Location
Overview
Tahpanhes was a fortified city on Egypt's north-eastern frontier. After the fall of Jerusalem, it became the refuge — against God's word — of the fleeing remnant of Judah.
The flight to Egypt
Disobeying the LORD's command to stay in the land, the remnant carried Jeremiah down to Egypt: "thus came they even to Tahpanhes" (Jeremiah 43:7).
Stones for a throne
At Tahpanhes God told Jeremiah to hide great stones in the clay by Pharaoh's house, declaring that Nebuchadnezzar would come and "set his throne upon these stones" — Babylon's judgment reaching even into Egypt (Jeremiah 43:8–13).
Judgment on the remnant
From Tahpanhes and the other Egyptian towns where Judah's remnant settled, Jeremiah warned that they would be consumed for their idolatry, "in the land of Egypt... in Migdol, and in Tahpanhes" (Jeremiah 44:1).
Events Here
The remnant of Judah flees to Tahpanhes; Jeremiah hides stones there
Scripture References
7 versesJeremiah6 verses
Jeremiah 2:16
Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head. have: or, feed on thy crown
Jeremiah 43:7
So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes.
Jeremiah 43:8
Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,
Jeremiah 43:9
Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which is at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;
Jeremiah 44:1
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,
Jeremiah 46:14
Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.
Ezekiel1 verse
Ezekiel 30:18
At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity. darkened: or, restrained
Archaeology & History
Tahpanhes (called Tehaphnehes in Ezekiel 30:18) is identified with Tell Defenneh in the eastern Nile Delta, a Greek and Egyptian frontier fortress town (Daphnae). A brick pavement found there has even been linked by some to the "stones" Jeremiah hid by Pharaoh's house.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Tahpanhes
Where is Tahpanhes today?
Today, Tahpanhes corresponds to Tell Defenneh, Egypt.
What happened at Tahpanhes in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Tahpanhes include the remnant of judah flees to tahpanhes; jeremiah hides stones there.
Where is Tahpanhes first mentioned in the Bible?
Tahpanhes is first mentioned in Jeremiah 2:16.
How often is Tahpanhes mentioned in the Bible?
Tahpanhes is mentioned in 7 verses across 2 books: Jeremiah, Ezekiel.
Why did the Jews flee to Tahpanhes?
After Jerusalem’s fall and the murder of the governor Gedaliah, the frightened remnant disobeyed God and fled to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them to Tahpanhes.
Where was Tahpanhes?
A frontier fortress city in the eastern Nile Delta of Egypt, identified with Tell Defenneh (Daphnae).