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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 46:23 They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/46-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/24_Jer_46_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 46:23 - The Judgment on Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/46-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/46-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/46.htm">Chapter 46</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/46-22.htm" title="Jeremiah 46:22">◄</a> Jeremiah 46:23 <a href="/jeremiah/46-24.htm" title="Jeremiah 46:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/46.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/46.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They will chop down her forest,&#8221 declares the LORD, &#8220dense though it be. They are more numerous than locusts, they cannot be counted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/46.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They will cut down her people like trees,” says the LORD, “for they are more numerous than locusts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/46.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They shall cut down her forest, declares the LORD, though it is impenetrable, because they are more numerous than locusts; they are without number.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/46.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/46.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and <i>are</i> innumerable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/46.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“They shall cut down her forest,” says the LORD, “Though it cannot be searched, Because they <i>are</i> innumerable, And more numerous than grasshoppers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/46.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“They have cut down her forest,” declares the LORD; “Certainly it will no <i>longer</i> be found, Even though they are more numerous than locusts And are without number.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/46.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220They have cut down her forest,&#8221 declares the LORD; &#8220Surely it will no more be found, Even though they are now more numerous than locusts And are without number.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/46.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“They have cut down her forest,” declares the LORD; “Surely it will no <i>more</i> be found, Even though they are <i>now</i> more numerous than locusts And are without number.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/46.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They have cut down her forest,” declares Yahweh; “Surely it will no <i>longer</i> be searched out, Even though they are <i>now</i> more numerous than locusts And are without number.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/46.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“They have cut down her forest,” says the LORD; “Certainly it will no longer be found, Because they (the invaders) are more numerous than locusts And cannot be counted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/46.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will cut down her forest — this is the LORD’s declaration — though it is dense, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/46.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will cut down her forest— this is the LORD&#8217s declaration— though it is dense, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/46.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They shall cut down her forest, saith Jehovah, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/46.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />when men with axes start chopping down trees. It can only hiss and try to escape. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/46.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/46.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They will cut down the forest," declares the LORD, "since Egypt can't be found. They are more numerous than locusts; they can't be counted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/46.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and destroying a thick forest. Their soldiers are too many to count; they outnumber the locusts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/46.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They'll cut down her forest, though it's impenetrable," declares the LORD, "for they're more numerous than locusts, and there are too many of them to count.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/46.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/46.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The population of Egypt is like a vast, impenetrable forest. But I, the LORD, affirm that the enemy will cut them down. For those who chop them down will be more numerous than locusts. They will be too numerous to count. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/46.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They shall cut down her forest, says the LORD, though it can't be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/46.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/46.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They will cut down her forest,” says Yahweh, “though it can’t be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/46.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />They have cut down her forest, "" A declaration of YHWH, "" For it is not searched, "" For they have been more than the grasshopper, "" And they have no numbering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/46.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> They have cut down her forest, An affirmation of Jehovah -- for it is not searched, For they have been more than the grasshopper, And they have no numbering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/46.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They cut down her forest, says Jehovah, for it shall not be searched out, for they were many above the locust, and no number to them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/46.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They have cut down her forest, saith the Lord, which cannot be counted: they are multiplied above locusts, and are without number. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/46.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />They have cut down her forest, says the Lord, which was not able to be counted. They have been multiplied more than locusts, and they are without number.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/46.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They cut down her forest—oracle of the LORD— impenetrable though it be; More numerous than locusts, they cannot be counted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/46.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They shall cut down her forest, says the LORD, though it is impenetrable, because they are more numerous than locusts; they are without number.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/46.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Cut down her forests, says the LORD, for they are limitless; they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/46.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Cut down her forests, says LORD JEHOVAH, because there is no end to them, for they are more than the locusts and are without number<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/46.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They cut down her forest, saith the LORD, Though it cannot be searched; Because they are more than the locusts, And are innumerable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/46.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They shall cut down her forest, saith the Lord, for <i>their number</i> cannot at all be conjectured, for it exceeds the locust in multitude, and they are innumerable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=14012" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/46.htm">The Judgment on Egypt</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; with axes they will come against her like woodsmen cutting down trees. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: kā·rə·ṯū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">They will chop down</a> <a href="/hebrew/3293.htm" title="3293: ya‘·rāh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- From an unused root probably meaning to thicken with verdure; a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb.">her forest,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um- (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">declares</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">dense</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">though</a> <a href="/hebrew/2713.htm" title="2713: yê·ḥā·qêr (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To search. A primitive root; properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately.">it may be,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7231.htm" title="7231: rab·bū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to cast together, i.e. Increase, especially in number; also to multiply by the myriad.">they are more numerous</a> <a href="/hebrew/697.htm" title="697: mê·’ar·beh (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- (a kind of) locust. From rabah; a locust.">than locusts;</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">they cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep-l:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4557.htm" title="4557: mis·pār (N-ms) -- Number, tally. From caphar; a number, definite or indefinite; also narration.">be counted.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>The Daughter of Egypt will be put to shame; she will be delivered into the hands of the people of the north.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-33.htm">Isaiah 10:33-34</a></span><br />Behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled. / He will clear the forest thickets with an axe, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/31-3.htm">Ezekiel 31:3-14</a></span><br />Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It towered on high; its top was among the clouds. / The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field. / Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-24.htm">Isaiah 37:24</a></span><br />Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-8.htm">Isaiah 14:8</a></span><br />Even the cypresses and cedars of Lebanon exult over you: “Since you have been laid low, no woodcutter comes against us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-13.htm">Isaiah 60:13</a></span><br />The glory of Lebanon will come to you—its cypress, elm, and boxwood together—to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-12.htm">Isaiah 2:12-13</a></span><br />For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled— / against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/31-16.htm">Ezekiel 31:16-18</a></span><br />I made the nations quake at the sound of its downfall, when I cast it down to Sheol with those who descend to the Pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the well-watered trees, were consoled in the earth below. / They too descended with it to Sheol, to those slain by the sword. As its allies they had lived in its shade among the nations. / Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-23.htm">Isaiah 44:23</a></span><br />Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O depths of the earth. Break forth in song, O mountains, you forests and all your trees. For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and revealed His glory in Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-12.htm">Isaiah 55:12</a></span><br />You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-19.htm">Isaiah 41:19</a></span><br />I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-1.htm">Isaiah 11:1</a></span><br />Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10</a></span><br />The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Luke 3:9</a></span><br />The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Matthew 7:19</a></span><br />Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-6.htm">John 15:6</a></span><br />If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They shall cut down her forest, said the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable.</p><p class="hdg">cut</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-18.htm">Isaiah 10:18</a></b></br> And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46</a></b></br> Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop <i>thy word</i> toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;</p><p class="hdg">because</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Judges 6:5</a></b></br> For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; <i>for</i> both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12</a></b></br> And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels <i>were</i> without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joel/2-25.htm">Joel 2:25</a></b></br> And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/46-18.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-11.htm">Chop</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-22.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-23.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-18.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-27.htm">Dense</a> <a href="/jeremiah/26-18.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/jeremiah/45-3.htm">Found</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-5.htm">Grasshopper</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-22.htm">Grasshoppers</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Impenetrable</a> <a href="/psalms/105-34.htm">Innumerable</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-27.htm">Locusts</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-4.htm">Numbering</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-15.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-37.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-18.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Woods</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/48-15.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/daniel/4-14.htm">Chop</a> <a href="/jeremiah/47-4.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-43.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-26.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-6.htm">Dense</a> <a href="/ezekiel/15-2.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-27.htm">Found</a> <a href="/joel/1-4.htm">Grasshopper</a> <a href="/amos/7-1.htm">Grasshoppers</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Impenetrable</a> <a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Innumerable</a> <a href="/amos/7-1.htm">Locusts</a> <a href="/mark/5-13.htm">Numbering</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-7.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-10.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-12.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ezekiel/15-2.htm">Woods</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 46</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/46-1.htm">Jeremiah prophesies the overthrow of Pharaoh's army at Euphrates</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/46-13.htm">and the conquest of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/46-27.htm">He comforts Jacob in his chastisement</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/46.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jeremiah/46.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD</b><br>This phrase indicates a divine judgment pronounced by God. The "forest" symbolizes the strength and resources of Egypt, often depicted as a place of refuge and abundance. In biblical times, forests were seen as sources of wealth and protection. The act of chopping down signifies destruction and desolation. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic literature where God uses natural elements to convey His judgment (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/10-34.htm">Isaiah 10:34</a>). The declaration by the LORD emphasizes the certainty and authority of the prophecy.