Jeremiah 46:22

Translation
King James Version
The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
The voice H6963 thereof shall go H3212 like a serpent H5175; for they shall march H3212 with an army H2428, and come H935 against her with axes H7134, as hewers H2404 of wood H6086.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
Egypt hisses like a snake, as the enemy's army marches ahead, attacking her with their axes like lumbermen chopping trees.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; with axes they will come against her like woodsmen cutting down trees.
Ask
American Standard Version
The sound thereof shall go like the serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
The sound of it shall go like the serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as wood cutters.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
The voyce thereof shall goe foorth like a serpent: for they shall march with an armie, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
Its voice as a serpent goeth on, For with a force they go, And with axes they have come in to her, As hewers of trees.
Ask
See also
Isaiah 29:4Isaiah 14:8Micah 1:8Isaiah 10:33Isaiah 10:34Zechariah 11:2Isaiah 37:24
See on the biblical-era map
Prophecy Against the Egyptians and Philistines
Prophecy Against the Egyptians and Philistines View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 20,068 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Jeremiah 46:22 delivers a stark prophetic image of Egypt's ignominious defeat at the hands of the formidable Babylonian army. The verse vividly portrays Egypt's once-proud and defiant voice reduced to a low, mournful hiss, akin to a retreating serpent, as its conquerors advance with relentless efficiency. This systematic subjugation is likened to woodcutters methodically felling a forest, underscoring the completeness of Egypt's downfall and the divine judgment being executed through Babylon as God's instrument.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Jeremiah 46:22 is strategically placed within a larger collection of divine oracles against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51), specifically within an extensive prophecy targeting Egypt (Jeremiah 46:1-26). This particular verse follows a detailed account of the decisive Battle of Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:2-12), where Egypt suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces. It builds upon the imagery of Egypt as a beautiful heifer stung by a gadfly (Jeremiah 46:20-21), symbolizing its sudden vulnerability and swift demise. The immediate verses set the stage for the graphic portrayal of Egypt's voice being silenced and its land systematically devastated, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and His sovereign control over the rise and fall of empires.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: This prophecy is deeply embedded in the tumultuous geopolitical landscape of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. Following the decline of the Assyrian Empire, Egypt, under Pharaoh Necho II, and the burgeoning Neo-Babylonian Empire, led by Nebuchadnezzar, emerged as the dominant powers vying for control of the Near East. The Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC was a pivotal moment, marking Egypt's decisive defeat and the establishment of Babylon's supremacy. Jeremiah's prophecies, including this verse, reflect the historical reality of Egypt's diminished status and subsequent invasions by Babylon, which occurred later in Nebuchadnezzar's reign. The imagery of "hewers of wood" speaks to the brutal military tactics of the era, where victorious armies would systematically plunder, destroy, and devastate conquered territories, dismantling their infrastructure and resources.
  • Key Themes: Jeremiah 46:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and throughout biblical prophecy. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Judgment over Nations. God, through His prophet, unequivocally declares His ultimate control over the destinies of even the most formidable empires, using one nation (Babylon) as an instrument of judgment against another (Egypt) for its pride and opposition to His divine purposes (compare Jeremiah 25:9). Secondly, the verse highlights the profound theme of the Humiliation and Defeat of Human Pride. Egypt, once a symbol of immense power and self-reliance, is stripped of its might and dignity, its "voice" reduced to a pathetic whisper, a stark contrast to its former roar. This serves as a potent cautionary tale against placing trust in earthly strength apart from God, a message consistently echoed throughout prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah 31:1). Lastly, the striking imagery of "hewers of wood" underscores the Thoroughness and Relentlessness of God's Judgment, portraying a systematic, unsparing, and complete destruction, much like a forest being clear-cut, signifying the total subjugation and devastation of the land (Jeremiah 4:7).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • voice (Hebrew, qôwl', H6963): This term (H6963) refers to a sound, cry, or noise. In this context, it represents the collective sound or expression of Egypt, likely encompassing its army's battle cries or its people's confident declarations. The comparison to a "serpent" radically transforms its meaning, implying a sound that is no longer a roar of defiance or a shout of strength, but rather a low, mournful hiss of fear, a whisper of retreat, or a cry of pain. It profoundly encapsulates the nation's utter humiliation and the complete loss of its formidable presence and power.
  • serpent (Hebrew, nâchâsh', H5175): Derived from a root meaning "to hiss," this word (H5175) denotes a snake. The imagery of a serpent here is not primarily focused on cunning or evil, but rather on the characteristic sound and movement associated with a snake – low to the ground, slithering, often quiet, and potentially indicative of a fearful retreat or a pained hiss. This vivid comparison starkly contrasts with the majestic and powerful imagery typically associated with a great nation, powerfully emphasizing Egypt's degraded state, panicked flight, and loss of dignity.
  • axes (Hebrew, qardôm', H7134): This word (H7134) specifically denotes an axe, a heavy tool primarily used for felling trees or chopping wood. Its inclusion is pivotal to the powerful simile "as hewers of wood." The axe represents a tool of systematic, thorough, and unsparing destruction, not merely for combat, but for dismantling and clearing. It underscores the relentless, efficient, and complete nature of the Babylonian assault, portraying them not just as warriors, but as agents of utter devastation, systematically dismantling Egypt's strength, resources, and very fabric.

