Jeremiah 46:12

KJV

¶ The nations have heard of thy shame, and thy cry hath filled the land: for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, [and] they are fallen both together.

KJV (with Strong's)

The nations {H1471} have heard {H8085} of thy shame {H7036}, and thy cry {H6682} hath filled {H4390} the land {H776}: for the mighty man {H1368} hath stumbled {H3782} against the mighty {H1368}, and they are fallen {H5307} both {H8147} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The nations have heard about your disgrace; your shrieks fill the earth as warrior trips over warrior, both falling down together.

Berean Standard Bible

The nations have heard of your shame, and your outcry fills the earth, because warrior stumbles over warrior and both of them have fallen together.”

American Standard Version

The nations have heard of thy shame, and the earth is full of thy cry; for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, they are fallen both of them together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:12 serves as a stark prophetic declaration of Egypt's impending and humiliating defeat, specifically at the hands of Babylon. This verse vividly portrays the catastrophic consequences of their military downfall, emphasizing the widespread public knowledge of their disgrace and the pervasive anguish that would fill the land. It highlights the utter collapse of Egypt's formidable military might, as even their most valiant warriors would stumble and fall in disarray, underscoring the futility of human strength against the sovereign decree of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:12 is situated within a series of prophetic oracles against foreign nations, a significant section of the book of Jeremiah spanning from [chapter 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt") to [chapter 51](/jeremiah/51 "Jeremiah 51 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). Specifically, chapter 46 is dedicated to God's judgment against Egypt. This particular verse concludes the initial oracle concerning Pharaoh Necho's army at the Battle of Carchemish, setting the stage for further pronouncements of Egypt's downfall. The preceding verses ([Jeremiah 46:1-11](/jeremiah/46-1 "Jeremiah 46:1-11 - The Defeat at Carchemish")) describe the preparations and subsequent rout of the Egyptian army, making verse 12 the culminating declaration of their public shame and internal collapse.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical backdrop for this prophecy is the decisive Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, a pivotal moment in ancient Near Eastern history. At this battle, the resurgent Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar utterly crushed the Egyptian army led by Pharaoh Necho II. Egypt, a long-standing regional power, had previously enjoyed significant influence and military prowess. Culturally, military strength and national pride were deeply intertwined, and a defeat of this magnitude would have been a profound humiliation. The prophecy also anticipates Nebuchadnezzar's subsequent invasion of Egypt itself, further cementing their downfall. Jeremiah's message, delivered during a time when Judah was caught between these two superpowers, served to demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, regardless of their perceived might.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that even mighty empires like Egypt are subject to God's judgment and control. The public nature of Egypt's defeat, "The nations have heard of thy shame," highlights the theme of **National Humiliation and Disgrace** as a consequence of defying God's purposes or relying solely on human strength. Furthermore, the chaotic imagery of "the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty" vividly illustrates the **Futility of Human Power** when it stands opposed to divine will, a concept echoed in passages like [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - God's Deliverance, Not Human Strength") and [Isaiah 31:1-3](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1-3 - Woe to Those Who Trust in Egypt"). The "cry hath filled the land" also speaks to the theme of **Widespread Lamentation and Judgment**, a common motif in prophecies of national destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) typically refers to foreign nations or Gentiles, often carrying a connotation of non-Israelite peoples. In this context, it emphasizes the global awareness of Egypt's defeat, signifying that their shame was not a private matter but a public spectacle for all surrounding peoples. The use of "nations" underscores the widespread impact and notoriety of Egypt's downfall.
* **Filled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** The verb (H4390) means to fill or be full of, in a wide application, both literally and figuratively. Here, it is used figuratively to convey the overwhelming and pervasive nature of Egypt's "cry." It suggests that the lamentation, sorrow, and cries of distress were so intense and widespread that they permeated every corner of the land, leaving no place untouched by the national anguish.
* **Mighty man (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This word (H1368) denotes a powerful individual, a warrior, champion, or valiant man. Its repetition in the phrase "the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty" emphasizes the internal chaos and utter disarray within the Egyptian ranks. It signifies that even their elite, strongest, and most capable warriors were rendered helpless, not just by an external enemy, but by their own internal collapse and confusion, stumbling over each other in a scene of complete military breakdown.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The nations have heard of thy shame":** This clause immediately establishes the public and widespread nature of Egypt's impending disgrace. It implies that Egypt's defeat will be so decisive and humiliating that it will become common knowledge among all surrounding peoples, stripping Egypt of its former prestige and military reputation. The "shame" (H7036, _qâlôwn'_) signifies deep dishonor, ignominy, and reproach.
* **"and thy cry hath filled the land":** Following the public shame, this clause describes the internal consequence: a pervasive lamentation and anguish. The "cry" (H6682, _tsᵉvâchâh'_) refers to a screech of anguish or a cry of defeat. The image of this cry "filling the land" conveys the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the national sorrow, suggesting that every part of Egypt would be permeated with sounds of distress and mourning.
* **"for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, [and] they are fallen both together":** This final clause provides the reason for Egypt's shame and cry, detailing the chaotic collapse of their military. The repetition of "mighty man" (H1368, _gibbôwr'_) underscores the internal disarray, where even the strongest warriors became impediments to one another. They "stumbled" (H3782, _kâshal'_) and "fallen" (H5307, _nâphal'_) "both together" (H8147, _shᵉnayim'_ and H3162, _yachad'_), depicting a scene of utter defeat where military cohesion completely broke down, leading to a collective and ignominious collapse.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "thy cry hath filled the land," which, while not literally meaning the entire land was audibly full of cries, powerfully communicates the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the national lamentation. **Imagery** is richly used to paint a vivid picture of military collapse, particularly in "the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, [and] they are fallen both together." This creates a chaotic visual of warriors tripping over each other, emphasizing the disarray and futility of their resistance. The repetition of "mighty man" also functions as a form of **Anaphora** (though not at the beginning of clauses, it's a strong repetition of a key phrase), drawing attention to the unexpected weakness of those presumed strong. Furthermore, there's an element of **Irony** in the "mighty men" stumbling against each other, as their strength becomes their undoing, highlighting the ultimate impotence of human might against divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:12 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the transient nature of earthly power. It serves as a powerful reminder that no empire, however formidable or self-assured, is beyond the reach of divine judgment. Egypt, a nation long seen as a symbol of strength and a potential ally for Judah, is here utterly humiliated, demonstrating that reliance on human might or political alliances apart from God is ultimately futile. This theological truth underscores the principle that God raises up and casts down kingdoms according to His divine purpose, often using one nation as an instrument of judgment against another, as He did with Babylon against Egypt. The shame and lamentation described are not merely military consequences but divine retribution for pride and opposition to God's will.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Daniel 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Isaiah 14:26-27](/isaiah/14-26 "Isaiah 14:26-27 - The Lord's Purpose Against All Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:12 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that true security and lasting peace are not found in human strength, military might, or worldly achievements, but in humble reliance on God alone. Just as Egypt's pride and power were brought to nothing, so too can our own self-reliance or trust in fleeting earthly resources lead to shame and despair. This verse calls us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: Is it in our own abilities, our financial security, our political systems, or in the unfailing power and wisdom of the Almighty God? It encourages a posture of humility, recognizing that God is sovereign over all circumstances, both personal and global. When we face our own "mighty men" of challenges or temptations, we are reminded that true victory comes not from our own might, but from yielding to God's will and trusting in His divine provision and protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own strength or worldly resources rather than fully trusting in God?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly power, as depicted in this verse, shape my perspective on current global events and political landscapes?**
* **What "shame" or "cry" might result in my life if I consistently choose self-reliance over dependence on God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in my daily walk?**

