Jeremiah 46:18 Meaning and Explanation
“As I live, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts, Surely as Tabor is among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea, so shall he come.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God swears by His own life that His judgment will come with the majesty and prominence of great mountains.
The Context of Jeremiah 46:18
God's oath swearing that His judgment will come with unmistakable prominence.
What Does Jeremiah 46:18 Mean?
The LORD now speaks directly, swearing an oath by His own life. The oath formula 'As I live' emphasizes the certainty and seriousness of what follows. The similes compare the coming judgment to Mount Tabor among mountains and Mount Carmel by the sea—both prominent, distinctive peaks that cannot be hidden or diminished. Just as these mountains stand out unmistakably in the landscape, so God's judgment will be unmistakably evident.
The comparison suggests inevitability and clarity. One cannot miss a mountain; similarly, God's judgment cannot be avoided or overlooked. The invocation of Tabor and Carmel—well-known landmarks in the Land of Israel—brings familiar imagery to bear on Egypt's fate. The assertion 'so shall he come' (referring to the invader, Nebuchadrezzar) frames the military invasion as itself an agent of God's purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 46:18
What does Jeremiah 46:18 mean?
God swears by His own life that His judgment will come with the majesty and prominence of great mountains.
What is the context of Jeremiah 46:18?
God's oath swearing that His judgment will come with unmistakable prominence.