What does Jeremiah 46:7 mean?
"Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?" - Jeremiah 46:7

Jeremiah 46:7 (KJV) states: "Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?"
This verse is taken from the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the judgment of Egypt by the Babylonians. In this passage, Jeremiah is prophesying about an impending attack on Egypt and using poetic and metaphorical language to describe the ferocity and strength of the enemy forces.
In this verse, the prophet uses the metaphor of a flood to describe the powerful and overwhelming nature of the opposing army. The imagery of a flood evokes a sense of unstoppable force and destruction, as well as the rapid and uncontrollable movement of water. The idea of "whose waters are moved as the rivers" further emphasizes the unstoppable and tumultuous nature of the attacking army, likening their movement to the powerful currents of a river.
The use of this metaphor serves to convey the severity and inevitability of the coming judgment on Egypt. It depicts the invading army as an overwhelmingly powerful and destructive force that cannot be stopped or diverted. This creates a sense of dread and impending doom, as the people of Egypt are presented with a formidable, unstoppable enemy.
From a broader perspective, this verse reflects the themes of judgment and the consequences of sin that are prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. The impending attack on Egypt is portrayed as a manifestation of God's judgment, brought about by the sinful actions of the nation. The use of metaphorical language emphasizes the severity and inevitability of this judgment, serving as a warning to the people to repent and turn back to God.
Furthermore, the imagery of the flood also carries symbolic significance within the context of biblical storytelling. Throughout the Bible, floods are often used as a symbol of God's judgment and cleansing. For example, the story of Noah's Ark in the book of Genesis depicts a worldwide flood as an act of judgment and purification. Similarly, the imagery of a flood in this verse serves as a powerful symbol of God's impending judgment on Egypt and the need for repentance and righteousness.
In addition to the themes of judgment and repentance, this verse also carries an underlying message of the sovereignty and power of God. While the invading army is depicted as a formidable force, the ultimate source of their power and authority is God Himself. The use of metaphors such as the flood and the rivers serves to emphasize the divine origin of the impending judgment, highlighting the overarching control and authority of God over the affairs of nations.
Overall, Jeremiah 46:7 (KJV) conveys a powerful and evocative message of judgment, repentance, and the sovereignty of God. Through the use of vivid and poetic language, the verse captures the emotions of fear, awe, and impending doom, while also emphasizing the underlying themes of divine judgment and the need for repentance. The verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the power of God's judgment, while also offering hope and the possibility of redemption through turning back to God.
Have questions about Jeremiah 46:7?
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 46:7 Artwork
Jeremiah 46:7 - "Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?"
"Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?" - Jeremiah 46:7
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 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."
Numbers 7:46 - "One kid of the goats for a sin offering:"
Jeremiah 46:17 - "They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed."
Psalms 46:7 - "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."
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 46:22 - "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 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 46:23 - "They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable."
Nehemiah 7:46 - "¶ The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,"
John 7:46 - "The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."
Acts 7:46 - "Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob."
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."
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."
"One kid of the goats for a sin offering:" - Numbers 7:46
1 Kings 7:46 - "In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan."
"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."
Luke 7:46 - "My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment."