truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:28 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's word and His unwavering sovereignty. It asserts that God's prophecies are not mere predictions but divine decrees that will inevitably come to pass, regardless of human defiance. The ultimate vindication of God's word over the rebellious declarations of humanity underscores His absolute authority and faithfulness to His covenant. This passage also highlights the severe consequences of persistent disobedience and idolatry, demonstrating that God's justice is as certain as His mercy. While judgment is widespread, the preservation of a "small number" speaks to God's enduring grace and His commitment to His redemptive purposes, ensuring that a remnant remains through whom His plans will ultimately be fulfilled. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming the trustworthiness of God's communication and the ultimate triumph of His will.

* [Deuteronomy 18:22](/deuteronomy/18-22 "Deuteronomy 18:22 - The Test of a Prophet")
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of Our God Shall Stand Forever")
* [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - A Remnant Will Be Saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:28 offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today. Firstly, it serves as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of obedience to God's revealed will. The tragic fate of the Judeans in Egypt underscores that persistent, defiant disobedience, especially when it involves rejecting clear divine guidance, leads to severe and often devastating consequences. We are called to trust and obey God's word, even when it seems counter-intuitive or requires sacrificing perceived safety or comfort. Secondly, this verse provides immense assurance regarding the absolute reliability of God's promises and warnings. Just as His word was unequivocally proven true for the ancient Israelites, it remains unfailing for us. We can rest in the certainty that every word God has spoken, whether of blessing or judgment, will ultimately stand. This should deepen our faith and commitment to living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Finally, the concept of the "remnant" offers a glimmer of hope amidst widespread apostasy or societal decline. Even in the face of widespread rebellion, God always preserves a people for Himself, demonstrating His enduring grace and His commitment to His ultimate plan. This encourages us to remain faithful, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately be fulfilled through those who remain true to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to disregard God's clear commands, seeking safety or comfort in ways contrary to His revealed will?**
* **How does Jeremiah 44:28 strengthen my confidence in the absolute truth and reliability of God's Word today, especially when faced with conflicting voices or worldly pressures?**
* **What does the concept of the "remnant" teach me about God's grace and His enduring purposes, even amidst widespread disobedience or spiritual apathy in the world around me?**

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

Answer: The Judeans went to Egypt primarily out of fear of the Babylonians and a desire for perceived safety and stability after the destruction of Jerusalem. Despite God's explicit command through Jeremiah that they should remain in Judah or submit to Babylonian rule, promising them peace if they did so ([Jeremiah 42:10-12](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10-12 - God's Promise if They Stayed in Judah")), they distrusted Jeremiah's prophecy. They believed that going to Egypt, a powerful nation, would protect them from further suffering. Furthermore, many of them were deeply entrenched in idolatrous practices, including the worship of the "queen of heaven," and they openly declared their intention to continue these practices in Egypt, believing it brought them prosperity ([Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - The People's Defiant Vow")). Their decision was a deliberate act of rebellion against God's direct word.

**What is the significance of "whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful rhetorical challenge that underscores the absolute sovereignty and truthfulness of God's prophetic word. The Judeans in Egypt had defiantly asserted their own will and believed their plans for safety and prosperity in Egypt would succeed, even vowing to continue their idolatry. God's declaration here is a direct refutation of their defiance. The impending judgment (perishing by sword, famine, and pestilence) and the preservation of only a "small number" would serve as undeniable, empirical proof that God's words—His warnings and judgments—were true and would be fulfilled, while the words, plans, and false hopes of the rebellious people would utterly fail and come to nothing. It is a divine vindication, demonstrating that God alone is the true and living God whose every word stands firm.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:28, while a prophecy of judgment and a testament to God's unwavering word in the Old Covenant, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The ultimate "word" that stands eternally is not merely a spoken prophecy but the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, who is the full revelation of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). Just as God's words to Jeremiah proved true, Jesus Himself declared, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Not")). The judgment prophesied for those who rejected God's word in Jeremiah's day foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will fall upon all who reject Christ, the living Word, who is appointed by the Father to be the judge of all ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Furthermore, the concept of the "small number that escape" and return to Judah points forward to the spiritual remnant preserved by grace through faith in Christ. While the Old Testament remnant was often a physical survival, the New Testament remnant is a spiritual one—the Church, comprised of those from every nation who hear and obey the voice of the Good Shepherd ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). This "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession" ([1_peter/2-9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")) is the true Israel of God, preserved not by fleeing to a foreign land but by being brought into Christ, the ultimate refuge and fulfillment of all God's promises. Through Him, God's word stands eternally, establishing His kingdom and gathering His people.

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 44:14

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.

Jeremiah 44:25

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying; Ye and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and fulfilled with your hand, saying, We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her: ye will surely accomplish your vows, and surely perform your vows.

Jeremiah 44:26

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.

Isaiah 10:19

And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.

Isaiah 27:12

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.

Isaiah 27:13

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: