Jeremiah 43:9 Meaning and Explanation
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God commands Jeremiah to bury large stones in the clay of a brickyard at Pharaoh's palace entrance.
The Context of Jeremiah 43:9
God tells Jeremiah to perform a symbolic action by burying stones.
What Does Jeremiah 43:9 Mean?
Jeremiah receives a symbolic action prophecy: he must hide stones in a brick kiln at the entrance to Pharaoh's house, and he must do this publicly 'in the sight of the men of Judah.' Such prophetic actions were common in biblical prophecy, serving as visible signs of coming events that would be remembered when they occurred.
The location is significant—at the threshold of Egypt's greatest power, Jeremiah is to perform this mysterious action. The brickyard and the entrance to Pharaoh's palace establish the setting for the symbolic prophecy about what will happen in this very place.
Jeremiah 43:9 in the Original Language
mallahim (מַלְּלִים), 'clay' — the Nile mud used to make bricks, symbolizing the foundation of Egypt's power
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 43:9
What does Jeremiah 43:9 mean?
God commands Jeremiah to bury large stones in the clay of a brickyard at Pharaoh's palace entrance.
What is the context of Jeremiah 43:9?
God tells Jeremiah to perform a symbolic action by burying stones.