Verse Breakdown

  • "The voice thereof shall go like a serpent": This clause paints a striking auditory and metaphorical picture of Egypt's rapid and humiliating downfall. "The voice thereof" refers to Egypt, likely personified as its army or the collective sound of its people. Instead of a mighty roar of battle, a confident shout, or a defiant declaration, its sound is compared to that of a "serpent," implying a low, mournful, perhaps panicked hiss of retreat or a slithering, stealthy movement of escape. This imagery powerfully conveys a sense of fear, humiliation, and the complete loss of its former formidable presence and authority.
  • "for they shall march with an army": This phrase immediately provides the underlying reason for Egypt's reduced "voice" and panicked state. "They" unequivocally refers to the invading Babylonian forces. The emphasis here is on their organized, disciplined, determined, and overwhelming advance as a cohesive and formidable "army." This highlights the relentless and unstoppable nature of the enemy, directly contrasting with Egypt's panicked retreat and setting the stage for the subsequent, even more destructive imagery.
  • "and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood": This final clause offers a second, equally potent and chilling simile to describe the Babylonian invasion. The Babylonians are depicted not merely as soldiers engaged in a conventional battle but as "hewers of wood" armed with "axes." This signifies a systematic, thorough, and unsparing destruction that goes beyond mere conquest. Just as a dense forest is systematically cut down by woodcutters, leaving nothing standing, Egypt is to be completely dismantled, devastated, and its resources and strength systematically destroyed. This imagery conveys the totality of the divine judgment and the merciless efficiency of the conquerors, suggesting an absolute and devastating defeat.

Literary Devices

Jeremiah 46:22 is exceptionally rich in Imagery, presenting striking visual and auditory pictures that convey the full force of Egypt's defeat. The "voice" of Egypt, once mighty, is reduced to the low, mournful sound of a "serpent," evoking a powerful sense of fear, humiliation, and retreat. This is a vivid Simile, directly comparing Egypt's sound to a serpent's hiss. A second, equally impactful Simile is employed when the Babylonian army's actions are likened to "hewers of wood," transforming the act of war into a systematic, almost industrial process of demolition, emphasizing the thoroughness and inevitability of the conquest. The verse also utilizes Personification by attributing a "voice" to Egypt itself, allowing the nation to embody its own humiliation and downfall. The stark contrast between Egypt's former formidable power and its current state of abject defeat and panic creates a profound sense of Irony, highlighting the transience of earthly might in the face of divine judgment.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Jeremiah 46:22 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over the nations and the inevitable consequences of national pride and rebellion against His divine purposes. It unequivocally underscores that no earthly power, however formidable or self-assured, can ultimately withstand the divine will. The humiliation of Egypt, a nation long considered invincible and a symbol of strength and stability, powerfully demonstrates that God uses even seemingly destructive forces, like the Babylonian army, as instruments to execute His righteous judgment and fulfill His overarching plan for humanity. This passage reminds us that God's justice extends to the geopolitical realm, and His counsel will ultimately stand, regardless of human schemes, military might, or grand ambitions.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Jeremiah 46:22 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, prompting us to re-evaluate our sources of security and trust. Firstly, it calls us to a deeper and unwavering trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, shifting global powers, and relentless human ambition, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God remains enthroned, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His immutable divine purpose. Our ultimate security, hope, and peace must rest solely in Him, not in fleeting earthly powers, human institutions, or military might. Secondly, the profound humiliation of Egypt serves as a potent warning against pride, whether manifested individually or nationally. When we rely on our own strength, accumulated resources, or perceived wisdom apart from God, we inevitably set ourselves up for a fall. True strength, lasting stability, and genuine prosperity come only from humble submission to God's will and faithful obedience to His commands. Finally, the vivid imagery of systematic destruction reminds us of the thoroughness and inevitability of divine judgment, which, while severe, is always perfectly just. This should lead us to profound repentance, a fervent desire for righteousness, and a humble recognition that God's ways are infinitely higher than our ways, even when they involve difficult and seemingly destructive circumstances.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the imagery of Egypt's "voice" becoming like a "serpent" challenge our contemporary understanding of power, prestige, and national identity in the modern world?
  • In what specific ways might we, as individuals, communities, or even nations, be tempted to place our ultimate trust in earthly "armies" or "axes" (i.e., human strength, financial wealth, technological prowess, or strategic alliances) rather than in God's sovereign and all-encompassing plan?
  • Considering this prophecy against Egypt, what specific areas of our personal lives, our churches, or our nation's life might benefit most from a humble recognition of God's ultimate authority and a renewed commitment to seeking His will above all else?

