Old Testament
Jeremiah 42:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Everyone who is determined to go live in Egypt will die by the sword, by famine, and by disease. Not a single one of them will survive or escape the disaster I will bring on them.'
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So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there; they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.
What Jeremiah 42:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the people who are considering fleeing to Egypt for safety. He makes it clear that their decision will lead to dire consequences. Those who choose to go to Egypt will face death through violence, starvation, and disease. God emphasizes that none of them will survive the calamity He will bring upon them. This message serves as a stern reminder of the importance of trusting in God's plans rather than seeking refuge in human solutions. The people are being urged to recognize that their safety lies in obedience to God, not in running away from their circumstances. The verse highlights the futility of trying to escape God's judgment by turning to a place that seems secure but is actually fraught with danger. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience, illustrating that turning away from God's guidance leads to destruction.
How to apply Jeremiah 42:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's guidance during difficult times rather than seeking our own solutions. When faced with challenges, we should seek God's will and remain faithful, knowing that true safety comes from following Him, not from fleeing to our own plans.
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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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 42:17 mean?
Jeremiah 42:17 warns that those who choose to flee to Egypt for safety will face severe consequences, including death by violence, famine, and disease. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plans rather than seeking refuge in human solutions.
What is the significance of Egypt in Jeremiah 42:17?
In Jeremiah 42:17, Egypt symbolizes a false sense of security. The verse illustrates that turning to Egypt for safety instead of relying on God leads to destruction and highlights the futility of seeking human solutions in times of crisis.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 42:17?
The consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 42:17 include death by the sword, famine, and disease. God declares that none of those who go to Egypt will survive the calamity He will bring upon them.
How does Jeremiah 42:17 relate to trusting God?
Jeremiah 42:17 emphasizes the need to trust in God's guidance during difficult times. It teaches that relying on human solutions, like fleeing to Egypt, can lead to dire consequences, while true safety lies in following God's will.
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