Jeremiah 46:7 Meaning and Explanation
“Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A rhetorical question identifying an invading force rising like a flood.
The Context of Jeremiah 46:7
The introduction of Babylon's overwhelming advance using flood imagery.
What Does Jeremiah 46:7 Mean?
The prophet shifts perspective, addressing the flood-like advance of Babylon. The rhetorical question—'Who is this?'—frames the approaching army as an overwhelming, unstoppable force. Flood imagery conveys both the magnitude and the inevitability of the invasion. The simile of moving waters and rivers emphasizes power beyond control, volume beyond measure.
This imagery sets up a contrast: Egypt attempted to rise up against Babylon, yet it is Babylon—not Egypt—that rises up like a mighty flood. Egypt's self-initiated military mobilization is overwhelmed by a greater force advancing from the north. The natural imagery underscores that what is coming is inevitable as seasonal flooding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 46:7
What does Jeremiah 46:7 mean?
A rhetorical question identifying an invading force rising like a flood.
What is the context of Jeremiah 46:7?
The introduction of Babylon's overwhelming advance using flood imagery.