FAQ

What is the significance of the "serpent" imagery in Jeremiah 46:22?

Answer: The "serpent" imagery in Jeremiah 46:22 is profoundly significant in conveying the utter humiliation and complete defeat of Egypt. Unlike the serpent in the Garden of Eden, which symbolizes cunning and deception (Genesis 3:1), here it primarily refers to the characteristic sound and movement of a snake. Egypt's once-mighty "voice" – representing its power, defiance, and military might – is reduced to a low, mournful hiss or a quiet, panicked slithering sound of retreat. This imagery stands in stark contrast to the roar of a powerful nation or army, emphasizing Egypt's drastic loss of dignity, strength, and confidence in the face of the overwhelming Babylonian invasion. It signifies a complete and humiliating reversal of its former formidable status.

Why are the Babylonians described as "hewers of wood" with "axes"?

Answer: This powerful and chilling simile emphasizes the systematic, thorough, and unsparing nature of the Babylonian conquest and the divine judgment it enacts. "Hewers of wood" with "axes" are not merely engaged in a conventional battle; they are engaged in an act of complete and methodical demolition. Just as a dense forest is systematically clear-cut, leaving nothing standing and utterly transforming the landscape, the Babylonian army is depicted as meticulously dismantling Egypt's strength, resources, and very existence as a dominant power. This imagery conveys the totality of the judgment and the relentless, merciless efficiency of the conquerors, suggesting that Egypt's defeat would be absolute, devastating, and leave no aspect of its former might untouched.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Jeremiah 46:22 speaks directly to the temporal judgment of an earthly nation, it participates in a broader biblical narrative that ultimately points to the supreme and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. The transient and perishable nature of earthly empires, so vividly portrayed in Egypt's dramatic downfall, powerfully foreshadows the eternal, unshakable, and ever-expanding kingdom established by Jesus Christ. All human powers, no matter how mighty, destructive, or seemingly invincible, are ultimately mere instruments or subjects within God's sovereign and redemptive plan, a plan that culminates in the glorious reign of His Son. The "voice" of earthly powers may rise and fall, echoing for a season before being silenced, but the majestic voice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, will resound through eternity. Christ is the ultimate Victor, who has definitively disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). The systematic "hewing" and judgment described here, though executed by Babylon, prefigure the final and perfect judgment that Christ will administer at His glorious return, when He will come as the King of kings and Lord of lords to execute righteous judgment on all nations and establish His perfect justice (Revelation 19:11-16). His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it built on fleeting earthly might or human ambition, but on divine truth, eternal righteousness, and an unshakeable foundation, a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28). Thus, the fall of Egypt serves as a profound reminder that all earthly power, dominion, and authority must ultimately bow before the supreme, eternal, and sovereign authority of Christ, the true and everlasting King.

Copy as

Commentary on Jeremiah 46 verses 13–28

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

In these verses we have,

I. Confusion and terror spoken to Egypt. The accomplishment of the prediction in the former part of the chapter disabled the Egyptians from making any attempts upon other nations; for what could they do when their army was routed? But still they remained strong at home, and none of their neighbours durst make any attempts upon them. Though the kings of Egypt came no more out of their land (Kg2 24:7), yet they kept safe and easy in their land; and what would they desire more than peaceably to enjoy their own? One would think all men should be content to do this, and not covet to invade their neighbours. But the measure of Egypt's iniquity is full, and now they shall not long enjoy their own; those that encroached on others shall not be themselves encroached on. The scope of the prophecy here is to show how the king of Babylon should shortly come and smite the land of Egypt, and bring the war into their own bosoms which they had formerly carried into his borders, Jer 46:13. This was fulfilled by the same hand with the former, even Nebuchadnezzar's, but many years after, twenty at least, and probably the prediction of it was long after the former prediction, and perhaps much about the same time with that other prediction of the same event which we had Jer 43:10.

1.Here is the alarm of war sounded in Egypt, to their great amazement (Jer 46:14), notice given to the country that the enemy is approaching, the sword is devouring round about in the neighbouring countries, and therefore it is time for the Egyptians to put themselves in a posture of defence, to prepare for war, that they may give the enemy a warm reception. This must be proclaimed in all parts of Egypt, particularly in Migdol, Noph, and Tahpanhes, because in these places especially the Jewish refugees, or fugitives rather, had planted themselves, in contempt of God's command (Jer 44:1), and let them hear what a sorry shelter Egypt is likely to be to them.

2.The retreat hereupon of the forces of other nations which the Egyptians had in their pay is here foretold. Some considerable number of those troops, it is probable, were posted upon the frontiers to guard them, where they were beaten off by the invaders and put to flights. Then were the valiant men swept away (Jer 46:15) as with a sweeping rain (it is the word that is used Pro 28:3); they can none of them stand their ground, because the Lord drives them from their respective posts; he drives them by his terrors; he drives them by enabling the Chaldeans to drive them. It is not possible that those should fix whom the wrath of God chases. He it was (Jer 46:16) that made many to fall, yea, when their day shall come to fall, the enemy needs not throw them down, they shall fall one upon another, every man shall be a stumbling-block to his fellow, to his follower; nay, if God please, they shall be made to fall upon one another, they shall be made to fall upon one another, every man's sword shall be against his fellow. Her hired men, the troops Egypt has in he service, are indeed in the midst of her like fatted bullocks, lusty men, able bodied and high spirited, who were likely for action and promised to make their part good against the enemy; but they are turned back; their hearts failed them, and, instead of fighting, they have fled away together. How could they withstand their fate when the day of their calamity had come, the day in which God will visit them in wrath? Some think they are compared to fatted bullocks for their luxury; they had wantoned in pleasures, so that they were very unfit for hardships, and therefore turned back and could not stand. In this consternation, (1.) They all made homeward towards their own country (Jer 46:16): They said, "Arise, and let us go again to our own people, where we may be safe from the oppressing sword of the Chaldeans, that bears down all before it." In times of exigence little confidence is to be put in mercenary troops, that fight purely for pay, and have no interest in theirs whom they fight for. (2.) They exclaimed vehemently against Pharaoh, to whose cowardice or bad management, it is probably, their defeat was owing. When he posted them there upon the borders of his country it is probably that he told them he would within such a time come himself with a gallant army of his own subjects to support them; but he failed them, and, when the enemy advanced, they found they had none to back them, so that they were perfectly abandoned to the fury of the invaders. No marvel then that they quitted their post and deserted the service, crying out, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise (Jer 46:17); he can hector, and talk big of the mighty things he would do, but that is all; he brings nothing to pass. All his promises to those in alliance with him, or that are employed for him, vanish into smoke. He brings not the succours he engaged to bring, or not till it is too late: He has passed the time appointed; he did not keep his word, nor keep his day, and therefore they bid him farewell, they will never serve under him any more. Note, Those that make most noise in any business are frequently but a noise. Great talkers are little doers.

3.The formidable power of the Chaldean army is here described as bearing down all before it. The King of kings, whose name is the Lord of hosts, and before whom the mightiest kings on earth, though gods to us, are but as grasshoppers, he hath said it, he hath sworn it, As I live, saith this king, as Tabor overtops the mountains and Carmel overlooks the sea, so shall the king of Babylon overpower all the force of Egypt, such a command shall he have, such a sway shall he bear, Jer 46:18. He and his army shall come against Egypt with axes, as hewers of wood (Jer 46:22), and the Egyptians shall be no more able to resist them than the tree is to resist the man that comes with an axe to cut it down; so that Egypt shall be felled as a forest is by the hewers of wood, which (if there by many of them, and those well provided with instruments for the purpose) will be done in a little time. Egypt is very populous, full of towns and cities, like a forest, the trees of which cannot be searched or numbered, and very rich, full of hidden treasures, many of which will escape the searching eye of the Chaldean soldiers; but they shall make a great spoil in the country, for they are more than the locusts, that come in vast swarms and overrun a country, devouring every green thing (Joe 1:6, Joe 1:7), so shall the Chaldeans do, for they are innumerable. Note, The Lord of hosts hath numberless hosts at his command.

4.The desolation of Egypt hereby is foretold, and the waste that should be made of that rich country. Egypt is now like a very fair heifer, or calf (Jer 46:20), fat and shining, and not accustomed to the yoke of subjection, wanton as a heifer that is well fed, and very sportful. Some think here is an allusion to Apis, the bull or calf which the Egyptians worshipped, from whom the children of Israel learned to worship the golden calf. Egypt is as fair as a goddess, and adores herself, but destruction comes; cutting up comes (so some read it); it comes out of the north; thence the Chaldean soldiers shall come, as so many butchers or sacrificers, to kill and cut up this fair heifer. (1.) The Egyptians shall be brought down, shall be tamed, and their tune changed: The daughters of Egypt shall be confounded (Jer 46:24), shall be filled with astonishment. Their voice shall go like a serpent, that is, it shall be very low and submissive; they shall not low like a fair heifer, that makes a great noise, but hiss out of their holes like serpents. They shall not dare to make loud complaints of the cruelty of the conquerors, but vent their griefs in silent murmurs. They shall not now, as they used to do, answer roughly, but, with the poor, use entreaties and beg for their lives. (2.) They shall be carried away prisoners into their enemy's land (Jer 46:19): "O thou daughter! dwelling securely and delicately in Egypt, that fruitful pleasant country, do not think this will last always, but furnish thyself to go into captivity; instead of rich clothes, which will but tempt the enemy to strip thee, get plain and warm clothes; instead of fine shoes, provide strong ones; and inure thyself to hardship, that thou mayest bear it the better." Note, It concerns us, among all our preparations, to prepare for trouble. We provide for the entertainment of our friends, let us not neglect to provide for the entertainment of our enemies, nor among all our furniture omit furniture for captivity. The Egyptians must prepare to flee; for their cities shall be evacuated. Noph particularly shall be desolate, without an inhabitant, so general shall the slaughter and the captivity be. There are some penalties which, we say, the king and the multitude are exempted from, but here even these are obnoxious: The multitude of No shall be punished: it is called populous No, Nah 3:8. Though hand join in hand, yet they shall not escape; nor can any think to go off in the crowd. Be they ever so many, they shall find God will be too many for them. Their kings and all their petty princes shall fall; and their gods too (Jer 43:12, Jer 43:13), their idols and their great men. Those which they call their tutelar deities shall be no protection to them. Pharaoh shall be brought down, and all those that trust in him (Jer 46:25), particularly the Jews that came to sojourn in his country, trusting in him rather than in God. All these shall be delivered into the hands of the northern nations (Jer 46:24), into the hand not only of Nebuchadnezzar that mighty potentate, but into the hands of his servants, according to the curse on Ham's posterity, of which the Egyptians were, that they should be the servants of servants. These seek their lives, and into their hands they shall be delivered.

5.An intimation is given that in process of time Egypt shall recover itself again (Jer 46:26): Afterwards it shall be inhabited, shall be peopled again, whereas by this destruction it was almost dispeopled. Ezekiel foretels that this should be at the end of forty years, Eze 29:13. See what changes the nations of the earth are subject to, how they are emptied and increased again; and let not nations that prosper be secure, nor those that for the present are in thraldom despair.

II. Comfort and peace are here spoken to the Israel of God, Jer 46:27, Jer 46:28. Some understand it of those whom the king of Egypt had carried into captivity with Jehoahaz, but we read not of any that were carried away captives with him; it may therefore rather refer to the captives in Babylon, whom God had mercy in store for, or, more generally, to all the people of God, designed for their encouragement in the most difficult times, when the judgments of God are abroad among the nations. We had these words of comfort before, Jer 30:10, Jer 30:11. 1. Let the wicked of the earth tremble, they have cause for it; but fear not thou, O my servant Jacob! and be not dismayed, O Israel! and again, Fear thou not, O Jacob! God would not have his people to be a timorous people. 2. The wicked of the earth shall be put away like dross, not be looked after any more; but God's people, in order to their being saved, shall be found out and gathered though they be far off, shall be redeemed though they be held fast in captivity, and shall return. 3. The wicked is like the troubled sea when it cannot rest; they flee when none pursues. But Jacob, being at home in God, shall be at rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid; for what time he is afraid he has a God to trust to. 4. The wicked God beholds afar off; but, wherever thou art, O Jacob! I am with thee, a very present help. 5. A full end shall be made of the nations that oppressed God's Israel, as Egypt and Babylon; but mercy shall be kept in store for the Israel of God: they shall be corrected, but not cast off; the correction shall be in measure, in respect of degree and continuance. Nations have their periods; the Jewish nation itself has come to an end as a nation; but the gospel church, God's spiritual Israel, still continues, and will to the end of time; in that this promise is to have its full accomplishment, that, though God correct it, he will never make a full end of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–28. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Jeremiah 46:22 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.