Jeremiah 43:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Babylon will destroy Egypt's temples, take spoils, and rule the land as naturally as a shepherd wears his cloak.
The Context of Jeremiah 43:12
Babylon will destroy Egyptian temples and control the land.
What Does Jeremiah 43:12 Mean?
God announces that Egyptian temples will be burned and Egyptian gods' images carried away as plunder—the ultimate sacrilege in Egyptian understanding. The simile of a shepherd donning his garment portrays Nebuchadnezzar taking dominion over Egypt with the same ease and naturalness as putting on clothing.
The phrase 'he shall go forth from thence in peace' suggests Babylon's conquest will be decisive and his rule established. The divine judgment is thorough: not only military conquest but the systematic destruction of Egypt's religious sanctuaries, as if the land itself simply becomes part of the Babylonian garment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 43:12
What does Jeremiah 43:12 mean?
Babylon will destroy Egypt's temples, take spoils, and rule the land as naturally as a shepherd wears his cloak.
What is the context of Jeremiah 43:12?
Babylon will destroy Egyptian temples and control the land.