Jeremiah 46:23
Jeremiah 46:23 in Multiple Translations
They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.
They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable.
They shall cut down her forest, saith Jehovah, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable.
They will be cutting down her woods, for they may not be searched out; because they are like locusts, more than may be numbered.
They will cut them down like a thick forest, declares the Lord, because the invaders are like a swarm of locusts—there are so many of them that they can't be counted.
They shall cut downe her forest, saith the Lord: for they cannot be counted, because they are moe then ye grashoppers, and are innumerable.
They have cut down her forest, An affirmation of Jehovah — for it is not searched, For they have been more than the grasshopper, And they have no numbering.
They will cut down her forest,” says the LORD, “though it can’t be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable.
They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable.
They have cut down her forest, saith the Lord, which cannot be counted: they are multiplied above locusts, and are without number.
I, Yahweh, say that they will kill the soldiers of Egypt as though [SIM] they were a forest of trees, because the enemy soldiers will be as numerous as a swarm of locusts.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 46:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 46:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּרְת֤וּ
יַעְרָ/הּ֙
נְאֻם
יְהוָ֔ה
כִּ֖י
לֹ֣א
יֵֽחָקֵ֑ר
כִּ֤י
רַבּוּ֙
מֵֽ/אַרְבֶּ֔ה
וְ/אֵ֥ין
לָ/הֶ֖ם
מִסְפָּֽר
כָּרְת֤וּ
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יַעְרָ/הּ֙
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
N-ms | Suff
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵֽחָקֵ֑ר
châqar
H2713
to search
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רַבּוּ֙
râbab
H7231
to multiply
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מֵֽ/אַרְבֶּ֔ה
ʼarbeh
H697
locust
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
מִסְפָּֽר
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 46:23
כָּרְת֤וּ
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
יַעְרָ/הּ֙
yaʻar
H3293
"Jaar"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.
Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵֽחָקֵ֑ר
châqar
H2713
"to search"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to search or examine something closely, like trying to find out the truth. It is used in the Bible to describe seeking out knowledge or wisdom, and is often translated as search or seek out.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, search out, examine, investigate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search (for) 1a2) to search through, explore 1a3) to examine thoroughly 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out, be found out, be ascertained, be examined 1c) (Piel) to search out, seek out
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try. See also: Deuteronomy 13:15; Psalms 44:22; Psalms 139:1.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רַבּוּ֙
râbab
H7231
"to multiply"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to multiply or increase, used in Genesis to describe God's promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous.
Definition: 1) to be or become many, be or become much, be or become great 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be or become many 1a2) to be or become great 1a3) to be long (of journey) 2) (Pual) ten thousands
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: increase, be many(-ifold), be more, multiply, ten thousands. See also: Genesis 6:1; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 3:2.
מֵֽ/אַרְבֶּ֔ה
ʼarbeh
H697
"locust"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for locust, which rapidly multiplies, is also used figuratively to describe sudden disappearance or insignificance, as seen in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a kind of locust, locust swarm (coll) 2) (CLBL) 2a) sudden disappearance (fig.) 2b) insignificance (fig.) 2c) activity (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: grasshopper, locust. See also: Exodus 10:4; 2 Chronicles 6:28; Psalms 78:46.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
מִסְפָּֽר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 46:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 46:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 46:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 46:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:23
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 46:23
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 46:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:23
- Sermons on Jeremiah 46:23
Context — Judgment on Egypt
21Even the mercenaries among her are like fattened calves. They too will turn back; together they will flee, they will not stand their ground, for the day of calamity is coming upon them— the time of their punishment.
22Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; with axes they will come against her like woodsmen cutting down trees.
23They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.
24The Daughter of Egypt will be put to shame; she will be delivered into the hands of the people of the north.” 25The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 7:12 | Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore. |
| 2 | Judges 6:5 | For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it. |
| 3 | Joel 2:25 | I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts— the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust — My great army that I sent against you. |
| 4 | Isaiah 10:18 | The splendor of its forests and orchards, both soul and body, it will completely destroy, as a sickness consumes a man. |
| 5 | Revelation 9:2–10 | The star opened the pit of the Abyss, and smoke rose out of it like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the pit. And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The locusts were not given power to kill them, but only to torment them for five months, and their torment was like the stinging of a scorpion. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, but death will escape them. And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads, and faces like the faces of men. They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions. They also had thoraxes like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 20:46 | “Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev. |
Jeremiah 46:23 Summary
In Jeremiah 46:23, the Lord declares that He will cut down the forest of Egypt, which represents the country's wealth and power. This means that despite Egypt's strength and resources, God is still in control and will bring judgment upon the nation for its sin (see Proverbs 21:31 for a similar reminder of God's sovereignty). The invaders are compared to locusts, emphasizing their numerousness and ability to devour everything in their path. This verse reminds us that God is the one who is truly in control, and we should trust in Him rather than in earthly powers (see Psalm 20:7 for a similar encouragement to trust in God).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the forest represent in Jeremiah 46:23?
