Old Testament
Jeremiah 46:23
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 the impending destruction of Egypt, symbolized by its vast forests.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
They will cut down her forest," says the LORD, "even though it seems too thick to penetrate — because the invaders outnumber locusts. There's no counting them.
They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is declaring the impending destruction of Egypt, symbolized by its vast forests. The imagery of cutting down a thick forest suggests that despite Egypt's strength and defenses, they will be overwhelmed by invaders. The comparison to locusts emphasizes the sheer number of the attackers, indicating that they are unstoppable and will consume everything in their path. This serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and relying on human strength. The invaders, like locusts, are depicted as numerous and relentless, highlighting the futility of Egypt's hope for survival against such overwhelming odds. This verse illustrates God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring judgment upon those who oppose Him, regardless of their apparent strength or defenses.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 46:23 to your life
This verse reminds us that no matter how strong we may feel, we are vulnerable without God's protection. It encourages us to rely on divine strength rather than our own. In times of trouble, we should seek God's guidance and trust in His power to overcome challenges that seem insurmountable.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 46:23 mean?
Jeremiah 46:23 conveys God's message about the impending destruction of Egypt, symbolized by the cutting down of its forests. It illustrates that despite Egypt's apparent strength, it will be overwhelmed by invaders who are numerous like locusts.
What is the significance of locusts in Jeremiah 46:23?
In Jeremiah 46:23, locusts symbolize the overwhelming number of invaders that will attack Egypt. The comparison emphasizes that the attackers are unstoppable and will consume everything in their path, highlighting the futility of Egypt's defenses.
What does the forest represent in Jeremiah 46:23?
The forest in Jeremiah 46:23 represents Egypt's strength and defenses. God's declaration of cutting it down signifies that no matter how fortified Egypt appears, it will be brought low by the invading forces.
How does Jeremiah 46:23 relate to God's judgment?
Jeremiah 46:23 illustrates God's sovereignty and His ability to bring judgment upon nations that oppose Him. It serves as a warning that reliance on human strength without God leads to inevitable destruction.

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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