Jeremiah 44:29

KJV

And this [shall be] a sign unto you, saith the LORD, that I will punish you in this place, that ye may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:

KJV (with Strong's)

And this shall be a sign {H226} unto you, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that I will punish {H6485} you in this place {H4725}, that ye may know {H3045} that my words {H1697} shall surely {H6965} stand {H6965} against you for evil {H7451}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, here is a sign for you,' says ADONAI, 'that I will punish you in this place, so that you can know that my threats of disaster against you will come true.'

Berean Standard Bible

This will be a sign to you that I will punish you in this place, declares the LORD, so that you may know that My threats of harm against you will surely stand.

American Standard Version

And this shall be the sign unto you, saith Jehovah, that I will punish you in this place, that ye may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:29 presents a stark divine declaration to the rebellious Jewish remnant in Egypt, serving as a solemn sign of the Lord's unwavering resolve to execute judgment upon them in that very place. This pronouncement underscores the absolute certainty of God's prophetic warnings, affirming that His words of impending punishment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience will undeniably come to pass, leading to calamitous outcomes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 44:29 concludes a powerful and final prophetic discourse delivered by Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles who had fled to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem and the assassination of Gedaliah. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 44:15-28) detail the people's defiant refusal to abandon their idolatrous practices, particularly their worship of the "queen of heaven," despite Jeremiah's earnest warnings. God had previously forbidden them from going to Egypt, promising severe consequences if they did so (e.g., [Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah's Warning Against Going to Egypt")). This verse, therefore, acts as a climactic confirmation of the impending judgment, serving as a divine "sign" that the Lord's word against them is irrevocably set. It immediately precedes the specific fulfillment of this sign concerning Pharaoh Hophra in [Jeremiah 44:30](/jeremiah/44-30 "The Prophecy Against Pharaoh Hophra").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon in 586 BC, a small remnant of Jews remained in Judah under the governorship of Gedaliah. After Gedaliah's assassination, fearing Babylonian reprisal, many Jews, against God's explicit command delivered through Jeremiah, sought refuge in Egypt, settling in places like Tahpanhes, Migdol, and Memphis. Culturally, Egypt was a land steeped in polytheism, and the Jewish remnant quickly assimilated, adopting Egyptian idolatry, most notably the worship of Ishtar, referred to as the "queen of heaven." This act of syncretism and direct disobedience to Yahweh's commands was a profound betrayal of their covenantal relationship, provoking God's wrath. The "place" mentioned in the verse refers to Egypt, where they believed they would find safety but where divine judgment would ultimately find them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **The Certainty and Unchangeableness of God's Word**, emphasizing that divine pronouncements, whether of blessing or judgment, are not idle threats but will "surely stand." This echoes the truth found in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie"). Secondly, it underscores the severe **Consequences of Persistent Disobedience and Idolatry**. Despite repeated warnings and opportunities for repentance, the people's stubborn rebellion led to an inescapable divine reckoning, illustrating the principle that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap" ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "The Principle of Sowing and Reaping")). Finally, it reveals the nature of **Divine Judgment as Just and Inescapable**, even for those who attempt to flee from God's presence. The purpose of the "sign" and the subsequent punishment is so that they "may know" the truth of God's sovereignty and the power of His word, even if that knowledge comes through painful experience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sign (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** This word denotes a signal, mark, or token, often carrying prophetic or miraculous significance. In this context, it is a definitive, verifiable event that serves as proof of God's word. It's not merely a prediction, but a tangible demonstration of divine authority and the certainty of His impending judgment, designed to confirm the veracity of Jeremiah's prophecy.
* **punish (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This verb carries a broad range of meanings, from "to visit" (with friendly or hostile intent) to "to oversee," "to muster," or "to charge." Here, it is used in the hostile sense, indicating a visitation for the purpose of judgment and accountability. It implies a divine reckoning where God will hold them responsible for their actions and inflict the deserved consequences.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This root signifies to know, to ascertain by seeing, to comprehend, or to perceive. In this context, it implies experiential knowledge – that through the unfolding judgment, the people would be forced to acknowledge and understand the absolute truth and power of God's words, even though they had previously refused to believe them. It's a knowledge gained through painful consequence.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This comprehensive term refers to a word, matter, thing, or affair. Here, it specifically denotes God's divine pronouncements, prophecies, and commands. The emphasis is on the spoken, authoritative declarations of the Lord, highlighting their inherent power and certainty to be fulfilled.
* **stand (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This primitive root means to rise, to establish, to confirm, or to endure. When applied to God's "words," it conveys their absolute stability, permanence, and unwavering certainty of fulfillment. It signifies that God's declarations are not fleeting or subject to change; they will be firmly established and accomplished.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [shall be] a sign unto you, saith the LORD,"**: God declares that the impending event will serve as an undeniable mark or proof for the rebellious remnant. This "sign" is not a mere warning but a verifiable demonstration of divine authority, confirming that the prophecy delivered by Jeremiah is indeed from the Lord Himself. The phrase "saith the LORD" underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of the declaration.
* **"that I will punish you in this place,"**: The Lord explicitly states His intention to bring judgment upon them. The phrase "in this place" is crucial, referring to Egypt, the very land where they sought refuge against God's command. This emphasizes that there is no escaping God's reach or His justice, even in foreign lands they deemed safe. The punishment is a direct consequence of their persistent disobedience and idolatry.
* **"that ye may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:"**: The ultimate purpose of this sign and punishment is for the people to gain experiential knowledge of God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His word. Despite their disbelief and defiance, they will be forced to acknowledge that God's prophecies are not empty threats. The phrase "surely stand against you for evil" emphasizes the unalterable nature of God's pronouncements and that their fulfillment will result in calamity and disaster for the disobedient.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:29 employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Declaration** is central, as the verse explicitly begins with "saith the LORD," imbuing the pronouncement with ultimate authority and infallibility. The concept of a **Sign** functions as a form of **Prophecy** that is self-validating; its fulfillment will serve as undeniable proof of the divine origin of the entire message. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the people's flight to Egypt for safety, only to find that the very place they chose for refuge becomes the locus of God's promised judgment. Furthermore, the phrase "my words shall surely stand against you for evil" utilizes **Emphatic Repetition** (through the doubling of the root for "stand" in Hebrew, though translated "surely stand") to underscore the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of God's judgment, highlighting the **Consequences** of their actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth that God's word is utterly reliable and carries inherent power to accomplish what it declares, whether for blessing or for judgment. It serves as a stark reminder that divine warnings are not to be trifled with, and persistent, defiant disobedience inevitably leads to severe consequences. The "sign" is not merely a prediction but an act of divine self-revelation, forcing the rebellious to acknowledge God's sovereignty and the truth of His prophetic declarations, even if through painful experience. This principle of divine faithfulness to His word, even in judgment, is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, affirming His justice and holiness.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Curses for Disobedience in Deuteronomy 28")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose in Isaiah 55:11")
* [Lamentations 2:17](/lamentations/2-17 "The Lord Has Done What He Purposed in Lamentations 2:17")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:29 stands as a powerful testament to the seriousness with which God regards obedience and the profound consequences of persistent rebellion against His revealed will. For believers today, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that God's warnings in Scripture are not arbitrary suggestions but divine declarations that will inevitably come to pass. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are there areas where we are knowingly defying God's commands, perhaps seeking comfort or security in "Egypts" of our own making, rather than trusting in His provision and protection? This passage calls for genuine submission to God's word, urging us to take His warnings to heart and to live in faithful obedience. It reminds us that true safety and blessing are found not in fleeing from God's perceived judgment, but in turning to Him in repentance and aligning our lives with His righteous standards. Our response to God's word, whether in belief or defiance, ultimately determines our destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's clear commands, similar to the remnant in Egypt?**
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings in Scripture, and what practical steps can I take to ensure my life reflects a genuine fear of the Lord?**
* **What "signs" has God given me in my life or in the lives of others that demonstrate the certainty of His word, whether for blessing or for consequence?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "you" in this verse, and why were they being punished?**
Answer: The "you" refers to the Jewish remnant who, after the fall of Jerusalem, had fled to Egypt against God's explicit command delivered through the prophet Jeremiah. They were being punished primarily for their persistent idolatry, particularly their worship of the "queen of heaven," and their defiant refusal to heed God's warnings and return to Him. They believed they would find safety in Egypt, but God declared He would pursue them with judgment even there.