The forest in this verse likely represents the wealth and power of Egypt, which will be cut down by the invading army, as declared by the Lord (see Isaiah 10:34 for a similar use of forest as a metaphor).
Why are the invaders compared to locusts in Jeremiah 46:23?
The invaders are compared to locusts because of their numerousness and ability to devour everything in their path, much like locusts devour crops (see Joel 1:4 for a similar comparison).
What is the significance of the Lord declaring the destruction of Egypt's forest?
The Lord's declaration emphasizes His sovereignty and control over the nations, including Egypt, and serves as a reminder of His power to judge and punish sin (see Jeremiah 25:15-38 for a similar declaration of judgment).
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Jeremiah 46?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy against Egypt, which is being judged for its sin and idolatry, and serves as a warning to God's people to trust in Him rather than in earthly powers (see Jeremiah 46:25 for a similar warning).
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that I am trusting in for security and strength, and how might God be calling me to trust in Him instead?
- How can I apply the principle of God's sovereignty over the nations to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can be a part of declaring God's power and judgment to a world that often trusts in its own strength and wealth?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of uncertainty and chaos?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 46:23
They shall cut down her forest, saith the Lord,.... The land of Egypt, compared to a forest, for the multitude of its cities and towns, and the inhabitants of them; which should be destroyed by the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 46:23
They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:23
Egypt is compared to a forest, either for the multitude of cities or of people in that country; and to a thick forest, because as it is a hard thing to make one’ s way through a forest, so it was judged as hard for an enemy to make his way into that country: in human probability Egypt could not be searched, yet (saith God) the Chaldeans shall cut down this forest, and it shall be no more to them than for hewers of wood, with tools fitted for the purpose, to make their way through a forest. For the army of the Chaldeans shall be as numerous as the inhabitants of Egypt, more than the grasshoppers, which come in such troops as in a short time they devour every green herb in a place.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:23
Jeremiah 46:23 They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and [are] innumerable.Ver. 23. They shall cut down her forest,] i.e., Her many cities. Herodotus telleth of one thousand and twenty cities that were in the land of Egypt in the days of King Amasis. Because they are more than the grasshoppers.] The Babylonian sellers are; and those many hands will make light work. Lib. ii.; Diodor., lib. i. cap. 31.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:23
Verse 23. They shall cut down her forest] Supposed to mean her cities, of which Egypt had no fewer than one thousand and twenty.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 46:23
23. though] better, as mg. for. they are more] i.e. the enemy. the locusts] See on Joe 1:4, C.B. (Driver).
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 46:23
Or, “They have cut down her forest, saith Yahweh, for it is impenetrable,” i.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:23
23. Cut down her forest — These Chaldean wood choppers will do this, though it be most dense, (referring to this land thickly set with cities and filled with the products of material prosperity,) for
Sermons on Jeremiah 46:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Christ, Our Identity by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that our identity as Christians is rooted in our relationship with Jesus, who is our family member and the foundation of our lives. He encourages believers |
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A Word for the Down-Hearted by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are feeling discouraged and downhearted. God speaks to His people, urging them to listen to Him amidst the various voices they have |
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Revival - Part 1 by L.E. Maxwell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a sense of wonder and awe towards God. He explains that when people lose this sense of wonder, they are in need of |
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Failure & Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preparing for a year-end conference in Ajmer, India. He expresses his concern about being in high demand and the pressure to de |
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Audio Sermon: Backsliding by William MacDonald | This sermon delves into the theme of backsliding, exploring the consequences and the way back to God's grace. It emphasizes the importance of confession, forsaking sin, and seeking |
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Beyond Obedience by Christine Lamicela | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following God's calling and not holding back others from fulfilling their purpose. The story of Noah and his obedience to G |
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Letting Go of Condemnation and Judging by Albert Zehr | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the hearts of believers and their longing for God to move in their lives. He shares a personal experience of listening to a tap |