Old Testament
Jeremiah 42:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
then the very sword you're afraid of will catch up with you there in Egypt. The very famine you dread will follow you there. And you will die in Egypt.
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Then it shall come to pass, that the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die.
What Jeremiah 42:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the people who are considering fleeing to Egypt for safety. He tells them that the dangers they fear, such as war and famine, will not be avoided by leaving their homeland. Instead, these threats will follow them to Egypt, leading to their demise there. This message emphasizes that escaping from God's judgment is futile and that they cannot outrun the consequences of their choices. The people are being reminded that their fears will not be alleviated by seeking refuge in a foreign land, as God’s plans and warnings are inescapable. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trusting in God and His guidance rather than relying on human solutions that may seem safer but are ultimately misguided.
How to apply Jeremiah 42:16 to your life
This verse teaches us that running away from our problems or fears does not solve them. Instead, we should confront our challenges with faith and trust in God's plan. Seeking refuge in worldly solutions may lead to greater troubles, so it’s essential to rely on God’s guidance in difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: Taken to Egypt (Jeremiah 42:1–43:7)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 42:16
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 42:16 mean for those fearing danger?
Jeremiah 42:16 serves as a warning that fleeing from danger, like war or famine, does not guarantee safety. God tells the people that the very threats they fear will follow them to Egypt, highlighting that escaping their homeland will not protect them from the consequences of their choices. This verse emphasizes the futility of trying to outrun God's judgment and the importance of facing fears with faith.
How can Jeremiah 42:16 apply to modern life?
In today's context, Jeremiah 42:16 reminds us that avoiding our problems or seeking safety in worldly solutions often leads to greater issues. Instead of running away from challenges, we should confront them with trust in God. This verse encourages us to seek divine guidance rather than relying solely on human strategies, reinforcing the idea that true safety comes from faith and obedience to God's will.
What is the significance of Egypt in Jeremiah 42:16?
In Jeremiah 42:16, Egypt symbolizes a place of refuge that is ultimately unsafe. The people believed that fleeing to Egypt would protect them from the dangers they faced, but God reveals that their fears will follow them there. This illustrates the idea that turning to worldly solutions instead of trusting in God can lead to dire consequences, as true safety and security are found only in following God's guidance.
What lessons can we learn about fear from Jeremiah 42:16?
Jeremiah 42:16 teaches us that fear can lead to misguided decisions, such as seeking refuge in places or solutions that do not align with God's will. The verse highlights that our fears may not be alleviated by running away; instead, we should confront them through faith and reliance on God. It encourages us to trust in God's plan, reminding us that true peace comes from obedience rather than escape.
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