King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 14:8 Mean?

Jeremiah 14:8 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Jeremiah 14:8 · KJV

HopeSalvation

Context

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?

9

Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. we: Heb. thy name is called upon us

10

Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.

Read Jeremiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prayer continues with rich covenant titles: '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?' The titles 'hope of Israel' and 'Saviour' appeal to God's covenant relationship. The questions protest God's seeming absence: He appears as a 'stranger' or 'wayfaring man' (temporary traveler) rather than permanent resident and covenant Lord. This bold prayer language demands God act consistently with His covenant identity. The Reformed tradition values such biblically-grounded, doctrinally-informed prayer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history demonstrated God as Savior in times of trouble (Exodus, conquest, judges period). The complaint is that God now seems absent during crisis, contrary to His demonstrated character and covenant promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's covenant titles inform our prayers during times of apparent divine absence?
  2. What does it mean to pray boldly based on God's character and promises?
  3. How should we understand seasons when God seems like a 'stranger' or distant traveler?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מִקְוֵה֙1 of 12

“O the hope”

H4723

something waited for, i.e., a collection, i.e., (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל2 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מֽוֹשִׁיע֖וֹ3 of 12

“the saviour”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

בְּעֵ֣ת4 of 12

“thereof in time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

צָרָ֑ה5 of 12

“of trouble”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

לָ֤מָּה6 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תִֽהְיֶה֙7 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּגֵ֣ר8 of 12

“why shouldest thou be as a stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

בָּאָ֔רֶץ9 of 12

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּכְאֹרֵ֖חַ10 of 12

“and as a wayfaring man”

H732

to travel

נָטָ֥ה11 of 12

“that turneth aside”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

לָלֽוּן׃12 of 12

“to tarry for a night”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

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 14:8 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 14:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 17:13Jeremiah 50:7Isaiah 43:3Psalms 50:15Isaiah 45:21Joel 3:16

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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