Jeremiah 46:11 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Egypt seeks healing from its wound, but no remedy will cure the damage inflicted by judgment.
The Context of Jeremiah 46:11
Egypt's inability to heal from the wound of divine judgment, despite seeking all available remedies.
What Does Jeremiah 46:11 Mean?
The prophet addresses Egypt as 'O virgin, the daughter of Egypt,' using tender language that makes the coming judgment more poignant. Egypt is urged to seek balm from Gilead—the region known for its healing ointments—yet the command is futile. The repetition of futility—'in vain shalt thou use many medicines'—emphasizes that no earthly remedy can heal what divine judgment has wounded.
This verse employs metaphor: Egypt's defeat is portrayed as a grave wound that cannot be healed. Physical medicines represent all human efforts at recovery and restoration. The prophecy asserts that once God's judgment falls, no amount of human effort—medicine, time, or strategy—will restore Egypt's former position. The wound is not merely physical; it is a judgment that defies human remedy.
Jeremiah 46:11 in the Original Language
balm (צְרִי) — tsori, a resinous plant from Gilead used for medicinal purposes; symbolizes healing and restoration that will prove inadequate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 46:11
What does Jeremiah 46:11 mean?
Egypt seeks healing from its wound, but no remedy will cure the damage inflicted by judgment.
What is the context of Jeremiah 46:11?
Egypt's inability to heal from the wound of divine judgment, despite seeking all available remedies.