Old Testament
Jeremiah 46:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will hand them over to those who want them dead — to Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But afterward, Egypt will be lived in again, just as it was in ancient times," says the LORD.
Compare translations
And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants: and afterward it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the LORD.
What Jeremiah 46:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that He will allow the Egyptians to be defeated and captured by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, and his army. This is a consequence of their actions and rebellion against God. However, God also promises that Egypt will eventually be inhabited again, suggesting a restoration after the judgment. This reflects God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring about both judgment and restoration. The mention of Egypt being lived in again indicates that despite the current devastation, there is hope for the future. This verse serves as a reminder that while God may allow consequences for sin, He also offers hope and renewal.
How to apply Jeremiah 46:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that our actions have consequences, but it also reassures us that God can bring restoration after judgment. In our lives, we should seek to align with God's will, knowing that even in difficult times, there is hope for renewal and healing.
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 46:26
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 46:26
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 46:26 mean?
Jeremiah 46:26 means that God will allow the Egyptians to be defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, as a consequence of their rebellion. However, it also promises that Egypt will be inhabited again in the future, indicating a restoration after judgment.
What is the significance of Nebuchadnezzar in Jeremiah 46:26?
Nebuchadnezzar represents the instrument of God's judgment against Egypt for their disobedience. His role highlights God's sovereignty in using nations to fulfill His purposes.
What does the phrase 'afterward it shall be inhabited' mean in Jeremiah 46:26?
The phrase 'afterward it shall be inhabited' indicates that despite the impending destruction, there is hope for Egypt's future restoration and revival after the judgment has taken place.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 46:26?
Key themes in Jeremiah 46:26 include divine judgment, the sovereignty of God, and the hope for restoration. The verse reflects the consequences of sin while also emphasizing God's ability to renew and restore.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.