Jeremiah 46:16 Meaning and Explanation
“He made many to fall, yea, one fell upon another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity, from the oppressing sword.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Defeated soldiers urge each other to flee and return to their homelands.
The Context of Jeremiah 46:16
The collapse of Egyptian military cohesion and the soldiers' flight to their homelands.
What Does Jeremiah 46:16 Mean?
The collapse intensifies: many fall, and in the confusion, soldiers fall upon one another. Survivors recognize the futility of continued resistance and call out to each other to flee, abandoning the battlefield entirely. They speak of returning to 'our own people' and 'the land of our nativity,' invoking loyalty to home and family over commitment to Pharaoh's war. The breakdown of military discipline is complete.
The 'oppressing sword' drives this resolution. It represents not just the military threat but the presence of divine judgment that makes continued resistance unbearable. The soldiers' decision to flee and seek safety in their homelands reflects the recognition that this battle cannot be won and that personal survival and family ties matter more than military honor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 46:16
What does Jeremiah 46:16 mean?
Defeated soldiers urge each other to flee and return to their homelands.
What is the context of Jeremiah 46:16?
The collapse of Egyptian military cohesion and the soldiers' flight to their homelands.