King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 12:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 12:5 in the King James Version says “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the la...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?”

Jeremiah 12:5 · KJV

Peace

Context

3

But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter. toward: Heb. with thee

4

How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.

5

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

6

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee. they have called: or, they cried after thee fully fair: Heb. good things

7

I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. the dearly: Heb. the love

Read Jeremiah 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse contains God's challenging response: 'If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?' Instead of answering Jeremiah's complaint, God escalates the challenge. If Anathoth's conspiracy exhausted him, how will he handle worse opposition? 'And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?' 'Land of peace' (erets shalom) may mean Anathoth, his hometown; 'swelling of Jordan' (ge'on haYarden) describes the flooded Jordan valley's dangerous jungle where lions lurked (49:19). Present trials are minor compared to coming challenges.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Jordan's 'swelling' refers to annual flooding that created dense thickets harboring lions and other predators (Jeremiah 49:19, 50:44, Zechariah 11:3). This dangerous terrain provided apt metaphor for severe trials. God's response doesn't explain the theodicy problem but prepares Jeremiah for intensified opposition. His ministry would include imprisonment, death threats, and witnessing Jerusalem's destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's response challenge rather than comfort Jeremiah's complaint?
  2. What does the escalating imagery (footmen to horses, peace to Jordan thickets) teach about progressive trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶת2 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

רַגְלִ֥ים׀3 of 17

“with the footmen”

H7273

a footman (soldier)

רַ֙צְתָּה֙4 of 17

“If thou hast run”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

וַיַּלְא֔וּךָ5 of 17

“and they have wearied”

H3811

to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted

וְאֵ֥יךְ6 of 17
H349

how? or how!; also where

תְּתַֽחֲרֶ֖ה7 of 17

“thee then how canst thou contend”

H8474

to vie with a rival

אֶת8 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַסּוּסִ֑ים9 of 17

“with horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וּבְאֶ֤רֶץ10 of 17

“and if in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שָׁלוֹם֙11 of 17

“of peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

אַתָּ֣ה12 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בוֹטֵ֔חַ13 of 17

“wherein thou trustedst”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

וְאֵ֥יךְ14 of 17
H349

how? or how!; also where

תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה15 of 17

“they wearied thee then how wilt thou do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בִּגְא֥וֹן16 of 17

“in the swelling”

H1347

the same as h1346

הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃17 of 17

“of Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 12:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 12:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 4:12Proverbs 24:10Hebrews 12:3-4Jeremiah 50:44Psalms 42:7Jeremiah 49:19

Places in This Verse

JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
View all places in Jeremiah 12 →

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