Jeremiah 50:44 Meaning and Explanation
“Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The invader will come like a lion from the Jordan into the stronghold, but the LORD will cause the defenders to flee.
The Context of Jeremiah 50:44
The invader's victory is orchestrated by the LORD, who holds absolute power.
What Does Jeremiah 50:44 Mean?
The lion imagery presents the invader as unstoppable predator. The swelling of Jordan and the habitation of the strong set the scene—from the pastoral region to the fortified city, nothing stops the advance. Yet the sentence turns: I will make them suddenly run away, revealing that the invader's inevitable victory is actually orchestrated by the LORD.
The rhetorical questions follow: who is a chosen man that I may appoint? The LORD alone appoints leaders and times. Who is like me? No one. The questions assert absolute divine sovereignty—the outcome is determined not by military balance but by God's will. The shepherd asking who will stand before Him frames His authority as that of ultimate shepherd and judge.
Jeremiah 50:44 in the Original Language
Shepherd imagery refers to leadership; here, only God is the ultimate shepherd whose authority none can challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 50:44
What does Jeremiah 50:44 mean?
The invader will come like a lion from the Jordan into the stronghold, but the LORD will cause the defenders to flee.
What is the context of Jeremiah 50:44?
The invader's victory is orchestrated by the LORD, who holds absolute power.