**What is the "sign" mentioned in this verse?**
Answer: The "sign" is a specific, verifiable event that God promised would occur in Egypt, serving as undeniable proof that His words of judgment against the rebellious remnant were true and would "surely stand." This sign is explicitly revealed in the very next verse, [Jeremiah 44:30](/jeremiah/44-30 "Jeremiah 44:30 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh Hophra"), which prophesies the handing over of Pharaoh Hophra, king of Egypt, into the hand of his enemies, just as King Zedekiah of Judah was handed over to Nebuchadnezzar. The fall of Pharaoh Hophra would be a tangible demonstration of God's sovereign power and His commitment to fulfilling His word.

**What does it mean that God's "words shall surely stand against you for evil"?**
Answer: This phrase emphasizes the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of God's pronouncements of judgment. "Stand" (Hebrew _qûwm_) implies permanence and establishment. "For evil" (Hebrew _raʻ_) means for calamity, disaster, or harm. It signifies that God's declared judgment would not be averted or mitigated, but would inevitably result in severe, destructive consequences for the disobedient remnant. It underscores that God's warnings are not empty threats but sure declarations that will bring about the promised negative outcomes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 44:29 speaks of judgment for disobedience, its underlying principle—the absolute certainty of God's word—finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the living Word of God, through whom all divine promises and prophecies are made "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The judgment promised to the rebellious in Jeremiah 44:29 highlights the gravity of sin and the necessity of divine justice. However, in Christ, God's word of judgment against humanity's sin was fully "stood against" and exhausted upon the cross. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the "evil" consequences of sin, allowing God's word of salvation and grace to "surely stand" for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, while the Old Testament remnant faced the direct "evil" of God's word standing against them, believers in Christ find that God's word, through the sacrifice of His Son, now stands for them, offering eternal life and reconciliation instead of judgment ([John 3:16-17](/john/3-16 "John 3:16-17 - God So Loved the World")). The unwavering nature of God's word, so terrifying in judgment for the disobedient, becomes the rock-solid foundation of our hope and salvation in Christ.

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

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Matthew 24:15

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Matthew 24:16

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Jeremiah 44:30

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.

Isaiah 40:8

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Matthew 24:32

¶ Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh:

Matthew 24:34

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.