<p><b>dense though it may be</b><br>The density of the forest represents the perceived invincibility and prosperity of Egypt. Despite its apparent strength and impenetrability, it will not withstand the coming judgment. This reflects the biblical theme that human power and resources are ultimately futile against God's will. The imagery of a dense forest also evokes the idea of complexity and entanglement, suggesting that Egypt's political and military might, though formidable, will be dismantled.<p><b>for they are more numerous than locusts</b><br>The comparison to locusts highlights the overwhelming number of the invaders, likely referring to the Babylonian army led by Nebuchadnezzar. Locusts are often used in the Bible as symbols of devastation and divine judgment (e.g., <a href="/joel/1-4.htm">Joel 1:4</a>). The imagery suggests an unstoppable force that consumes everything in its path, leaving desolation behind. This also connects to the plagues of Egypt in Exodus, where locusts were a sign of God's power over nations.<p><b>they cannot be counted</b><br>This phrase underscores the vastness and innumerability of the invading forces. It conveys a sense of inevitability and totality in the coming destruction. The inability to count them suggests that human efforts to resist or comprehend the scale of the invasion will be futile. This echoes other biblical passages where God's judgments are described as beyond human understanding or control (e.g., <a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Psalm 40:5</a>). The overwhelming nature of the force serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah and the surrounding nations.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The nation being addressed in this prophecy. Egypt was a powerful and influential kingdom in the ancient Near East, often at odds with Israel and Judah.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is delivering this message of judgment through the prophet Jeremiah.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_forest.htm">The Forest</a></b><br>Symbolic of Egypt's strength and resources, which are described as being dense and abundant.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/locusts.htm">Locusts</a></b><br>Representing the invading forces that will be numerous and overwhelming, much like a swarm of locusts that devastates everything in its path.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>God's declaration through Jeremiah reminds us that He is sovereign over all nations, including powerful ones like Egypt. No nation is beyond His reach or control.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_god's_judgment.htm">The Certainty of God's Judgment</a></b><br>The imagery of locusts and a dense forest being cut down underscores the certainty and thoroughness of God's judgment. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>Just as God's word through Jeremiah came to pass, we can trust that His promises and warnings in Scripture are true and reliable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_repentance.htm">The Importance of Repentance</a></b><br>Understanding the inevitability of God's judgment should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to live according to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_justice.htm">Hope in God's Justice</a></b><br>While the message is one of judgment, it also assures us that God is just and will ultimately bring about His righteous purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_46.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 46</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_jer._15_3_punishments_conflict_with_god's_love.htm">The graphic punishments in Jeremiah 15:3 seem excessively harsh. Do they conflict with the concept of a just and loving God found elsewhere in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_ezekiel_15_6-8_imply_total_judgment.htm">Why does Ezekiel 15:6-8 imply a total judgment on Jerusalem if other scriptures promise divine restoration?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_change_his_decision_in_amos.htm">Amos 7:3, 6 - If God is 'unchanging,' why does He appear to change His decision in answer to Amos's plea?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_king_jehoiakim.htm">Who was King Jehoiakim in biblical history?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/46.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They shall cut down;</span> better, <span class="accented">they cut down.</span> The prophet is describing a picture which passes before his inner eye. <span class="cmt_word">Though it cannot be searched;</span> rather, <span class="accented">for it cannot be searched out.</span> The subject of the verb is uncertain. De Dieu's explanation is, "Because the forest is so dense, so intricate, it is necessary to clear a path by cutting down the trees." But this does not seem to suit the context. Surely no other reason was required for the destruction of the "forest" than the will of the wood cutters. "Searching out" occurs in Job (<a href="/job/5-9.htm">Job 5:9</a>; <a href="/job/9-10.htm">Job 9:10</a>; <a href="/job/36-26.htm">Job 36:26</a>; comp. also <a href="/1_kings/7-47.htm">1 Kings 7:47</a>) in connection with numbering, and the second half of the verse expressly describes the foe as innumerable. The singular alternates with the plural, as in <a href="/isaiah/5-28.htm">Isaiah 5:28</a>, a host being regarded sometimes as a whole, and sometimes as an aggregate of individuals. <span class="cmt_word">Than the grasshoppers;</span> rather, <span class="accented">the locust.</span> The name is one of nine which we find given to the various species of locusts in the Old Testament, and means "multitudinous." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They will chop down</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּרְת֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(kā·rə·ṯū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her forest,</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעְרָהּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ya‘·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3293.htm">Strong's 3293: </a> </span><span class="str2">A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the comb</span><br /><br /><span class="word">declares</span><br /><span class="heb">נְאֻם־</span> <span class="translit">(nə·’um-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> </span><span class="str2">An oracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dense</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">though</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it may be,</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵֽחָקֵ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(yê·ḥā·qêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2713.htm">Strong's 2713: </a> </span><span class="str2">To penetrate, to examine intimately</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they are more numerous</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבּוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7231.htm">Strong's 7231: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cast together, increase, in number, to multiply by the myriad</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than locusts;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ar·beh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_697.htm">Strong's 697: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a kind of) locust</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be counted.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִסְפָּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(mis·pār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4557.htm">Strong's 4557: </a> </span><span class="str2">A number, definite, indefinite, narration</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/46-23.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 46:23 They shall cut down her forest says (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/46-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 46:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 46:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/46-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 46:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 46:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>