Jeremiah 46:5

Jeremiah 46:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD.

King James Version KJV

Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

Wherefore have I seen it? they are dismayed and are turned backward; and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: terror is on every side, saith Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

What have I seen? they are overcome with fear and turned back; their men of war are broken and have gone in flight, not looking back: fear is on every side, says the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

Why do I see their lines broken and retreating? Their soldiers are defeated. They run away so quickly they don't even look back because they're so terrified by what's happening around them, declares the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Wherefore haue I seene them afraid, and driuen backe? for their mighty men are smitten, and are fled away, and looke not backe: for feare was rounde about, sayeth the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Wherefore have I seen them dismayed — They are turned backward, And their mighty ones are beaten down, And [to] a refuge they have fled, and not turned the face? Fear [is] round about — an affirmation of Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

Why have I seen it? They are dismayed and are turned backward. Their mighty ones are beaten down, have fled in haste, and don’t look back. Terror is on every side,” says the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Why have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and have fled apace, and look not back: for fear was on all sides, saith the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

What then? I have seen them dismayed, and turning their backs, their valiant ones slain: they fled apace, and they looked not back: terror was round about, saith the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

But what [RHQ] do I see? I see that the soldiers of Egypt will be terrified and will be fleeing. Even the bravest of their soldiers will be running away, without even looking backward! I, Yahweh, say that their soldiers will be terrified on all sides!

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 46:5

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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 46:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB מַדּ֣וּעַ רָאִ֗יתִי הֵ֣מָּה חַתִּים֮ נְסֹגִ֣ים אָחוֹר֒ וְ/גִבּוֹרֵי/הֶ֣ם יֻכַּ֔תּוּ וּ/מָנ֥וֹס נָ֖סוּ וְ/לֹ֣א הִפְנ֑וּ מָג֥וֹר מִ/סָּבִ֖יב נְאֻם יְהוָֽה

מַדּ֣וּעַ maddûwaʻ H4069 why? Part

רָאִ֗יתִי râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-1cs

הֵ֣מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron

חַתִּים֮ chath H2844 terror Adj

נְסֹגִ֣ים çûwg H5472 to turn V-Niphal

אָחוֹר֒ ʼâchôwr H268 back N-ms

וְ/גִבּוֹרֵי/הֶ֣ם gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Conj | Adj | Suff

יֻכַּ֔תּוּ kâthath H3807 to crush V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp

וּ/מָנ֥וֹס mânôwç H4498 refuge Conj | N-ms

נָ֖סוּ nûwç H5127 to flee V-Qal-Perf-3cp

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

הִפְנ֑וּ pânâh H6437 Corner (Gate) V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

מָג֥וֹר mâgôwr H4032 terror N-ms

מִ/סָּבִ֖יב çâbîyb H5439 around Prep | N-cs

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 46:5

מַדּ֣וּעַ maddûwaʻ H4069 "why?" Part

This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.

Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.

רָאִ֗יתִי râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

הֵ֣מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

חַתִּים֮ chath H2844 "terror" Adj

Can mean shattered, crushed, or afraid, conveying a sense of being broken or terrified, as in feeling dread or fear.

Definition: fear, terror

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: broken, dismayed, dread, fear. See also: Genesis 9:2; Job 41:25; Isaiah 7:8.

נְסֹגִ֣ים çûwg H5472 "to turn" V-Niphal

The Hebrew word çûwg means to turn back or go back, and can also imply apostasy or backsliding. In the KJV translation, it is often used to describe someone who turns away from God or their faith, as seen in various biblical passages.

Definition: 1) to move, go, turn back, move away, backslide 1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself away, turn back 1b2) to be turned or driven back, be repulsed Also means: sug (שׂוּג "to turn back" H7734)

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: backslider, drive, go back, turn (away, back). See also: Psalms 35:4; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 40:15.

אָחוֹר֒ ʼâchôwr H268 "back" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.

Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.

וְ/גִבּוֹרֵי/הֶ֣ם gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Conj | Adj | Suff

This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.

Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.

יֻכַּ֔תּוּ kâthath H3807 "to crush" V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp

To crush or beat something violently means to destroy or shatter it into pieces, as when God punished the Israelites for their disobedience.

