Jeremiah 46:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The prophet witnesses Egypt's soldiers panicking and fleeing the battlefield in fear.
The Context of Jeremiah 46:5
The collapse of Egyptian courage and the flight of its soldiers in the face of judgment.
What Does Jeremiah 46:5 Mean?
Despite all military preparation, the outcome is collapse and flight. The prophet describes seeing Egyptian warriors overtaken by dismay, turning and running without looking back. Their 'mighty ones'—their strongest and most valiant soldiers—are beaten down and flee rapidly. This reversal of expectations emphasizes the completeness of the defeat: those trained for battle are overcome by panic rather than courage.
Fear becomes the decisive force, not superior tactics or weaponry. The prophet attributes this pervasive fear to God's hand—'for fear was round about, saith the LORD.' This indicates that terror comes from divine judgment, not mere military overwhelm. God's presence in judgment unmans the soldiers and dissolves their will to fight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 46:5
What does Jeremiah 46:5 mean?
The prophet witnesses Egypt's soldiers panicking and fleeing the battlefield in fear.
What is the context of Jeremiah 46:5?
The collapse of Egyptian courage and the flight of its soldiers in the face of judgment.