Jeremiah 46:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Let not the swift {H7031} flee away {H5127}, nor the mighty man {H1368} escape {H4422}; they shall stumble {H3782}, and fall {H5307} toward the north {H6828} by {H3027} the river {H5104} Euphrates {H6578}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The swift cannot flee, nor the heroes escape. In the north, by the Euphrates River, they have stumbled and fallen."

Berean Standard Bible

“The swift cannot flee, and the warrior cannot escape! In the north by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall.

American Standard Version

Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; in the north by the river Euphrates have they stumbled and fallen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:6 delivers a stark prophetic declaration foretelling the catastrophic defeat of the Egyptian army. It vividly portrays a scene of utter military disaster, where even the most agile and powerful soldiers are rendered helpless, unable to escape their divinely ordained judgment. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and the futility of human strength when it opposes His will, culminating in a decisive rout by the river Euphrates.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger prophetic oracle against Egypt, specifically found in [Jeremiah chapter 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). The chapter begins with a clear heading (Jeremiah 46:1-2) indicating it's a message concerning Pharaoh Necho's army at Carchemish. Prior to verse 6, Jeremiah describes the preparations for battle, calling on the Egyptian soldiers to arm themselves (Jeremiah 46:3-4) and questioning why they are "dismayed and turned back" (Jeremiah 46:5). Verse 6 then delivers the crushing blow, explaining *why* they will turn back: their speed and might will be useless. The subsequent verses continue to describe the overwhelming nature of Babylon's attack, likening it to a flood (Jeremiah 46:7-8) and mocking Egypt's allies (Jeremiah 46:9-10), all leading to the ultimate declaration of Egypt's defeat and God's judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 46 centers on the pivotal [Battle of Carchemish](/2_kings/24-7 "2 Kings 24:7 - Battle of Carchemish and Babylonian Ascendancy"), which occurred around 605 BC. This battle was a decisive confrontation between the Egyptian forces under Pharaoh Necho II and the rising Babylonian empire led by Nebuchadnezzar. Carchemish was a strategic city on the Euphrates River, controlling a vital trade route. Egypt, having previously asserted dominance in the region after the fall of Assyria, sought to maintain its influence. However, Babylon's victory at Carchemish marked a significant shift in geopolitical power, establishing Babylon as the dominant force in the Near East and fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy. The cultural context involves the reliance of ancient armies on the strength and speed of their elite units, which makes the prophecy of their failure particularly impactful.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 46:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that no human power, no matter how formidable, can withstand God's decreed judgment. The "swift" and "mighty" of Egypt are shown to be utterly powerless against the divine will, echoing the truth that human strength is futile against God, as seen in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King Saved by Multitude"). This also highlights the **Futility of Human Pride and Reliance on Self**, as Egypt, a dominant empire, is brought low despite its perceived invincibility, serving as a stark warning against hubris, a theme also found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction"). Finally, the prophecy reinforces God's ultimate **Control Over Nations and History**, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires to fulfill His righteous purposes, a truth vividly portrayed in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **swift (Hebrew, _qal'_):** From H7031, meaning "light; (by implication) rapid." This word describes the agility and speed of the Egyptian soldiers, likely referring to their charioteers or light infantry, who would typically be the first to flee or pursue. The prophecy emphasizes that even these quick, agile forces will be unable to escape the impending doom, highlighting the totality of the defeat.
* **mighty man (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** From H1368, meaning "powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant; champion, chief, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man." This term refers to the elite, strong, and valiant warriors of the Egyptian army—the very backbone of their military might. The declaration that even such formidable individuals cannot escape underscores the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the judgment. Their strength, usually a source of confidence and victory, becomes utterly useless.
* **stumble (Hebrew, _kâshal'_):** From H3782, meaning "to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall." This word vividly portrays the physical and moral collapse of the Egyptian forces. It suggests a loss of balance, coordination, and control, indicating not an orderly retreat but a chaotic, panicked rout where soldiers trip over themselves and each other, unable to maintain their footing or composure in the face of overwhelming defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let not the swift flee away,"**: This is a rhetorical imperative, not a command to the swift, but a prophetic declaration that their usual means of escape—their speed and agility—will be rendered ineffective. It sets the stage for the inevitability of their capture and defeat, emphasizing that their natural advantage will fail them.
* **"nor the mighty man escape;"**: Parallel to the first clause, this further reinforces the inescapable nature of the judgment. Even the most powerful and valiant warriors, who might typically break through enemy lines or resist capture, will find no way out. Their strength, usually their greatest asset, will prove useless in the face of divine decree.
* **"they shall stumble, and fall"**: This phrase describes the chaotic and humiliating collapse of the Egyptian army. "Stumble" (kashal) suggests a loss of footing and control, while "fall" (naphal) signifies their complete defeat and overthrow. It paints a picture of disarray, panic, and utter rout, where soldiers are tripping over themselves, collapsing, and being cut down, rather than executing an orderly retreat.
* **"toward the north by the river Euphrates."**: This provides the precise geographical location of their downfall, grounding the prophecy in historical reality. The "river Euphrates" points directly to the site of the Battle of Carchemish, a critical strategic location. "Toward the north" indicates the direction of their flight or their position when they were overwhelmed, confirming the specific context of the Babylonian advance from the north.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:6 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending doom. The opening phrases, "Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape," utilize **Rhetorical Imperative** or **Prohibitive Language**. This is not a literal command to the soldiers, but a prophetic declaration of what *will not* happen, emphasizing the futility of their efforts to escape. This creates a strong sense of **Irony**, as the very attributes for which these soldiers are named—swiftness and might—become useless. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the structure, with the "swift" being unable to "flee away" and the "mighty man" unable to "escape," reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the defeat. The vivid imagery of "stumble, and fall" provides **Pathos** and **Visual Imagery**, painting a picture of chaotic collapse rather than an orderly retreat. Finally, the specific mention of "the river Euphrates" and "the north" serves as **Geographical Specificity**, rooting the prophecy in a concrete historical event and lending it undeniable authenticity and predictive power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:6 serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over the nations and the ultimate futility of human strength when it stands in opposition to His divine will. It illustrates that no army, no matter how swift or mighty, can thwart the purposes of the Almighty. This prophecy underscores the biblical principle that God raises up and brings down empires according to His righteous plan, using even pagan nations as instruments of His judgment. The defeat of Egypt, a dominant power, by the emerging Babylonians, demonstrates that all earthly power is provisional and subject to the divine decree. This truth should humble humanity, reminding us to place our trust not in chariots or horses, but in the Lord our God.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King Saved by Multitude"): "No king is saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength."
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"): "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."
* [Isaiah 13:6-9](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6-9 - The Day of the Lord"): "Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world that often values speed, strength, and self-reliance, this verse serves as a sobering reminder that human capabilities, no matter how impressive, are ultimately limited and subject to God's overarching plan. It calls us to humility, urging us to recognize that true security and victory come not from our own might or cleverness, but from absolute dependence on God. When faced with overwhelming challenges or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we are encouraged to remember that the Lord is sovereign over all circumstances, nations, and even the most formidable adversaries. This truth can instill a deep sense of peace and confidence, knowing that God's justice will prevail and His purposes will be accomplished, regardless of human opposition. It compels us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: in our own abilities and resources, or in the unfailing power of the Almighty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my trust and confidence when facing challenges: in my own abilities, or in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the futility of Egypt's "swift" and "mighty" forces challenge my own reliance on worldly strength or perceived advantages?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to surrender control and acknowledge God's ultimate authority, even when circumstances seem chaotic or overwhelming?**
* **How can the assurance of God's control over nations and history strengthen my faith and encourage me to pray for His will to be done on earth?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "river Euphrates" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "river Euphrates" was a crucial geographical marker, specifically pointing to the location of the [Battle of Carchemish](/2_kings/24-7 "2 Kings 24:7 - Battle of Carchemish and Babylonian Ascendancy") (around 605 BC). This battle, fought on the banks of the Euphrates, was a pivotal moment in ancient Near Eastern history. Jeremiah's prophecy, by naming this specific river, demonstrated the precise, divinely-inspired nature of his foresight, as it accurately predicted the very place where Egypt's military might would be decisively broken by the rising power of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. It underscores God's meticulous control over historical events and the destinies of nations.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's character?**

