What does Jeremiah 46:17 mean?
"They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed." - Jeremiah 46:17

In Jeremiah 46:17, the King James Version reads, "They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed." This verse comes from one of the prophecies of Jeremiah, who was a prophet during the time of the Babylonian conquest of Judah. In this particular passage, Jeremiah is pronouncing judgment on Egypt and its King, Pharaoh Neco.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its meaning. At this time, Egypt was a powerful and wealthy nation, and Pharaoh Neco was a respected and feared ruler. However, in this prophecy, Jeremiah is proclaiming that Egypt's power and prestige would ultimately be proven to be empty and transitory.
The theme of the verse is the sovereignty and judgment of God. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, the prophet repeatedly emphasizes the power of God to bring down nations and rulers who oppose His will. In this particular verse, Jeremiah is declaring that even a mighty and formidable ruler like Pharaoh Neco will ultimately be brought low by the hand of God. The verse serves as a reminder that no human power or authority is above the judgment of God.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The image of Pharaoh Neco as "but a noise" emphasizes the fleeting and insubstantial nature of his power. Despite his intimidating reputation, Jeremiah portrays him as ultimately insignificant in the face of God's judgment. The phrase "he hath passed the time appointed" suggests that Neco's reign is limited and that he will ultimately face the consequences of his actions.
Overall, this verse from Jeremiah 46 serves as a powerful reminder of God's authority over the nations of the earth. It emphasizes the transitory nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. The prophecy of Jeremiah serves as a warning to all rulers and nations that they are ultimately subject to the judgment and will of the Lord. It also offers comfort and hope to those who trust in God, reminding them that He is ultimately in control of the course of human history. The verse also serves as a call to humility, urging individuals and nations to recognize their limited power in the face of the Almighty.
Have questions about Jeremiah 46:17?
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 46:17 Artwork
Jeremiah 46:17 - "They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed."
"They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed." - Jeremiah 46:17
Jeremiah 46:1 - "The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;"
Jeremiah 46:13 - "¶ The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt."
Jeremiah 46:3 - "Order ye the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle."
Jeremiah 46:20 - "Egypt is like a very fair heifer, but destruction cometh; it cometh out of the north."
Jeremiah 46:7 - "Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?"
Jeremiah 50:46 - "At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations."
Jeremiah 46:15 - "Why are thy valiant men swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them."
"The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;" - Jeremiah 46:1
Jeremiah 46:24 - "The daughter of Egypt shall be confounded; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north."
Jeremiah 46:19 - "O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity: for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant."
Jeremiah 46:22 - "The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood."
Jeremiah 48:46 - "Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives."
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."
Jeremiah 46:4 - "Harness the horses; and get up, ye horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets; furbish the spears, and put on the brigandines."
Genesis 46:17 - "¶ And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel."
Jeremiah 46:6 - "Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates."
"Order ye the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle." - Jeremiah 46:3
"¶ The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt." - Jeremiah 46:13
Jeremiah 46:14 - "Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee."
Jeremiah 46:11 - "Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured."
Jeremiah 46:18 - "As I live, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts, Surely as Tabor is among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea, so shall he come."
"Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?" - Jeremiah 46:7
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."
Jeremiah 46:8 - "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."
Jeremiah 46:25 - "The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith; Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, and all them that trust in him:"
Jeremiah 46:12 - "The nations have heard of thy shame, and thy cry hath filled the land: for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, and they are fallen both together."
"The daughter of Egypt shall be confounded; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north." - Jeremiah 46:24
Jeremiah 17:17 - "Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil."