Jeremiah 46:8

KJV

Egypt riseth up like a flood, and [his] waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, [and] will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Egypt {H4714} riseth up {H5927} like a flood {H2975}, and his waters {H4325} are moved {H1607} like the rivers {H5104}; and he saith {H559}, I will go up {H5927}, and will cover {H3680} the earth {H776}; I will destroy {H6} the city {H5892} and the inhabitants {H3427} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is Egypt, rising up like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge out in flood, saying, "I will surge out and cover the earth, destroying the city along with its people."

Berean Standard Bible

Egypt rises like the Nile, and its waters churn like rivers, boasting, ‘I will rise and cover the earth; I will destroy the cities and their people.’

American Standard Version

Egypt riseth up like the Nile, and his waters toss themselves like the rivers: and he saith, I will rise up, I will cover the earth; I will destroy cities and the inhabitants thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:8 vividly portrays Egypt's arrogant self-perception and ambitious intent, likening its perceived power to the overwhelming, destructive force of a rising flood or mighty rivers. The verse captures Egypt's boastful declaration to conquer and devastate the earth, cities, and their inhabitants, setting the stage for the prophetic pronouncements of divine judgment against its pride and eventual defeat by a superior power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46 initiates a series of prophecies against foreign nations, specifically focusing on Egypt. This chapter serves as a pivotal transition in the book of Jeremiah, shifting from prophecies primarily concerning Judah's sin and impending judgment to a broader scope encompassing the nations surrounding Israel. Verse 8 immediately follows a description of Egypt's military preparations and initial confidence, where Pharaoh Necho II's forces are depicted as marching forth (compare [Jeremiah 46:3-7](/jeremiah/46-3-7 "Jeremiah 46:3-7 - Egypt's Military Preparations")). This sets up a dramatic contrast with the subsequent verses, which detail Egypt's catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Carchemish and the humiliation of Pharaoh Necho II (see [Jeremiah 46:9-12](/jeremiah/46-9-12 "Jeremiah 46:9-12 - Egypt's Defeat at Carchemish")). The powerful flood imagery used in this verse is a significant literary device that will be inverted later in the chapter to describe Egypt's own overwhelming destruction, not of others, but of itself.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 46:8 is set against the backdrop of a significant geopolitical struggle in the ancient Near East during 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 Neo-Babylonian Empire. The "flood" imagery is deeply rooted in Egyptian culture, where the annual inundation of the Nile River (`yᵉʼôr`) was the lifeblood of the nation, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and immense power. This cultural understanding of the Nile's overwhelming force is leveraged by Jeremiah to depict Egypt's self-assured, almost divine, ambition to "cover the earth" and "destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof." The prophecy directly precedes the historical Battle of Carchemish (circa 605 BC), where Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon decisively defeated the Egyptian forces, marking a significant shift in regional power dynamics and validating Jeremiah's prophetic word.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 46:8 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **human pride and arrogance**, specifically the hubris of nations that believe themselves invincible and self-sufficient, independent of divine sovereignty. Egypt's boastful declaration serves as a stark example of this human tendency to exalt oneself, echoing the warning found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **divine judgment against nations**, foreshadowing that such pride will inevitably be met with God's opposition and ultimate defeat. While the verse itself describes Egypt's ambition, its very inclusion in a prophetic oracle against Egypt implies that this ambition is an affront to God and will not stand. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's absolute sovereignty over all nations**, demonstrating that even the most powerful empires, like Egypt, are mere instruments or objects of His divine plan, subject to His will and judgment, as further elaborated in [Jeremiah 46:10](/jeremiah/46-10 "Jeremiah 46:10 - The Day of the Lord's Vengeance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Egypt (Hebrew, _Mitsrayim'_):** This term (H4714) refers to "Upper and Lower Egypt," emphasizing the unified and formidable nature of the nation. In this context, it personifies the entire Egyptian state and its leadership, embodying its collective pride and aggressive ambition. The use of "Egypt" here is not merely geographical but carries the weight of a powerful, self-sufficient empire that believes itself capable of universal dominion.
* **flood (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** Of Egyptian origin (H2975), this word specifically denotes a "channel," "canal," and most notably, the "Nile" as the primary river of Egypt. The comparison of Egypt to a "flood" or "river" directly invokes the immense power and life-giving, yet potentially destructive, force of the Nile, which was central to Egypt's identity and prosperity. Here, it symbolizes Egypt's overwhelming military might and its perceived ability to inundate and conquer any opposition.
* **riseth up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** This primitive root (H5927) means "to ascend," "be high," or "mount." Used twice in the verse ("riseth up" and "I will go up"), it powerfully conveys Egypt's aggressive, upward surge of power and its ambitious intent to dominate. It signifies not just a physical movement or military advance but an arrogant assertion of supremacy and a determined drive to extend its dominion over others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Egypt riseth up like a flood":** This opening clause immediately establishes a powerful simile, comparing the nation of Egypt to a surging, overwhelming flood. The imagery evokes a sense of unstoppable force and immense power, suggesting Egypt's perceived invincibility and its aggressive posture on the world stage. It sets the tone for a nation confident in its own military might and expansive capabilities.
* **"and [his] waters are moved like the rivers;":** This expands on the initial flood imagery, reinforcing the idea of a vast, turbulent, and powerful entity. The "waters" represent Egypt's military forces and its expansive influence, which are depicted as restless, agitated, and ready to overflow their banks, much like the mighty rivers of the ancient world. This further emphasizes the perceived unstoppable nature of Egypt's advance and its readiness for conflict.
* **"and he saith, I will go up, [and] will cover the earth;":** Here, Egypt is personified, articulating its audacious and arrogant ambition. The declaration "I will go up" reiterates the aggressive ascent, while "will cover the earth" expresses a hyperbole of total global domination. This statement reveals the extent of Egypt's hubris, believing itself capable of universal conquest, a claim that directly challenges the sovereignty of God.
* **"I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.":** This final clause specifies the destructive intent behind Egypt's ambition. It's not merely about expansion but about annihilation. "The city" (singular, perhaps referring to any opposing stronghold or even Jerusalem implicitly) and "the inhabitants thereof" highlight Egypt's ruthless determination to eliminate all resistance and exert absolute control, underscoring the severity of its perceived threat to other nations.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:8 is rich with **Simile**, primarily comparing "Egypt" to a "flood" and its "waters" to "rivers." This vivid imagery draws upon the powerful and familiar natural phenomenon of the Nile's annual inundation, which was both life-giving and potentially destructive, to convey Egypt's perceived overwhelming military might and aggressive expansionist ambitions. The verse also employs striking **Personification**, as Egypt is depicted as an active agent that "saith" (declares) its intentions, giving voice to its arrogant pride. This personification makes the nation's hubris more tangible and direct, as if the entire nation is speaking its boast. Furthermore, **Hyperbole** is evident in the declarations "I will cover the earth" and "I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof." These exaggerated claims emphasize the boundless nature of Egypt's ambition and its self-proclaimed omnipotence, which stands in stark contrast to the divine reality that only God possesses such ultimate power. Underlying these devices is a profound **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, aware of the broader prophetic context of Jeremiah 46, knows that Egypt's boast will soon be decisively shattered by divine judgment, turning its perceived strength into utter defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human pride and the sovereignty of God. It illustrates the biblical principle that any nation or individual that exalts itself in its own strength, believing it can "cover the earth" and "destroy" without divine permission, is on a collision course with the Almighty. Egypt's boastful self-assertion is a direct challenge to God's ultimate authority over all creation and all kingdoms. This verse highlights the futility of human ambition when it operates outside of, or in defiance of, God's will, setting the stage for the dramatic display of divine judgment that follows in the chapter. It underscores the truth that true power and dominion belong to God alone, and He can raise up or bring down nations according to His purposes.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 10:12-15](/isaiah/10-12-15 "Isaiah 10:12-15 - The Arrogance of Assyria")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Confession of God's Sovereignty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:8 stands as a timeless warning against the perils of human pride and self-sufficiency, urging us to consider where our ultimate trust lies. In a world that often values power, ambition, and self-made success, this verse reminds us that even the mightiest human endeavors and grandest declarations are ultimately subject to the sovereign will of God. When we, like ancient Egypt, become consumed by our own perceived strength, resources, or plans, we risk forgetting that true authority and control rest with the Creator. This passage calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing our limitations and dependence on God. It encourages us to submit our ambitions and plans to His divine wisdom, understanding that genuine security and lasting success come not from our own might, but from aligning our lives with His purposes. It challenges us to reflect on areas where we might be operating out of a spirit of arrogance, rather than a spirit of humble reliance on the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own strength or resources rather than trusting in God's sovereignty?**
* **How might I be exhibiting a "flood-like" ambition that seeks to "cover the earth" or "destroy" obstacles in my own way, instead of seeking God's will?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and greater dependence on God in my daily decisions and long-term plans?**

