Old Testament
Jeremiah 46:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Egypt will hiss like a retreating snake as the enemy marches in with full force. They'll come at her with axes, like men chopping down trees.
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The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.
What Jeremiah 46:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the imagery of Egypt hissing like a snake suggests a sense of fear and retreat in the face of an advancing enemy. The comparison to axes and tree chopping indicates the destructive force of the invading army, emphasizing their intent to dismantle and conquer. The verse captures the moment of impending doom for Egypt, portraying the enemy as relentless and powerful. The sound of the serpent symbolizes the warning of danger, while the axes represent the violent actions that will follow. This vivid imagery serves to highlight the seriousness of the situation and the inevitable downfall of Egypt as they face a formidable foe. The verse reflects the broader theme of judgment against nations that oppose God's will, illustrating the consequences of turning away from Him. It serves as a reminder of the power of God in orchestrating events in history, particularly in the context of nations and their fates.
How to apply Jeremiah 46:22 to your life
This verse reminds us of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith. In our lives, we may face challenges that feel overwhelming, but we can trust that God is in control and will ultimately bring justice. Staying close to Him can provide strength and guidance during difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 46:22
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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 46:22 mean?
Jeremiah 46:22 uses the imagery of Egypt hissing like a snake to illustrate fear and retreat as an enemy army approaches. The mention of axes symbolizes the destructive intent of the invaders, highlighting the impending doom for Egypt.
What is the significance of the serpent in Jeremiah 46:22?
The serpent in Jeremiah 46:22 represents a warning of danger and fear. It emphasizes Egypt's vulnerability as they face a powerful enemy, suggesting that their situation is dire.
What does the imagery of axes represent in Jeremiah 46:22?
In Jeremiah 46:22, the axes symbolize the violent and destructive actions of the invading army. This imagery conveys the seriousness of the threat against Egypt and their impending downfall.
How does Jeremiah 46:22 relate to the theme of judgment?
Jeremiah 46:22 reflects the theme of judgment by illustrating the consequences faced by nations that oppose God's will. It serves as a reminder of the power of God in determining the fate of nations.
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