Jeremiah 44:30

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Behold, I will give {H5414} Pharaohhophra {H6548} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} into the hand {H3027} of his enemies {H341}, and into the hand {H3027} of them that seek {H1245} his life {H5315}; as I gave {H5414} Zedekiah {H6667} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} into the hand {H3027} of Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, his enemy {H341}, and that sought {H1245} his life {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI says, 'I will hand over Pharaoh Hofra king of Egypt to his enemies, to those seeking his life - just as I handed Tzidkiyahu king of Y'hudah over to N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel, his enemy, who sought his life.'"

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: Behold, I will deliver Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hands of his enemies who seek his life, just as I delivered Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the enemy who was seeking his life.”

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will give Pharaoh Hophra 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, who was his enemy, and sought his life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:30 delivers a climactic and unyielding prophecy from the Lord, declaring the imminent downfall of Pharaoh-hophra, the reigning king of Egypt. This divine pronouncement serves as a stark and undeniable sign to the Judean remnant who had defiantly sought refuge in Egypt, directly disobeying God's explicit command. By explicitly stating that Pharaoh-hophra would be delivered into the hands of his enemies, just as King Zedekiah of Judah was delivered to Nebuchadrezzar, the verse powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to executing judgment upon those who oppose His will or in whom His people wrongly place their trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to Jeremiah chapter 44, which records the prophet Jeremiah's final, impassioned message to the Jewish remnant who had fled to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem and the assassination of Gedaliah. Despite explicit divine warnings delivered through Jeremiah to remain in Judah and trust in God's provision, as detailed in [Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19-22 "Jeremiah 42:19-22 - Warning Against Going to Egypt"), the people stubbornly chose to go to Egypt, believing they would find safety and prosperity there. Furthermore, they persisted in their idolatrous practices, even attributing their past prosperity to the "queen of heaven," as recounted in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17-19 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - The Remnant's Idolatry in Egypt"). In response to their profound disobedience and entrenched idolatry, God declares that He will bring the very desolation they fled from upon them in Egypt. Jeremiah 44:30 functions as the culminating sign, a concrete, verifiable prophecy that would confirm the truthfulness of all Jeremiah's words and the certainty of God's impending judgment on both the remnant and the nation they trusted.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah 44:30 is the early 6th century BC, a tumultuous period dominated by the rising Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadrezzar. After Jerusalem's devastating fall in 586 BC, a Jewish remnant, including Jeremiah, fled to Egypt, seeking political asylum and economic stability. Pharaoh-hophra (known as Apries in Greek sources) ruled Egypt from 589-570 BC. He was initially seen as a potential ally against Babylon, but his reign was marked by military failures and significant internal strife, ultimately leading to his overthrow. The Judeans' flight to Egypt was a direct contravention of God's command, reflecting a deep-seated distrust in divine protection and a reliance on human alliances, a common temptation for Judah throughout its history, as lamented in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Those Who Go to Egypt for Help"). The prophecy of Pharaoh-hophra's downfall, which was historically fulfilled when he was overthrown and killed by a general named Amasis II, served as a powerful testament to God's control over even the most powerful nations and kings, demonstrating that no earthly power could thwart His plans or protect those whom He intended to judge.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 44:30 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's absolute control over the destinies of nations and their rulers. He is not merely the God of Israel but the sovereign Lord of all creation, capable of raising up and bringing down kings according to His will, as affirmed in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). The judgment on Pharaoh-hophra demonstrates that no earthly power can stand against His decree. Secondly, the verse highlights the severe **Consequences of Disobedience**. The fate of Pharaoh-hophra serves as a chilling object lesson for the disobedient Judean remnant. Just as King Zedekiah suffered for his rebellion against God's word and the Babylonian king, as vividly described in [Jeremiah 39:6-7](/jeremiah/39-6-7 "Jeremiah 39:6-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment"), so too would Pharaoh-hophra, and by extension, those who sought refuge under his supposedly protective wing. This emphasizes that persistent disobedience to God's commands inevitably leads to ruin. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**. Jeremiah's prophecies, often met with skepticism, ridicule, and even persecution, consistently proved true. The specific prediction of Pharaoh-hophra's demise, explicitly paralleled with Zedekiah's capture, was a tangible and verifiable demonstration of God's faithfulness to His word, both in warning and in judgment, confirming Jeremiah's authenticity as a true prophet of the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is used with the greatest latitude of application, meaning "to put, make, etc." In this context, it signifies God's active agency in delivering Pharaoh-hophra. It is not a passive surrender but an intentional act of God's sovereign will to "give over" or "hand over" the king into the power of his enemies, emphasizing divine control over the outcome and the certainty of His decree.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word (H3027) refers to the open hand, often indicating power, means, or direction. When someone is given "into the hand" of another, it signifies being delivered into their complete control, power, or authority. Here, it denotes the absolute subjugation and vulnerability of Pharaoh-hophra to his adversaries, highlighting the transfer of power orchestrated by God, rendering him utterly helpless before his foes.
* **seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This primitive root (H1245) means "to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after." When combined with "life" (nephesh, H5315), "seek his life" means to actively pursue, hunt, or strive to take his life, indicating a determined and aggressive intent to kill him. This emphasizes the lethal nature of the enemies' pursuit and the certainty of Pharaoh-hophra's demise, leaving no ambiguity about his fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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;":** This opening declaration establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the prophecy. "Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _kōh 'āmar Yᵉhôvâh_) is a common prophetic formula, signaling that the following words are a direct, authoritative utterance from God Himself, not merely Jeremiah's opinion. The phrase "Behold, I will give" underscores God's active, intentional, and decisive involvement in the coming events, highlighting His sovereign control. Pharaoh-hophra, the powerful king of Egypt, is identified by name, making the prophecy specific and verifiable. The core of the judgment is his delivery "into the hand of his enemies" and "into the hand of them that seek his life," signifying his complete subjugation and ultimate demise at the hands of those who actively desired his death. This highlights God's power to humble even the mightiest rulers and nations.
* **"as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.":** This clause provides a powerful and immediate parallel, drawing on a recent and devastating historical event fresh in the minds of the Judean remnant. The Lord explicitly states that He delivered Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, into the hands of Nebuchadrezzar, the Babylonian king who was his sworn enemy and sought his life. This comparison serves multiple purposes: it emphasizes the certainty and severity of Pharaoh-hophra's impending judgment, mirroring the recent catastrophe that befell Judah; it reminds the remnant that God's judgment is impartial, falling on both His disobedient people and the nations they trusted; and it underscores that God, not merely human armies, was ultimately behind the fall of Jerusalem and would be behind the fall of Egypt. The parallel reinforces the divine orchestration of historical events.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically a comparative parallelism, where the fate of Pharaoh-hophra is directly likened to the recent, well-known downfall of King Zedekiah. This comparison amplifies the certainty and severity of the prophecy, drawing on the audience's immediate historical memory. The phrase "as I gave Zedekiah" creates a powerful analogy, making the impending judgment on Egypt's king as real and inevitable as Judah's recent tragedy. Secondly, the verse is a direct **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired foretelling of future events. Its specificity regarding Pharaoh-hophra's fate and the manner of his demise (at the hands of his enemies) marks it as a true prophetic utterance, designed to be verified by subsequent historical events. Finally, the opening phrase, "Thus saith the LORD," functions as a **Divine Oracle**. This formula unequivocally establishes the divine authority and origin of the message, leaving no doubt that these are not Jeremiah's words or opinions, but the direct, infallible word of the Almighty God. This authoritative declaration underscores the gravity and certainty of the judgment pronounced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:30 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that no nation, no king, and no human alliance can defy the will of the Lord. The downfall of Pharaoh-hophra, a seemingly powerful world leader, at the specific decree of Yahweh, demonstrates that God orchestrates history, raising up and bringing down kingdoms as He sees fit. This verse serves as a stark reminder that trusting in human strength, political alliances, or worldly security apart from God's explicit command is a futile and dangerous endeavor, ultimately leading to judgment. It affirms that God's word, whether of warning or promise, will always come to pass, validating the authenticity of His prophets and the certainty of His divine plan for both His people and the nations.

* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go to Egypt for Help")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:30 offers timeless lessons for believers today, urging us to examine the foundations of our trust and security. In a world that often encourages reliance on political power, economic stability, or human ingenuity, this verse powerfully reorients our perspective toward God's ultimate authority. It challenges us to ask where we are seeking refuge and security. Are we, like the Judean remnant, placing our hope in worldly systems or leaders, even when such reliance contradicts God's revealed will? The consequence for Pharaoh-hophra and the remnant was severe, demonstrating that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His righteous character and His active involvement in human history. True safety, peace, and prosperity are found not in human strength or strategic alliances, but in humble obedience to God's word and unwavering trust in His divine provision. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, reminding us that ultimately, every earthly power is subject to the sovereign will of the Lord, and our ultimate security rests in Him alone, the one who raises up and brings down kings according to His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to place my trust in worldly powers or resources rather than in God's explicit guidance and provision?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Pharaoh-hophra affirm my confidence in the reliability and truthfulness of God's promises and warnings in my own life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper and more consistent reliance on God's sovereignty, especially when faced with fear, uncertainty, or the allure of worldly solutions?**

### FAQ
**Who was Pharaoh-hophra and what happened to him?**
Answer: Pharaoh-hophra is the biblical name for Apries, an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled from approximately 589 to 570 BC. He was a contemporary of King Zedekiah of Judah and Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon. Historically, Pharaoh-hophra was indeed overthrown and killed by his own people, led by a general named Amasis II, who then became pharaoh. This fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecy precisely, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even the most powerful nations and their rulers, just as He had predicted the downfall of Judah's king, as recorded in [Jeremiah 39:7](/jeremiah/39-7 "Jeremiah 39:7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment").

**Why is Zedekiah mentioned here?**
Answer: Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, is mentioned as a direct parallel to Pharaoh-hophra. His capture, blinding, and the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon were recent and devastating events for the Judean remnant. By comparing Pharaoh-hophra's impending fate to Zedekiah's, God underscores the certainty and severity of the judgment. It served as a powerful, undeniable sign that just as God delivered His own disobedient king into the hands of his enemies, He would likewise deliver the king of Egypt, on whom the remnant had wrongly placed their hope, as warned in [Jeremiah 42:19](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19 - Warning Against Going to Egypt"). This comparison highlights God's impartiality and His absolute control over the destinies of all nations and their rulers.

**What is the significance of "Thus saith the LORD"?**
Answer: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _kōh 'āmar Yᵉhôvâh_) is a foundational prophetic formula used throughout the Old Testament. Its significance lies in establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It signifies that the words that follow are not the prophet Jeremiah's personal opinions, political analyses, or human predictions, but a direct, infallible, and binding utterance from God Himself. In the context of [Jeremiah 44:30](/jeremiah/44-30 "Jeremiah 44:30 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh-hophra"), it lends ultimate weight and certainty to the prophecy of Pharaoh-hophra's downfall, assuring the remnant that this judgment is inevitable because it comes from the sovereign Lord of all creation, who declares the end from the beginning, as seen in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 44:30 directly concerns the judgment of an earthly king and the consequences of disobedience for God's people, it points to a deeper Christ-centered fulfillment by revealing the unchanging character of God and the ultimate triumph of His sovereign will. The Lord, who "gives" Pharaoh-hophra and Zedekiah into the hands of their enemies, is the same God who, in His infinite wisdom and redemptive purpose, "gave" His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the hands of sinful men ([John 19:10-11](/john/19-10-11 "John 19:10-11 - Pilate's Authority and Jesus' Response")). This seemingly paradoxical act of divine "giving" was not a sign of weakness but the ultimate demonstration of God's sovereign plan of redemption. Through Christ's voluntary submission to death on the cross, He conquered the true enemies of humanity—sin, death, and the devil—and was then raised to the highest position, receiving "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")).

Furthermore, the judgment on earthly kings and the futility of trusting in human power foreshadow the ultimate, eternal reign of Christ. Unlike temporary pharaohs or kings like Zedekiah, Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose kingdom is eternal and whose dominion will never pass away ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"); [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")). The divine sovereignty displayed in [Jeremiah 44:30](/jeremiah/44-30 "Jeremiah 44:30 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh-hophra"), where God orchestrates the rise and fall of nations, finds its ultimate expression in Christ, "for by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Thus, this Old Testament prophecy, while rooted in its historical context, powerfully affirms the absolute power of the God who is revealed most fully in Jesus Christ, the one in whom all authority resides and through whom all judgment and salvation are ultimately accomplished for the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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

2 Kings 25:4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.

2 Kings 25:7

And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

Jeremiah 34:21

And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which are gone up from you.

Jeremiah 43:9

Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which [is] at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;

Jeremiah 43:13

He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

Jeremiah 39:5

But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.

Jeremiah 39:7

Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.