Jeremiah 44:15
Then all the men which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying,
Jeremiah 44:15 · King James Version
Meaning
Jeremiah 44:15 reflects the deep-rooted idolatry that plagued the land of Egypt, specifically in the region of Pathros. The verse describes a scene where both men and women, upon learning that their spouses had been worshipping other gods, gathered in a great multitude to confront the prophet Jeremiah. This situation highlights the extent of spiritual disobedience and unfaithfulness that had taken hold of the people. By participating in the worship of foreign deities, the individuals mentioned in the verse were turning away from the one true God and breaking the covenant established with Him. The people's response to Jeremiah's prophetic message illustrates the challenge of addressing ingrained beliefs and practices that go against God's commandments. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness and the importance of repentance and returning to God.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, there is a poignant depiction of the spiritual decline of the people of Egypt. The act of burning incense to other gods was a common practice in ancient Egypt, as it was believed to invoke the favor of these deities. However, in the context of this passage, the people's actions are met with disapproval by the prophet Jeremiah, who was sent by God to bring a message of warning and repentance to the people. This act of idolatry symbolizes the spiritual unfaithfulness and rebellion of the people against the one true God. The word 'Pathros' mentioned in this verse also holds significance, as it refers to a region in southern Egypt known for its idolatrous practices. Through this verse, we are reminded of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to Him alone.
Jeremiah 44:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then all the men who knew that their wives burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great assembly, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying,
World English Bible
Then all the men who knew that their wives burned incense to other gods, and all the women who stood by, a great assembly, even all the people who lived in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying,
Douay-Rheims
Then all the men that knew that their wives sacrificed to other gods: and all the women of whom there stood by a great multitude, and all the people of them that dwelt in the land of Egypt in Phatures, answered Jeremiah, saying:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then all the men which knewe that their wiues had burnt incense vnto other gods and all the women that stoode by, a great multitude, euen all the people that dwelt in the lande of Egypt in Pathros, answered Ieremiah, saying,