### FAQ
**Why is Egypt compared to a flood and rivers in this verse?**

Answer: The comparison of Egypt to a "flood" and "rivers" (specifically the Nile, or _yᵉʼôr_) is a powerful literary device rooted in ancient Egyptian culture. The Nile's annual inundation was essential for Egypt's agriculture and prosperity, making it a symbol of immense power, fertility, and life. By likening Egypt's military might and expansionist ambitions to an overflowing flood, Jeremiah emphasizes the nation's perceived overwhelming and unstoppable force. However, this imagery also carries an ironic undertone, as floods can be destructive and eventually recede, foreshadowing Egypt's own impending defeat and humiliation at the hands of Babylon, as detailed later in [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt").

**What is the significance of Egypt's declaration, "I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof"?**

Answer: This declaration highlights Egypt's extreme arrogance and hubris. By stating "I will go up," Egypt expresses its aggressive intent to ascend and dominate. The phrases "will cover the earth" and "will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof" are hyperbole, demonstrating Egypt's boundless ambition and its self-proclaimed omnipotence. This boastful language is a direct challenge to the sovereignty of God, who alone has the power to control the earth and determine the fate of nations. Such declarations of self-sufficiency and ultimate power are consistently condemned in biblical prophecy, setting the stage for divine judgment against those who exalt themselves above the Creator.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 46:8 vividly portrays the pride and impending downfall of an earthly kingdom, it ultimately points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the humility of its true King, Jesus Christ. Egypt's boast to "cover the earth" and "destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof" is a stark contrast to Christ's mission. Unlike earthly rulers who seek to dominate through force and destruction, Jesus "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Purpose of the Son of Man")). The "flood" of Egypt's ambition is met with divine judgment, whereas the "flood" of God's grace and salvation flows through Christ, who, though "in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). The defeat of Egypt's pride foreshadows the ultimate dismantling of all human systems and powers that oppose God, culminating in Christ's final victory over sin, death, and every earthly dominion ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). His kingdom, established not by earthly conquest but by sacrificial love and resurrection power, is the one that truly "covers the earth" with its influence, not through destruction, but through redemption and transformation, ultimately leading to the day when "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet")).

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 37:24

By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, [and] the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, [and] the forest of his Carmel.

Isaiah 37:26

Hast thou not heard long ago, [how] I have done it; [and] of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities [into] ruinous heaps.

Isaiah 10:13

For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done [it], and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant [man]:

Isaiah 10:16

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

Ezekiel 32:2

Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou [art] as a whale in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.

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.

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.