King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 14:6 Mean?
“And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass.”
Context
4
Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.
5
Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass.
6
And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass.
7
O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.
8
O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **The wild asses.**—From the field the prophet’s eye turns to the bare hill-tops of the “high places,” and sees a scene of like distress. The “wild asses” seem turned to beasts of prey, and stand gaping for thirst, as the *jackals *(not “dragons”—comp. Jeremiah 9:11) stand panting for their prey. By some scholars the word is taken as meaning, like a kindred word in Ezekiel 29:3; Ezekiel 32:2, “crocodiles,” with their wide gaping jaws.
**There was no grass.**—The word is not the same as that in Jeremiah 14:5, and implies **a **larger and ranker herbage than that on which the hind fed.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 14:6 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 14:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge