Jeremiah 46:11

KJV

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; [for] thou shalt not be cured.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go up {H5927} into Gilead {H1568}, and take {H3947} balm {H6875}, O virgin {H1330}, the daughter {H1323} of Egypt {H4714}: in vain {H7723} shalt thou use many {H7235} medicines {H7499}; for thou shalt not be cured {H8585}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Go up to Gil'ad for its healing resin, virgin daughter of Egypt. You try many medicines, all in vain; for you there is no cure.

Berean Standard Bible

Go up to Gilead for balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt! In vain you try many remedies, but for you there is no healing.

American Standard Version

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt: in vain dost thou use many medicines; there is no healing for thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:11 delivers a profound and ironic prophecy against Egypt, depicting it as a "virgin daughter" suffering a mortal wound for which no earthly remedy, however potent or numerous, can provide healing. This verse underscores the futility of human strength and self-reliance when confronted with the sovereign judgment of God, declaring that Egypt's attempts to recover from its divinely ordained defeat will be utterly in vain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant prophetic oracle against Egypt, specifically found in [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). The broader context of Jeremiah 46-51 comprises a series of prophecies against various foreign nations, demonstrating Yahweh's universal sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel. Chapter 46 details Egypt's impending defeat at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, particularly referencing the Battle of Carchemish (605 BC) where Egypt's military might was decisively broken ([Jeremiah 46:2-12](/jeremiah/46-2 "Jeremiah 46:2-12 - Egypt's Defeat at Carchemish")). Verse 11 serves as a climactic declaration within this oracle, emphasizing the incurable nature of the wound inflicted upon Egypt by divine decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late 7th century BC, a period of shifting geopolitical power as the Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to dominance, challenging the established power of Egypt and the declining Assyrian Empire. Egypt, a long-standing regional superpower, was seen as a formidable force, often relied upon by smaller nations like Judah for protection against Mesopotamian powers. Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, was renowned in antiquity for its medicinal balm (resin from trees like the balsam), a highly valued commodity known for its healing properties. The prophet's ironic command to "Go up into Gilead, and take balm" would have resonated with the cultural understanding of this potent remedy, making the declaration of its futility even more striking and humiliating for Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 46:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty** of Yahweh over all nations and historical events, asserting that even the most powerful empires are subject to His will and judgment ([Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates Nations' Plans")). Secondly, it underscores the **Futility of Human Remedies** and self-reliance in the face of divine judgment. Egypt's military strength, wealth, and even its attempts at "healing" are declared useless, illustrating that no human effort can avert God's determined purpose ([Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")). Lastly, the imagery of a "virgin, the daughter of Egypt" being brought low emphasizes the theme of **Humiliation and Irreversible Judgment**, portraying a once proud and seemingly inviolable nation suffering an irreparable blow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **virgin (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** This term (H1330) refers to a virgin, often implying one who is untouched, private, or inviolable. When applied figuratively to a city or state, as it is here to Egypt, it personifies the nation as pure, strong, and previously unconquered or unmolested. The prophet's use of "virgin" for Egypt is deeply ironic, highlighting its perceived invulnerability before its devastating defeat. It underscores the profound shock and humiliation of its impending downfall, as a "virgin" nation is about to be "defiled" or conquered.
* **balm (Hebrew, _tsᵉrîy'_):** The word (H6875) denotes a distillation or balsam, specifically the medicinal resin from Gilead, famous for its healing properties for wounds. The command to "take balm" is a sarcastic invitation for Egypt to seek a cure, which the prophet immediately declares will be useless. This emphasizes the severity and incurability of the wound Egypt is about to suffer, a wound beyond the reach of even the most renowned ancient remedies.
* **in vain (Hebrew, _shâvᵉʼ'_):** This term (H7723) signifies emptiness, futility, or uselessness, often implying deception or falsehood. Here, it emphatically declares that Egypt's efforts to apply "many medicines" will yield no positive result. It highlights the absolute certainty of divine judgment and the utter powerlessness of human endeavors to counteract God's decree. The attempt at self-remedy is not just ineffective; it is fundamentally futile, leading to no cure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt:"** This opening clause is a sarcastic imperative. The prophet, speaking for God, mockingly commands Egypt—personified as a "virgin daughter" to emphasize its former pride and perceived inviolability—to seek the famous healing balm from Gilead. This sets up the profound irony of the verse, as a nation facing a mortal, divinely inflicted wound is told to seek a remedy that will prove utterly useless.
* **"in vain shalt thou use many medicines;"** This clause immediately negates the preceding ironic command. The Hebrew word for "in vain" (H7723, _shâvᵉʼ_) powerfully underscores the utter futility of Egypt's efforts. Despite its resources and attempts to find a cure through numerous "medicines" (H7499, _rᵉphuʼâh_), all such human endeavors will be empty and ineffective against the wound God has inflicted.
* **"for thou shalt not be cured."** This concluding declaration delivers the definitive and irreversible judgment. It states unequivocally that Egypt's wound is beyond any earthly remedy. The phrase "shalt not be cured" (H8585, _tᵉʻâlâh_, here in the negative) signifies a complete and permanent lack of healing or restoration. This is not merely a setback but a divinely ordained, incurable devastation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:11 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message. The most prominent is **Irony**, where the prophet sarcastically instructs Egypt to seek the renowned "balm in Gilead," only to immediately declare its utter uselessness. This creates a stark contrast between the expected healing properties of the balm and the incurable nature of Egypt's divinely inflicted wound, highlighting the futility of human remedies against God's judgment. **Personification** is also central, as Egypt is addressed as a "virgin, the daughter of Egypt." This poetic device gives the nation human qualities, emphasizing its former perceived purity, strength, and inviolability, which makes its impending humiliation and incurable wound all the more poignant and devastating. Furthermore, the phrase "many medicines" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the sheer extent of Egypt's futile efforts to heal itself, underscoring that no amount of human intervention will suffice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:11 serves as a stark theological declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over nations and the futility of human strength or wisdom when it stands in opposition to divine decree. It teaches that there are wounds, particularly those inflicted by divine judgment, for which no human remedy or self-effort can provide a cure. This principle extends beyond national judgment to individual spiritual realities, reminding humanity that our deepest ailments—sin, brokenness, and alienation from God—are beyond the scope of any worldly "balm" or "medicine." True healing and restoration can only come from God's sovereign grace and intervention, emphasizing the necessity of humble dependence on Him rather than self-reliance.

* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "The Lord Frustrates Nations' Plans")
* [Jeremiah 8:22](/jeremiah/8-22 "Jeremiah 8:22 - Is There No Balm in Gilead?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:11 offers a profound challenge to our human tendency to rely on our own resources, wisdom, or strength to solve our deepest problems, particularly those of a spiritual nature. Just as Egypt's military might and access to renowned remedies proved useless against God's judgment, so too are our own efforts insufficient to heal the wounds of sin, brokenness, or spiritual emptiness. This verse calls us to examine what "balms" we are seeking in our lives—whether it be wealth, power, relationships, achievements, or self-help philosophies—when confronted with our inherent spiritual sickness. It underscores that true and lasting healing, restoration, and security come not from human ingenuity or worldly solutions, but from humble reliance on the sovereign power and mercy of God. It compels us to acknowledge that some wounds are incurable by human hands, necessitating a divine physician.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "balms" or "medicines" do I tend to rely on in my life when facing deep-seated problems or spiritual brokenness, rather than seeking God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my sense of self-sufficiency and my belief in human solutions for spiritual ailments?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to surrender my futile attempts at self-cure and instead trust in God's sovereign healing and provision?**

### FAQ
**Why is Egypt referred to as a "virgin, the daughter of Egypt" in this verse?**

Answer: This is a prophetic personification, a common literary device in the Bible where a nation is depicted as a woman. Calling Egypt a "virgin" emphasizes its perceived strength, purity, and inviolability before its impending defeat. It highlights the profound humiliation and shock of its downfall, as a nation once seen as untouched and unconquered is now brought low and "defiled" by divine judgment.

**What is the significance of "balm in Gilead" in this context?**

Answer: Gilead was a region known for producing a highly prized medicinal resin or balm, used for healing wounds. The prophet's instruction for Egypt to "Go up into Gilead, and take balm" is deeply ironic. It highlights that even the most potent and renowned earthly remedies are utterly useless against a wound inflicted by God's sovereign judgment. The significance lies in the futility of human efforts to counteract divine decree.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice and judgment?**

Answer: Jeremiah 46:11 vividly demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and justice over all nations. Egypt, a proud and powerful empire, is shown to be completely subject to God's will. The incurable wound signifies a divine judgment for Egypt's pride, its opposition to God's purposes (often seen in its interactions with Israel), and its idolatry. It underscores that God holds nations accountable for their actions and that His judgments are final and inescapable when He determines them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:11, with its pronouncement of an incurable wound for Egypt, powerfully foreshadows humanity's own spiritual condition apart from Christ. Just as Egypt's attempts to heal itself with "many medicines" were in vain, so too are all human efforts—whether through good works, religious rituals, or philosophical pursuits—incapable of curing the deep, mortal wound of sin that afflicts every person. Humanity's spiritual sickness is divinely diagnosed as terminal, a condition from which no earthly "balm" can bring true healing. It is into this desperate human condition that Christ enters. He is the ultimate "Balm of Gilead," the divine Physician who alone can heal the incurable wound of sin. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus offers the only true remedy for our spiritual brokenness, providing forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). He declares that He came not for the healthy but for the sick ([Matthew 9:12](/matthew/9-12 "Matthew 9:12 - Jesus, the Physician for Sinners")), offering a cure that is not "in vain" but eternally effective ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Healing Through Christ's Wounds")). Thus, Jeremiah 46:11, while speaking of national judgment, ultimately points to the universal human need for the unique and sovereign healing found only in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")).

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 8:22

[Is there] no balm in Gilead; [is there] no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Micah 1:9

For her wound [is] incurable; for it is come unto Judah; he is come unto the gate of my people, [even] to Jerusalem.

Isaiah 47:1

¶ Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: [there is] no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

Nahum 3:19

[There is] no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?

Luke 8:43

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Luke 8:44

Came behind [him], and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

Jeremiah 14:17

¶ Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.