What does Jeremiah 43:7 mean?
"So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes." - Jeremiah 43:7

The book of Jeremiah is a prophetic book in the Old Testament of the Bible, and it contains many messages from God regarding judgment and restoration. In Jeremiah 43:7 (KJV), the verse reads, "So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the Lord: thus came they even to Tahpanhes." This verse is part of a larger narrative where the people of Judah, after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, sought refuge in Egypt instead of obeying God's command to stay in their land and submit to the Babylonian rule.
The context of this verse is important to understand its full meaning. The people of Judah had been warned by God through the prophet Jeremiah to not flee to Egypt for safety, but instead to remain in Judah and submit to the Babylonian rule. However, the people disobeyed and sought refuge in Egypt, despite God's clear instructions. This act of disobedience was seen as a lack of trust in God's protection and guidance, and it ultimately led to further judgment from God.
The themes present in this verse include disobedience, consequences of actions, and the sovereignty of God. The people of Judah's choice to disobey God's command resulted in further hardships and struggles. This theme of disobedience and its consequences is a recurring one throughout the Bible, showcasing the importance of heeding God's instructions and following His will.
Additionally, the verse also highlights the sovereignty of God. Despite the people's disobedience, God's plans and purposes still came to pass. His authority and control over all things are evident in this narrative, as the people's actions did not thwart His ultimate plan for them.
Furthermore, the symbolism in this verse can be seen in the location of Tahpanhes. Tahpanhes was a city in Egypt that was known for its idolatry and pagan worship. By fleeing to Tahpanhes, the people of Judah were turning away from the one true God and seeking refuge in a land of spiritual darkness. This symbolizes the dangers of seeking refuge in worldly things rather than relying on God for protection and guidance.
Overall, Jeremiah 43:7 (KJV) serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting and obeying God. It also highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things, even in the midst of human disobedience. The symbolism of seeking refuge in a pagan land also emphasizes the dangers of turning away from God and seeking security in worldly things. This verse is a powerful example of the timeless truths found in the Bible and serves as a warning to all who read it to heed God's word and follow His will.
Have questions about Jeremiah 43:7?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Jeremiah 43:7 Artwork
Jeremiah 43:7 - "So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes."
"So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes." - Jeremiah 43:7
Jeremiah 43:8 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,"
"¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying," - Jeremiah 43:8
Jeremiah 48:43 - "Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD."
John 7:43 - "So there was a division among the people because of him."
1 Kings 7:43 - "And the ten bases, and ten lavers on the bases;"
Jeremiah 43:6 - "Even men, and women, and children, and the king's daughters, and every person that Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah."
Nehemiah 7:43 - "¶ The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four."
Jeremiah 43:1 - "And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words,"
Jeremiah 43:2 - "Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:"
Jeremiah 32:43 - "And fields shall be bought in this land, whereof ye say, It is desolate without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans."
Jeremiah 43:13 - "He shall break also the images of Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire."
Jeremiah 43:4 - "So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah."
Jeremiah 43:11 - "And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such as are for death to death; and such as are for captivity to captivity; and such as are for the sword to the sword."
Jeremiah 50:43 - "The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail."
Jeremiah 43:9 - "Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which is at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;"
Jeremiah 51:43 - "Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth any son of man pass thereby."
Jeremiah 48:43 Fear and the pit and the snare shall be upon you, O inhabitant of Moab," says the Lord.
Jeremiah 43:3 - "But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon."
Jeremiah 48:43 Fear and the pit and the snare shall be upon you, O inhabitant of Moab," says the Lord.
"So there was a division among the people because of him." - John 7:43
"And the ten bases, and ten lavers on the bases;" - 1 Kings 7:43
Jeremiah 43:5 - "But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all nations, whither they had been driven, to dwell in the land of Judah;"
Jeremiah 7:1 - "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"
Luke 7:43 - "Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged."
"Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD." - Jeremiah 48:43
"¶ The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four." - Nehemiah 7:43
Jeremiah 43:9 "Take large stones in your hand, and hide them in the sight of the men of Judah, in the clay in the brick courtyard which is at the entrance to Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes;
Jeremiah 43:9 "Take large stones in your hand, and hide them in the sight of the men of Judah, in the clay in the brick courtyard which is at the entrance to Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes;