Old Testament
Jeremiah 46:8
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, Egypt is compared to a powerful flood, symbolizing its overwhelming strength and ambition.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Egypt rises like the Nile in flood, its waters surging and churning. Egypt boasts, 'I will rise up and cover the earth! I will destroy cities and everyone in them!'
Egypt riseth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Egypt is compared to a powerful flood, symbolizing its overwhelming strength and ambition. The imagery of rising waters suggests that Egypt feels invincible and is ready to conquer and destroy. The boastful declaration from Egypt indicates a sense of pride and confidence in its military might, believing it can dominate and obliterate cities and their inhabitants. This reflects not only Egypt's physical power but also its arrogance, as it underestimates the consequences of its actions and the sovereignty of God. The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and the belief that one can act without accountability. Ultimately, it highlights the futility of opposing God's plans, as no earthly power can truly succeed against divine will.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 46:8 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious of pride and overconfidence in our abilities. Just as Egypt underestimated the consequences of its actions, we should recognize our limitations and the importance of humility. Trusting in God’s guidance can help us avoid destructive paths and decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 46:8 mean?
Jeremiah 46:8 compares Egypt to a powerful flood, symbolizing its overwhelming strength and ambition. The verse highlights Egypt's pride and confidence in its military might, believing it can conquer and destroy cities and their inhabitants.
What is the significance of Egypt rising like a flood in Jeremiah 46:8?
The imagery of Egypt rising like a flood signifies its perceived invincibility and readiness to dominate. It reflects the nation's arrogance and underestimation of the consequences of its actions against God's sovereignty.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 46:8?
Key themes in Jeremiah 46:8 include pride, destruction, power, arrogance, and divine sovereignty. The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of overconfidence and the futility of opposing God's plans.
How does Jeremiah 46:8 relate to the concept of pride?
Jeremiah 46:8 illustrates how Egypt's pride leads it to believe it can act without accountability. This serves as a reminder that pride can blind individuals to the potential consequences of their actions.

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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