Jeremiah 46:1

KJV

¶ The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} which came to Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} against the Gentiles {H1471};

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the word of ADONAI that came to Yirmeyahu the prophet concerning the nations.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word of the LORD about the nations—the word that came to Jeremiah the prophet

American Standard Version

The word of Jehovah which came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:1 serves as a foundational introductory verse, inaugurating a significant literary division within the book of Jeremiah dedicated to divine pronouncements against foreign nations. This verse unequivocally establishes the authoritative and divine origin of the subsequent messages, declaring them to be "the word of the LORD" delivered through His chosen messenger, Jeremiah the prophet, specifically directed "against the Gentiles." It thus sets the stage for a profound series of oracles that underscore God's universal sovereignty, justice, and active involvement in the destinies of all surrounding kingdoms, commencing with Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:1 functions as a formal superscription, marking the commencement of a major new literary unit within the book: the Oracles Against the Nations (chapters 46-51). Prior to this pivotal verse, Jeremiah's prophetic ministry primarily focused on Judah and Jerusalem, addressing their spiritual apostasy, impending judgment, and the promise of eventual restoration. The explicit shift in audience from Judah to "the Gentiles" (foreign nations) signals a profound broadening of the theological scope, unequivocally demonstrating God's universal sovereignty over all peoples and powers. This section is strategically positioned after the prophecies detailing Judah's fall and before the narratives of Jeremiah's post-exilic ministry, emphasizing that even amidst Judah's darkest hour and national collapse, Yahweh remains in absolute control of all global events and empires. The immediate focus on Egypt in the subsequent verses [Jeremiah 46:2-26](/jeremiah/46-2-26 "Jeremiah 46:2-26 - Prophecy Against Egypt") swiftly clarifies which "Gentiles" are initially in view, highlighting Egypt's enduring historical and contemporary geopolitical significance in relation to Judah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's extensive ministry (spanning the late 7th to early 6th century BC) unfolded during a period of unprecedented geopolitical upheaval across the ancient Near East. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in rapid decline, giving way to the formidable ascendant Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. Egypt, a perennial regional power, vigorously sought to reassert its influence, frequently clashing with Babylon and drawing smaller states like Judah into its strategic orbit. Judah, caught between these two superpowers, frequently vacillated between aligning with Egypt for perceived protection against Babylonian aggression and submitting to Babylonian suzerainty. Jeremiah consistently and vehemently warned against relying on human alliances, particularly with Egypt, urging unwavering faithfulness and exclusive trust in Yahweh alone. These prophecies against the nations, therefore, are far more than abstract theological statements; they are direct divine interventions into the complex and perilous political realities of the day, revealing God's intricate hand in the rise and fall of empires, a concept profoundly elaborated in texts like [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and God's Kingdom"). The term "Gentiles" (Hebrew: *goyim*) would have resonated deeply with an Israelite audience, who inherently understood themselves as distinct and set apart from the surrounding nations, yet here they witness God's active, judgmental, and sovereign engagement with those very nations.

* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse immediately and powerfully establishes several foundational themes that permeate not only the Oracles Against the Nations but indeed the entire prophetic corpus. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; the declarative phrase "the word of the LORD" unequivocally underscores that these pronouncements are not mere human political analyses or prognostications but direct, authoritative, and infallible revelations from the sovereign God who governs all nations, not exclusively Israel. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, as seen in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever"), which declares God's counsel against the nations. Secondly, the theme of **Universal Judgment** is powerfully introduced, demonstrating that God's justice and moral accountability extend far beyond His covenant people to encompass all peoples and kingdoms, holding them responsible for their actions, pride, and idolatry. This motif is a recurring feature in prophetic literature, with similar oracles found in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Ezekiel 25:1](/zekiel/25-1 "Ezekiel 25:1 - Prophecies Against Nations Against Ammon"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the crucial **Role of the Prophet** as God's authentic mouthpiece, emphasizing that Jeremiah is not articulating his own thoughts or political opinions but is faithfully delivering Yahweh's precise message, a calling divinely established and affirmed in [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Divine Calling").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) signifies far more than a simple spoken utterance; it carries the profound weight of a matter, an affair, a decree, a thing, or even an event. When applied to God, "the word of the LORD" implies an active, powerful, and authoritative communication that inherently brings about what it declares. It represents God's effective decree, His active will in motion, rather than mere information, thereby emphasizing the certainty, efficacy, and irresistible power of the prophecies that follow.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred Tetragrammaton (H3068), the personal, covenant name of God, most often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It is derived from the Hebrew verb "to be" (*hayah*), conveying the profound sense of the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God who is always present and faithful to His covenant. Its prominent use here underscores that the ensuing prophecies are not from a generic or regional deity but from the specific, covenant-keeping God of Israel who is simultaneously the sovereign and supreme ruler over all nations.
* **Gentiles (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This word (H1471), frequently translated as "nation" or "people," specifically refers to foreign nations, distinct and separate from Israel. In a broader, often pejorative sense, it can mean "heathen." Its plural form, *goyim*, as used here, emphatically points to the collective body of non-Israelite peoples. The immediate use of this term serves as a clear linguistic signal of a significant shift in the scope of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, moving from the internal spiritual and political affairs of Judah to God's comprehensive dealings with the wider world, demonstrating His universal dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The word of the LORD"**: This opening phrase functions as a quintessential prophetic formula, serving to unequivocally assert the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It signifies that what is about to be revealed is not Jeremiah's personal opinion, political analysis, or human insight, but a direct, infallible, and binding revelation from Yahweh, the supreme and sovereign God. The paragraph marker (¶) in the KJV often denotes a new section or a significant shift in subject matter, powerfully reinforcing the introductory and foundational nature of this verse.
* **"which came to Jeremiah the prophet"**: This crucial clause precisely identifies the human instrument through whom the divine message is conveyed. Jeremiah is explicitly named and formally designated as "the prophet," thereby affirming his divinely appointed and authorized role as God's spokesperson. This highlights the essential mediatorial aspect of prophecy, where God communicates His sovereign will to humanity through chosen individuals. It also serves to validate the authenticity and legitimacy of the subsequent oracles, grounding them in a recognized prophetic authority.
* **"against the Gentiles;"**: This concluding phrase precisely specifies both the target audience and the core content of the ensuing prophecies. "Gentiles" (Hebrew: *goyim*) refers collectively to the foreign nations surrounding Israel. This declarative statement immediately informs the reader that the prophetic focus is shifting from internal matters concerning Judah's sin and judgment to God's comprehensive judgments and sovereign plans for the wider world, powerfully demonstrating His universal dominion, His comprehensive justice, and the ultimate accountability of all peoples to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:1 primarily functions as a **Superscription** or **Introductory Formula**. This literary device is a common feature in prophetic books, serving to formally introduce a new section of prophecy, clearly identify the divine source of the message, name the human prophet through whom it is delivered, and explicitly state the subject matter or intended recipient of the oracle. Its formal and declarative nature lends immense authority and gravitas to the pronouncements that follow. The verse also employs **Repetition** of a common prophetic phrase ("the word of the LORD came to...") which reinforces the consistent divine origin and unified nature of all true prophecy throughout Scripture. Furthermore, it sets up a clear **Antithesis** or stark contrast by shifting the prophetic focus from the covenant people of Israel/Judah to "the Gentiles," thereby highlighting God's universal scope of judgment and sovereignty that extends far beyond His covenant relationship with one nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:1 holds profound theological significance as it dramatically expands the scope of God's active involvement beyond the immediate concerns of Israel. It unequivocally declares that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity or a national god, but the sovereign Lord over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions, their pride, and their idolatry. This universal dominion underscores God's impartial justice and His active, providential involvement in the rise and fall of empires, demonstrating with absolute clarity that no earthly power, no matter how mighty, operates outside of His ultimate control and sovereign purpose. The very act of delivering prophecies "against the Gentiles" powerfully asserts Yahweh's unique claim as the one true God, contrasting Him sharply with the impotent and false gods of the nations. This profound truth provides immense comfort and assurance to Israel, even in their impending exile and oppression, knowing that their God reigns supreme over their oppressors and that His ultimate plan will prevail.

* [Psalm 22:28](/psalms/22-28 "Psalm 22:28 - God Reigns Over Nations")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdom of Men")
* [Amos 1:3-2:3](/amos/1-3-2-3 "Amos 1:3-2-3 - Oracles Against Neighboring Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:1 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating a world often characterized by political turmoil, shifting geopolitical alliances, and the dramatic rise and fall of global powers. This verse serves as a powerful and unwavering reminder that God remains utterly sovereign over all earthly affairs. No government, no dictator, no international body, no economic force operates outside of His ultimate authority, divine purpose, and providential oversight. This liberating truth should instill within us a deep sense of peace, unwavering trust, and confident assurance in God's overarching plan, even when global circumstances appear chaotic, unjust, or beyond human comprehension. It calls us, as followers of Christ, to pray earnestly and consistently for our leaders and nations, recognizing that God can powerfully use even ungodly rulers to fulfill His righteous purposes, and that ultimately, all will stand accountable before Him. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that God's profound concern for justice, righteousness, and the redemption of humanity extends to all peoples, challenging us to actively participate in sharing the Gospel and advocating for justice globally, thereby reflecting His universal love, dominion, and redemptive heart for every nation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations profoundly impact your perspective on current global events and political landscapes?**
* **In what specific ways might a deeper trust in God's ultimate control over all things free you from anxiety or despair concerning political outcomes or international crises?**
* **How does the concept of God's universal judgment against nations inform and shape your prayers for your own country, its leaders, and its role in the world?**
* **What tangible responsibility do believers have to reflect God's universal justice and expansive love in a world characterized by diverse peoples, cultures, and often, deep divisions?**

### FAQ
**Why did God deliver prophecies against foreign nations through Jeremiah?**

Answer: God delivered prophecies against foreign nations through Jeremiah for several crucial and interconnected reasons. Firstly, it powerfully underscored His **universal sovereignty** – demonstrating unequivocally that He is not merely the God of Israel, but the supreme and ultimate ruler over all peoples, kingdoms, and empires. This directly challenged the prevalent ancient Near Eastern notion that other nations had their own gods who were truly in charge of their destinies. Secondly, these oracles served as a profound **vindication of His justice**, showing that God holds all nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, oppression, and violence, regardless of their covenant relationship with Him. Thirdly, they provided immense **comfort and assurance to Israel**, especially as they faced the terrifying prospect of exile and oppression from these very nations. Knowing that their God was in absolute control of their formidable enemies offered a vital source of hope that His ultimate plan for them would prevail, as seen in the broader narrative of [Jeremiah 29](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - Letter to the Exiles"). Finally, these prophecies subtly revealed God's **redemptive purpose** for all humanity, foreshadowing a future time when people from every nation would come to know and worship Him, a theme that blossoms fully in the New Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:1, by declaring God's sovereign word "against the Gentiles," lays profound foundational groundwork for understanding the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, a plan that ultimately culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While these Old Testament prophecies initially speak of judgment upon the nations, they implicitly point to a divine authority that will one day gather people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His kingdom. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Word of the LORD" made flesh, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") so profoundly proclaims, the authoritative, final, and complete revelation of God not just to Israel but to all humanity. He is the true Prophet, greater than Jeremiah, who speaks God's ultimate and perfect word, as powerfully highlighted in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son"). Furthermore, Christ's mission and ultimate triumph extend far beyond the boundaries of Israel; 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"), drawing all peoples to Himself (cf. [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). His Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission") explicitly commands His followers to make disciples of "all nations" (the Greek *ethne*, which directly corresponds to the Old Testament *goyim*), demonstrating that God's ultimate purpose for the Gentiles is not merely judgment but salvation, reconciliation, and full inclusion into His eternal kingdom, a glorious reality fully realized in the multi-ethnic worship before the throne in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation").

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 1:10

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Romans 3:29

[Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Jeremiah 25:15

¶ For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

Jeremiah 25:38

He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.

Zechariah 2:8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Numbers 23:9

For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Jeremiah 4:7

The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; [and] thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.