### FAQ

**Question?**
What was the significance of the Battle of Carchemish mentioned in relation to this verse?

Answer: The Battle of Carchemish, which occurred in 605 BC, was a highly significant military engagement where the Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar decisively defeated the Egyptian army led by Pharaoh Necho II. This battle marked a major turning point in ancient Near Eastern history, effectively ending Egypt's dominance in the region and establishing Babylon as the preeminent superpower. For Judah, it meant a shift from Egyptian influence to Babylonian subjugation, directly leading to the first deportation of Judeans to Babylon, including Daniel and his companions ([Daniel 1:1-6](/daniel/1-1 "Daniel 1:1-6 - Daniel Taken to Babylon")). Jeremiah 46:12, along with the rest of [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt"), prophesies the shame and defeat of Egypt that stemmed from this pivotal event and its aftermath.

**Question?**
Why would God pronounce judgment on a foreign nation like Egypt?

Answer: God's judgment on foreign nations, as seen throughout the prophetic books, demonstrates His universal sovereignty, not just over Israel but over all peoples and kingdoms. These judgments often serve multiple purposes: to punish nations for their pride, idolatry, oppression, or defiance of His moral order; to protect His covenant people, Israel, from their enemies; and to reveal His power and justice to the entire world. In Egypt's case, their pride, their idolatry, and their historical role in oppressing Israel (as well as their current role in tempting Judah to trust in them rather than God) all contributed to their judgment. God uses nations as instruments in His divine plan, raising some up and bringing others down, as articulated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria, God's Instrument").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 46:12 directly prophesies the historical defeat of Egypt, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The verse speaks of the utter collapse of human might and pride in the face of divine judgment. This theme is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who, though appearing in weakness and humility, utterly triumphed over the true "mighty men" of sin, death, and the devil. The shame and cry of a defeated nation foreshadow the ultimate shame and lamentation of those who reject the sovereign rule of God, revealed fully in Christ. Conversely, for those who trust in Him, Christ's victory on the cross means freedom from the shame and defeat of sin. The "mighty man" who stumbled and fell in Jeremiah 46:12 contrasts sharply with the "mighty man" who conquers through apparent defeat: Jesus Christ, who through His death and resurrection, disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), reversing the shame of humanity's rebellion and offering a cry of victory, not anguish, to those who believe. His kingdom, unlike earthly empires, will never stumble or fall, but will endure forever ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")).

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

Nahum 3:8

¶ Art thou better than populous No, that was situate among the rivers, [that had] the waters round about it, whose rampart [was] the sea, [and] her wall [was] from the sea?

Nahum 3:10

Yet [was] she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.

Jeremiah 14:2

Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up.

Jeremiah 46:6

Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.

Isaiah 19:2

And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, [and] kingdom against kingdom.

1 Samuel 5:12

And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

Jeremiah 49:21

The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea.