King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 15:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 15:14 in the King James Version says “And I will make thee to pass with thine enemies into a land which thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger,...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will make thee to pass with thine enemies into a land which thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger, which shall burn upon you.”

Jeremiah 15:14 · KJV

Context

12

Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?

13

Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.

14

And I will make thee to pass with thine enemies into a land which thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger, which shall burn upon you.

15

O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering : know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

16

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. I am: Heb. thy name is called upon me

Read Jeremiah 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The consequence continues: 'And I will make thee to pass with thine enemies into a land which thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger, which shall burn upon you.' Exile to unknown lands is threatened. The phrase 'pass with thine enemies' depicts deportation as captives. The destination—'a land which thou knowest not'—emphasizes the disorientation and trauma of forced relocation. The cause: 'a fire is kindled in mine anger.' God's wrath is active, burning against them. This anthropomorphic language ('kindled,' 'burn') emphasizes divine judgment's intensity. The Reformed doctrine of God's wrath sees it as His settled, righteous opposition to sin—not emotional instability but holy hatred of evil.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Babylonian exile forcibly relocated Judeans to Mesopotamia, a foreign land with different language, culture, and climate. This dislocation fulfilled the covenant curse of exile (Deuteronomy 28:36-37, 64-68).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does exile to unknown lands represent loss of identity and security?
  2. What does the fire metaphor teach about the nature and intensity of God's wrath?
  3. How should understanding God's wrath as 'kindled' against sin affect our view of its seriousness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהַֽעֲבַרְתִּי֙1 of 12

“And I will make thee to pass”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת2 of 12
H854

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

אֹ֣יְבֶ֔יךָ3 of 12

“with thine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

בְּאֶ֖רֶץ4 of 12

“into a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹ֣א5 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדָ֑עְתָּ6 of 12

“which thou knowest”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי7 of 12
H3588

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

אֵ֛שׁ8 of 12

“not for a fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

קָדְחָ֥ה9 of 12

“is kindled”

H6919

to inflame

בְאַפִּ֖י10 of 12

“in mine anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

עֲלֵיכֶ֥ם11 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

תּוּקָֽד׃12 of 12

“which shall burn”

H3344

to burn

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 15:14 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 15:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:22Jeremiah 16:13Jeremiah 17:4Psalms 21:9Deuteronomy 28:36Deuteronomy 28:64

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 15 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes