Jeremiah 46:17

KJV

They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt [is but] a noise; he hath passed the time appointed.

KJV (with Strong's)

They did cry {H7121} there, Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} is but a noise {H7588}; he hath passed {H5674} the time appointed {H4150}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They cried there, "Pharaoh king of Egypt makes noise, but he lets the right time [for action] slip by."

Berean Standard Bible

There they will cry out: ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt was all noise; he has let the appointed time pass him by.’

American Standard Version

They cried there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath let the appointed time pass by.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:17 captures a moment of profound humiliation for Egypt and its formidable Pharaoh, Necho II, after their decisive defeat by Babylon at the Battle of Carchemish. The verse vividly portrays the once-mighty Egyptian king as nothing more than a "noise," a boastful but ultimately empty sound, whose divinely appointed time of power and influence has irrevocably passed. It serves as a stark prophetic declaration of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the rise and fall of nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46 initiates a significant section of the book (chapters 46-51) dedicated to prophecies against foreign nations. This particular chapter focuses entirely on Egypt, beginning with a detailed prophecy concerning Pharaoh Necho's army at the Battle of Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:2-12). Following this initial declaration of defeat, Jeremiah shifts to a broader prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's invasion and conquest of Egypt itself (Jeremiah 46:13-26). Verse 17, therefore, serves as a poignant summary and derisive epitaph for Pharaoh's diminished status, spoken from the perspective of those who witnessed or heard of Egypt's downfall, reinforcing the divine judgment articulated throughout the chapter. It stands as a mocking taunt, highlighting the stark contrast between Egypt's former pride and its current humiliation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 46:17 is the geopolitical landscape of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. Egypt, under Pharaoh Necho II, was a dominant regional power, often vying for control with the rising Babylonian empire and the declining Assyrian empire. The pivotal event referenced is the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, where Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon decisively defeated the Egyptian forces. This battle marked a significant turning point, effectively ending Egyptian influence in the Levant and ushering in Babylonian supremacy. Culturally, pharaohs were considered divine or semi-divine rulers, their power absolute and their armies seemingly invincible. The public declaration that "Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise" would have been a profoundly shocking and humiliating statement, dismantling the very foundation of Egyptian imperial pride and religious claims.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Futility of Human Power**, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly rulers and empires are ultimately subject to the will of the Almighty. Pharaoh, once a symbol of strength, is reduced to an empty "noise," illustrating the transient nature of worldly might (see also [Isaiah 2:22](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease from Man")). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations**, asserting that God orchestrates the rise and fall of kingdoms according to His purposes. Pharaoh's "time appointed" was divinely determined, and its passing signifies God's active involvement in human history, a truth echoed in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Finally, the phrase "he hath passed the time appointed" introduces the theme of **Lost Opportunity and Inevitable Judgment**, suggesting that there was a set period for Egypt's dominance, and once that period expired, its downfall was assured, reflecting a broader biblical principle of divine timing and accountability for nations (cf. [Amos 1-2](/amos/1 "Amos 1-2 - Oracles Against the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cry (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, meaning "to call out to," "address by name," "proclaim," or "publish." In this context, it suggests a public declaration or outcry, likely a mocking or derisive pronouncement made by those observing Egypt's downfall. It's not a cry of lamentation from the Egyptians, but rather a proclamation of their diminished state by others.
* **noise (Hebrew, _shâʼôwn'_):** From H7588, meaning "uproar," "tumult," "din," or by implication, "destruction" or "pomp." Here, it's used derisively to describe Pharaoh's once-feared presence and boasts as nothing more than empty sound, devoid of substance or effective power after his defeat. His former "pomp" has become mere "noise."
* **passed... the time appointed (Hebrew, _ʻâbar môwʻêd'_):** These two words (H5674 and H4150) combine to form a crucial phrase. _ʻâbar_ means "to cross over," "pass by," or "transgress." _môwʻêd_ refers to "an appointment," "a fixed time or season," "a festival," or "a place of meeting." Together, "passed the time appointed" signifies that Pharaoh's allotted period of power or opportunity has expired. It implies a divinely set deadline or a missed opportunity for action or repentance, leading to inevitable decline and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They did cry there":** This opening phrase indicates a public proclamation or a widely known declaration. "They" refers to those observing or commenting on Egypt's defeat, perhaps the people of Judah, or even the Babylonians. "There" likely points to the place where the news of Egypt's humiliation was heard and disseminated, perhaps referring to Judah or the broader region affected by the shift in power. It sets the stage for the pronouncement that follows, framing it as a widely recognized truth.
* **"Pharaoh king of Egypt [is but] a noise":** This is the core of the derisive taunt. Pharaoh, the embodiment of Egyptian power and pride, is stripped of his dignity and reduced to an empty "noise" or "uproar." This signifies that his boasts, his military might, and his perceived invincibility are now revealed as hollow and ineffective. His reputation has been shattered, and his influence has evaporated, leaving behind only the echo of what once was.
* **"he hath passed the time appointed":** This clause provides the theological explanation for Pharaoh's downfall. His period of dominance, his divinely allotted season of power, has come to an end. This is not merely a military defeat but a fulfillment of a predetermined divine schedule. It implies that God had set a limit to Pharaoh's authority and that limit has now been reached and surpassed, leading to his inevitable decline and the rise of a new power.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Pharaoh, a powerful king, is directly equated with "a noise" (`shâʼôwn`). This is not a simile (like a noise) but a direct identification, powerfully conveying his utter loss of substance, authority, and effectiveness. His former pomp and power are now empty sound, a mere echo of past glory. This also borders on **Hyperbole**, as it exaggerates his diminished state to emphasize the completeness of his humiliation. Furthermore, there's a strong element of **Irony**: the king who once commanded a mighty army and was seen as a god-like figure is now mocked as insignificant. The phrase "passed the time appointed" also functions as a form of **Euphemism** for divine judgment or the end of a divinely ordained era, subtly hinting at God's sovereign control over historical events without explicitly stating "God judged him." The overall tone is one of **Derision** and **Triumph**, reflecting the prophetic perspective on the downfall of an oppressor and the vindication of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:17 serves as a powerful theological statement on the transience of human power and the absolute sovereignty of God over all nations. It debunks the myth of invincible earthly rulers, demonstrating that even the most formidable empires and their leaders operate within divinely appointed boundaries. Pharaoh's reduction from a mighty king to a mere "noise" underscores that true authority and enduring power reside solely with the Lord, who raises up and casts down kingdoms according to His eternal purposes. This verse is a testament to God's control over history, reminding us that no human boast or military might can ultimately thwart His will or extend beyond His ordained season.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Dominion is Everlasting")
* [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:17 offers profound insights for contemporary life, urging us to re-evaluate where we place our trust and how we perceive power. In a world often captivated by human achievement, political might, and economic prowess, this verse serves as a sobering reminder that all earthly glory is fleeting and ultimately subject to the sovereign hand of God. It challenges us to cultivate humility, recognizing that our own "appointed times" for influence, success, or even life itself, are finite and divinely ordained. This should inspire us to steward our time and resources wisely, focusing on eternal values rather than temporal gains. Moreover, it provides immense comfort to those who feel overwhelmed by powerful earthly forces, assuring us that God remains on His throne, orchestrating history and holding all rulers accountable. Our ultimate hope and security must rest in Him alone, not in the passing "noise" of human endeavors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and hope: in human systems and leaders, or in God's sovereign control?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly power, as depicted in this verse, shape my ambitions and priorities?**
* **Am I sensitive to the "appointed times" God might be setting in my own life, whether for opportunity, challenge, or change?**

### FAQ
**What was the "time appointed" that Pharaoh passed?**

Answer: The "time appointed" (Hebrew: `môwʻêd`) refers to the divinely ordained period of Pharaoh's (and by extension, Egypt's) dominance and influence in the region. It was a set season or opportunity that God had allowed for Egypt's power. Pharaoh Necho II "passed" or "missed" this appointed time, meaning his era of supremacy had expired, particularly after the decisive defeat at the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC. This marked the end of Egypt's significant control over the Levant and ushered in the Babylonian Empire's rise, demonstrating God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons").

**Why is Pharaoh referred to as "but a noise"?**

Answer: Calling Pharaoh "but a noise" (Hebrew: `shâʼôwn`) is a powerful, derisive metaphor. It signifies that his former boasts, his formidable military reputation, and his perceived invincibility have become hollow and empty. The "noise" represents the clamor and pomp of his once-great army and empire, now reduced to an ineffective din. It highlights the stark contrast between his former glory and his current humiliation, emphasizing that his power has vanished, leaving only an echo of what once was. This prophetic taunt underscores the futility of human pride when confronted with divine judgment, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 2:22](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease from Man").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:17, with its declaration of the futility of human power and the sovereignty of God over nations, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While earthly kings like Pharaoh rise and fall, their "appointed times" coming to an end, Jesus is the eternal King, whose kingdom "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Eternal Kingdom of God")). The "noise" of Pharaoh's boastful power contrasts sharply with the quiet, humble, yet infinitely powerful authority of Christ, who did not come to be served but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). All human empires, their pomp and their power, are but fleeting shadows compared to the reign of the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The "time appointed" for Pharaoh passed, but Christ's redemptive work at the cross marked the "fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")), inaugurating an eternal kingdom where sin and death are defeated, and God's sovereign plan culminates in His Son. Unlike Pharaoh, whose power diminished, Jesus' authority and victory are everlasting, drawing all creation into His perfect and unending reign ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

Isaiah 19:11

Surely the princes of Zoan [are] fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I [am] the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

Isaiah 19:16

In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.

1 Kings 20:10

And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.

Exodus 15:9

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

Isaiah 31:3

Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

Ezekiel 31:18

To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword. This [is] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.