Old Testament
Jeremiah 46:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When they got there, they cried out, 'Pharaoh king of Egypt is nothing but loud talk! He let his moment slip away.'"
Compare translations
They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed.
What Jeremiah 46:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people express their disappointment and frustration with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. They describe him as merely 'loud talk,' indicating that he has failed to deliver on his promises or provide the help they expected. The phrase 'he let his moment slip away' suggests that Pharaoh had an opportunity to act decisively but instead missed it, leading to a sense of betrayal among those who relied on him. This reflects a broader theme of false security in human leaders and the consequences of their inaction. The people are recognizing that their trust in Pharaoh was misplaced, as he could not protect them or fulfill his role as a leader. This moment serves as a reminder of the limitations of earthly powers and the importance of placing trust in God rather than in human authority.
How to apply Jeremiah 46:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate where we place our trust. While leaders and authorities may promise support, they can fail us. It reminds us to seek our security and guidance from God, who is always faithful and capable of delivering us in times of need.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 46:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 46:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 46:17 mean?
Jeremiah 46:17 expresses the disappointment of people who relied on Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, for support. They realize he is just 'loud talk' and has failed to act when needed, highlighting the theme of misplaced trust in human leaders.
What is the significance of 'loud talk' in Jeremiah 46:17?
The phrase 'loud talk' in Jeremiah 46:17 signifies that Pharaoh's promises are empty and unfulfilled. It emphasizes the idea that mere words without action are insufficient, especially in times of crisis.
What does 'he let his moment slip away' mean in this verse?
In this verse, 'he let his moment slip away' means that Pharaoh had a critical opportunity to help but failed to take action. This reflects a broader theme of leadership failure and the consequences of inaction.
How does Jeremiah 46:17 relate to trust in God?
Jeremiah 46:17 illustrates the dangers of placing trust in human leaders like Pharaoh, who can fail us. It encourages readers to seek their security and guidance from God, who is always faithful and capable of delivering support.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.