Old Testament
Jeremiah 44:27
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 is declaring His intention to watch over the people of Judah who have fled to Egypt, but not in a protective way.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
I am watching over them — not to help them, but to harm them. Every person from Judah who is in Egypt will be destroyed by war and famine until they are completely wiped out.
Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is declaring His intention to watch over the people of Judah who have fled to Egypt, but not in a protective way. Instead, He is watching to ensure their destruction due to their disobedience and idolatry. The message is clear: those who have turned away from God and sought refuge in a foreign land will face dire consequences. War and famine will be their fate, leading to their complete annihilation. This reflects God's judgment on those who refuse to heed His warnings and continue in their sinful ways. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God and the inevitable consequences that follow such choices. It emphasizes that God's oversight can be a means of judgment rather than protection when people choose to reject His guidance and pursue their own paths.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 44:27 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own lives and choices. Are we seeking refuge in things that lead us away from God? It serves as a warning to stay faithful and obedient to God's guidance, as straying from Him can lead to dire consequences.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 44:27 mean?
Jeremiah 44:27 means that God is observing the people of Judah in Egypt, but not to protect them. Instead, He intends to bring about their destruction due to their disobedience and idolatry.
What is the significance of God's judgment in Jeremiah 44:27?
The significance of God's judgment in Jeremiah 44:27 highlights the consequences of turning away from Him. It shows that those who reject God's guidance and seek refuge in foreign lands will face severe repercussions.
What does 'watching over them for evil' imply in Jeremiah 44:27?
'Watching over them for evil' implies that God's attention is focused on ensuring their punishment rather than their protection. This indicates a shift from care to judgment due to their sinful actions.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 44:27?
The consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 44:27 include destruction by war and famine. This reflects the dire fate awaiting the people of Judah who have turned away from God.

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.