Old Testament
Jeremiah 42:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Just as my anger and fury were poured out on the people of Jerusalem, so my fury will be poured out on you when you enter Egypt. You will become an object of horror, a curse word, and a disgrace. And you will never see this land again.'
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For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt: and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.
What Jeremiah 42:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the people who are considering fleeing to Egypt for safety. He reminds them that just as His anger was directed at the people of Jerusalem due to their disobedience, the same anger will be directed at them if they go to Egypt. They will face severe consequences, becoming a source of horror and disgrace. This serves as a reminder that turning away from God's guidance leads to dire outcomes. The people are being told that they will not return to their homeland, emphasizing the seriousness of their choice to disobey God and seek refuge in a foreign land instead of trusting in Him.
How to apply Jeremiah 42:18 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions. When faced with difficult choices, we should not turn to worldly solutions that go against God's will. Trusting in God, even in tough times, leads to His protection and blessings.
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 42:18
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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 42:18 mean for those seeking safety in Egypt?
Jeremiah 42:18 serves as a warning to the people considering fleeing to Egypt for safety. God reminds them that just as His anger was directed at the inhabitants of Jerusalem for their disobedience, the same anger will be directed at them if they choose to leave their homeland. This verse emphasizes that turning away from God's guidance can lead to severe consequences, including becoming a source of horror and disgrace.
How does Jeremiah 42:18 relate to God's judgment?
In Jeremiah 42:18, God's judgment is highlighted through His warning to the people about the consequences of their actions. The verse illustrates that disobedience to God results in His anger and fury, which will be poured out on those who turn away from Him. It serves as a reminder that God's judgment is serious and that seeking refuge outside of His will can lead to dire outcomes.
What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah 42:18?
Jeremiah 42:18 teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions, especially during difficult times. It warns against turning to worldly solutions that contradict God's will. The verse encourages believers to trust in God for protection and blessings rather than seeking safety in places that lead away from Him. It highlights the need for obedience and faithfulness to God's direction.
Why does God express anger in Jeremiah 42:18?
God expresses anger in Jeremiah 42:18 because the people are considering disobedience by fleeing to Egypt instead of trusting in Him. Their choice reflects a lack of faith and reliance on worldly solutions rather than God's promises. This anger is a response to their persistent disobedience and the consequences that come from turning away from His guidance.
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