Old Testament
Jeremiah 44:12
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, God warns the remnant of Judah who have chosen to flee to Egypt for safety instead of trusting Him.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
I will take hold of the remnant of Judah — those who were determined to go to Egypt and settle there — and they will all perish. They will fall in the land of Egypt, destroyed by war and famine. From the least to the greatest, they will die by the sword and by starvation. They will become an object of horror, a shocking example, a curse word, and a disgrace.
And I will take the remnant of Judah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all be consumed, and fall in the land of Egypt; they shall even be consumed by the sword and by the famine: they shall die, from the least even unto the greatest, by the sword and by the famine: and they shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the remnant of Judah who have chosen to flee to Egypt for safety instead of trusting Him. He declares that their decision will lead to their destruction. They will face death by war and famine in Egypt, regardless of their status or importance. This dire fate serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith. The people will become a symbol of horror and disgrace, illustrating the severe repercussions of turning away from God's guidance. This passage emphasizes that seeking refuge in places outside of God's will can lead to dire consequences, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 44:12 to your life
This verse reminds us to trust in God's plans rather than seeking our own solutions in times of trouble. When faced with difficult decisions, we should seek God's guidance and remain faithful, as straying from His path can lead to negative outcomes.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 44:12 mean?
Jeremiah 44:12 conveys God's warning to the remnant of Judah who chose to flee to Egypt for safety instead of trusting Him. It foretells their destruction by war and famine, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith.
What is the significance of the remnant of Judah in Jeremiah 44:12?
The remnant of Judah represents those who survived the Babylonian conquest but chose to disobey God by seeking refuge in Egypt. Their decision highlights the dangers of turning away from God's guidance and the severe consequences that can follow.
How does Jeremiah 44:12 relate to faith and trust in God?
Jeremiah 44:12 illustrates the importance of faith and trust in God, showing that seeking safety outside of His plans can lead to dire consequences. It serves as a reminder to rely on God's guidance during difficult times.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 44:12?
The consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 44:12 include death by war and famine for the remnant of Judah who fled to Egypt. This verse emphasizes that disobedience to God leads to destruction and disgrace.

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.
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