Definition: 1) to beat, crush by beating, crush to pieces, crush fine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to beat or crush fine 1a2) to beat, hammer 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to beat or crush fine 1b2) to beat, hammer 1c) (Pual) to be beaten 1d) (Hiphil) to beat in pieces, shatter 1e) (Hophal) to be beaten, be crushed

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: beat (down, to pieces), break in pieces, crushed, destroy, discomfit, smite, stamp. l See also: Leviticus 22:24; Psalms 89:24; Isaiah 2:4.

וּ/מָנ֥וֹס mânôwç H4498 "refuge" Conj | N-ms

This Hebrew word means a place to escape or flee to, like a refuge. It appears in the Bible as a way to describe a safe haven. In the KJV, it is translated as refuge or flight.

Definition: 1) flight, refuge, place of escape 1a) flight 1b) refuge, place of escape

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apace, escape, way to flee, flight, refuge. See also: 2 Samuel 22:3; Jeremiah 16:19; Psalms 59:17.

נָ֖סוּ nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.

Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

הִפְנ֑וּ pânâh H6437 "Corner (Gate)" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.

Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)

Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.

מָג֥וֹר mâgôwr H4032 "terror" N-ms

Mâgôwr means fear or terror, describing a state of being afraid. In the Bible, it is used to express the fear or dread that people experience, such as in Deuteronomy 32:25 where it says 'The sword without, and terror within'.

Definition: fear, terror

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fear, terror. Compare H4036 (מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב). See also: Psalms 31:14; Jeremiah 20:10; Isaiah 31:9.

מִ/סָּבִ֖יב çâbîyb H5439 "around" Prep | N-cs

This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.

Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side

Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.

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.

יְהוָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 46:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 46:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 46:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 46:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 46:5
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 46:5
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5
Sermons on Jeremiah 46:5

Context — Judgment on Egypt

3“Deploy your shields, small and large; advance for battle! 4Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor!

5Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD.

6“The swift cannot flee, and the warrior cannot escape! In the north by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall. 7Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters churn?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 49:29	They will take their tents and flocks, their tent curtains and all their goods. They will take their camels for themselves. They will shout to them: ‘Terror is on every side!’
2	Jeremiah 6:25	Do not go out to the fields; do not walk the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.
3	Jeremiah 46:21	Even 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.
4	Jeremiah 20:3–4	The next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, “The LORD does not call you Pashhur, but Magor-missabib. For this is what the LORD says: ‘I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends. They will fall by the sword of their enemies before your very eyes. And I will hand Judah over to the king of Babylon, and he will carry them away to Babylon and put them to the sword.
5	Isaiah 19:16	In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them.
6	Ezekiel 32:10	I will cause many peoples to be appalled over you, and their kings will shudder in horror because of you when I brandish My sword before them. On the day of your downfall each of them will tremble every moment for his life.’
7	Jeremiah 20:10	For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”
8	Genesis 19:17	As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”
9	Nahum 2:8	Nineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days, but now it is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back.
10	Revelation 6:15–17	Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”

Jeremiah 46:5 Summary

Jeremiah 46:5 is a powerful verse that shows God's judgment and power over the nations. The scene is one of chaos and defeat, as the warriors are retreating in terror, which is a fulfillment of God's judgment. This verse reminds us that God is in control of all things, including the rise and fall of nations, as seen in Daniel 2:21, and that we should trust in Him for our peace and security, as seen in Psalm 23:4. By trusting in God, we can have confidence and courage, even in the face of challenges or fears, knowing that He is our rock and our salvation, as seen in Psalm 18:2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scene being described in Jeremiah 46:5?

The scene is one of chaos and defeat, as the warriors are retreating in terror, which is a fulfillment of God's judgment as seen in Jeremiah 46:4, where He commands the warriors to prepare for battle, but ultimately, they are defeated.

Who is speaking in Jeremiah 46:5?

The Lord is speaking, declaring the terror and defeat that the warriors are experiencing, which is consistent with His character as a God of justice and righteousness, as seen in Isaiah 30:15-16.

What is the significance of 'terror is on every side' in Jeremiah 46:5?

