Old Testament

Jeremiah 46:21

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, the prophet Jeremiah describes the situation of Egypt during a time of impending disaster.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

Even her hired soldiers living among her are like fattened calves. They too have turned back and fled together. They couldn't stand their ground because the day of their calamity has come upon them, and the time of their visitation.

KJVKing James Version

Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, and are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, and the time of their visitation.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes the situation of Egypt during a time of impending disaster. The hired soldiers, who are supposed to protect the nation, are compared to fattened calves, indicating they are unprepared and weak. Instead of standing firm in battle, they flee in fear when calamity strikes. This reflects a broader theme of judgment and the consequences of turning away from God. The 'day of their calamity' signifies a time when divine judgment is executed, and 'the time of their visitation' suggests a moment when God intervenes in human affairs, often with serious consequences. The imagery of fleeing soldiers highlights the futility of relying on human strength and military might when facing divine judgment. This verse serves as a warning about the importance of faithfulness and readiness in times of crisis, emphasizing that true strength comes from God, not from human resources or alliances.

How to apply Jeremiah 46:21 to your life

In our lives, we may face moments of crisis where we feel overwhelmed. This verse reminds us to rely on God rather than our own strength or resources. When challenges arise, we should seek spiritual preparedness and trust in God's guidance to stand firm in faith.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 46:21 mean?

Jeremiah 46:21 describes Egypt's hired soldiers as unprepared and cowardly in the face of disaster, highlighting their inability to stand firm when calamity strikes. This reflects a theme of judgment and the consequences of turning away from God.

What is the significance of 'the day of their calamity' in Jeremiah 46:21?

The phrase 'the day of their calamity' signifies a time when divine judgment is executed, indicating that a moment of reckoning has arrived for those who have turned away from God.

What does 'the time of their visitation' refer to in this verse?

'The time of their visitation' refers to a moment when God intervenes in human affairs, often bringing serious consequences for disobedience or unfaithfulness.

How does Jeremiah 46:21 relate to human weakness?

The verse illustrates human weakness by showing that even hired soldiers, who are expected to be strong, flee in fear during a crisis, emphasizing the futility of relying solely on human strength.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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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