Jeremiah 26:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men, and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death: but when Urijah heard it, he was afraid, and fled, and went into Egypt;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →King Jehoiakim tries to kill Urijah for his prophecy, so Urijah flees to Egypt.
The Context of Jeremiah 26:21
Jehoiakim moves to execute Urijah, driving him into exile in Egypt.
What Does Jeremiah 26:21 Mean?
Unlike Hezekiah's response to Micah, Jehoiakim's reaction is violent. He does not repent; he seeks to eliminate the messenger. The inclusion of 'all his mighty men' and 'all the princes' shows he mobilizes the full force of state power against a prophet.
Urijah, aware of the threat, flees. Unlike Jeremiah, who submitted to judgment, Urijah saves his life by escape. The contrast is instructive: not all prophets respond the same way, and flight is sometimes a valid choice when facing tyrannical power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 26:21
What does Jeremiah 26:21 mean?
King Jehoiakim tries to kill Urijah for his prophecy, so Urijah flees to Egypt.
What is the context of Jeremiah 26:21?
Jehoiakim moves to execute Urijah, driving him into exile in Egypt.