This phrase emphasizes the complete and utter defeat of the warriors, as they are surrounded by terror and have no escape, much like the description of God's judgment in Jeremiah 6:25, where it is written that 'terror is on every side'.

How does Jeremiah 46:5 relate to other prophecies in the Bible?

This verse is part of a larger prophecy against Egypt, as seen in Jeremiah 46:1-28, and is consistent with other prophecies of God's judgment against nations, such as Isaiah 19:1-15, where God judges Egypt for their idolatry and wickedness.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse reveal about God's power and control over the nations?
How does the scene of chaos and defeat in Jeremiah 46:5 contrast with the peace and security that comes from trusting in God, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
What can we learn from the warriors' decision to flee in haste without looking back, and how can we apply that to our own lives when faced with challenges or fears?
How does the declaration of the Lord in Jeremiah 46:5 demonstrate His sovereignty and authority over all things, including the rise and fall of nations?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 46:5

Wherefore have I seen them dismayed [and] turned away back?.... The Egyptians, after all this preparation for war, and seeming ardent to engage in battle; and yet, when they came to it, were seized

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 46:5

Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5

God had either in a vision showed Jeremiah this army of the Egyptians flying, or else had revealed to him that they should be put to flight, which the prophet here publisheth. God made a fear to fall upon the Egyptians, so as when the king of Babylon came to join battle with them, they were not able at all to stand, but turned their backs, and their greatest commanders were either killed, or fled away as fast as they could.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5

Jeremiah 46:5 Wherefore have I seen them dismayed [and] turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: [for] fear [was] round about, saith the LORD.Ver. 5. Wherefore have I seen them dismayed?] Surprised with a panic terror. And are fled apace.] Heb., Fled to flight. For fear was round about.] A proverbial form.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5

(5) Wherefore have I seen them dismayed . . .?—The prophet speaks as seeing already in his mind’s eye the confusion of the defeated army, with no way to escape, driven back on the Euphrates. In the “fear round about” (Magor-missabib) we have one of his characteristic formulæ (Jeremiah 6:25; Jeremiah 20:3; Jeremiah 20:10; Jeremiah 49:29).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5

Verse 5. Wherefore have I seen them dismayed] What! such a numerous, formidable, and well-appointed army panic-struck? So that they have turned back-fled apace, and looked not round; while their mighty ones-their generals and commanders, striving to rally them, are beaten down.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 46:5

5. Wherefore … dismayed] The LXX rightly omit the first Hebrew verb, and render, “Wherefore are they dismayed?” terror is on every side] Jeremiah’s characteristic expression. See on ch. Jeremiah 6:25.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 46:5

Literally, “Why have I seen? They are terror-stricken! they are giving way back!” The Egyptian host feels that the battle is lost, and overborne by the enemy loses heart, and in despair, yet not without a struggle, gives way.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 46:5

5. Thus far the description of the embattled host. Now comes the picture of the defeat and discomfiture. Wherefore have I seen them, etc. — The original is more expressive and poetical. Why have I seen? They are terror-stricken!

Sermons on Jeremiah 46:5

	Sermon	Description
	"The Suffering of Christ From John's Gospel" ch.17:1 by Charles Alexander	In this sermon on John 17 and 18, the preacher delves into the profound significance of Jesus' words and actions leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals His
	Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (Alternate) by Jonathan Edwards	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incomprehensible power of God's anger and the eternal misery that awaits those who have not been born again. The preacher warns that eve
	Enter Into His Rest by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in praise and worship, emphasizing the importance of praising and magnifying the name of Jesus. He encourages the be
	Don't Look Back by Arlen L. Chitwood	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not dwelling in the plain, using the story of Lot's wife as an example. He contrasts Lot, who didn't make it far in his jo
	The Lord's Knowledge, Our Safeguard by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on faith rather than relying on what we can see with our physical eyes. He shares personal experiences of feeling
	Lest Thou Be Consumed by Arlen L. Chitwood	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Genesis, specifically chapters 1 through 4. They emphasize that the work of Christ at Calvary can be seen in each of these chapte
	Run for Your Life by Arlen L. Chitwood	In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for God's blessings and guidance as they open the Word of God. They mention that they will be delivering five messages based on five p