Answer: This prophecy powerfully reveals God's attributes of absolute **Sovereignty** and **Justice**. It demonstrates that He is the ultimate ruler over all nations, orchestrating their rise and fall according to His divine will, as seen in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). The defeat of Egypt, a proud and powerful nation, showcases His justice in bringing low those who oppose His purposes or rely solely on their own strength, echoing the warning in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction"). It highlights that no human force can withstand His judgment, affirming His omnipotence and unwavering commitment to His plans.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 46:6 directly concerns the historical defeat of Egypt, its theological underpinnings find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom through Jesus Christ. The prophecy's declaration that no "swift" or "mighty man" can escape divine judgment foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over all spiritual and temporal powers that oppose God. On the cross, Jesus disarmed the "principalities and powers" (spiritual "mighty men" who sought to enslave humanity), making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He, the true Lamb of God, entered the domain of death and emerged victorious, destroying "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" (cf. [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Destroying the Power of Death")). The stumbling and falling of Egypt's army by the Euphrates prefigures the ultimate and inescapable judgment that awaits all who stand against God's anointed King. In the New Testament, we see Christ as the one who will return to execute final judgment, where no enemy, no matter how swift or mighty, will be able to flee or escape His righteous wrath (cf. [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy points to the complete and irreversible victory of God's kingdom, established and consummated in Christ, where all earthly and spiritual opposition will ultimately stumble and fall.

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

Daniel 11:19

Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

Jeremiah 46:12

¶ 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.

Amos 2:14

Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

Amos 2:15

Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and [he that is] swift of foot shall not deliver [himself]: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

Jeremiah 4:6

Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Jeremiah 20:11

But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

Jeremiah 50:32

And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.