Old Testament
Jeremiah 43:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Azariah and Johanan, along with other proud men, challenge the prophet Jeremiah's message.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men confronted Jeremiah. "You're lying!" they said. "The LORD our God didn't send you to tell us, 'Don't go to Egypt to settle there.'
Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Azariah and Johanan, along with other proud men, challenge the prophet Jeremiah's message. They accuse him of lying when he warns them not to go to Egypt. This reflects their arrogance and refusal to accept God's guidance through Jeremiah. They believe they know better than the prophet and dismiss his warning, showing a lack of faith in God's plan. This confrontation highlights the tension between divine instruction and human pride. The people are seeking safety in Egypt, but Jeremiah's message is clear: they should trust in God rather than their own understanding. This moment illustrates the struggle between following God's will and succumbing to fear and doubt, which can lead to poor decisions. The rejection of Jeremiah's prophecy serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring divine guidance in favor of human reasoning.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 43:2 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of humility in our faith. We should be open to God's guidance, even when it challenges our plans or desires. Trusting in God's wisdom over our own understanding can lead to better outcomes and spiritual growth.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 43:2 mean?
Jeremiah 43:2 describes a confrontation where Azariah and Johanan accuse the prophet Jeremiah of lying about God's message. They refuse to accept his warning against going to Egypt, showcasing their arrogance and lack of faith in God's guidance.
What is the significance of pride in Jeremiah 43:2?
In Jeremiah 43:2, pride is significant as it leads Azariah and Johanan to dismiss God's message through Jeremiah. Their arrogance prevents them from recognizing the truth and following divine guidance, illustrating the dangers of human pride.
What does the term 'arrogant men' refer to in Jeremiah 43:2?
The term 'arrogant men' in Jeremiah 43:2 refers to those who are proud and dismissive of God's message. Their arrogance leads them to confront Jeremiah and reject his warning, emphasizing their lack of humility.
How does Jeremiah 43:2 relate to trusting God?
Jeremiah 43:2 illustrates the importance of trusting God over human reasoning. The characters in the verse choose to ignore God's guidance through Jeremiah, which serves as a reminder of the consequences of not following divine wisdom.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.