King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 18:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 18:14 in the King James Version says “Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? the snow: or, my fields for a rock, or for the snow of Lebanon? shall the running waters be forsaken for the strange cold waters?”

Jeremiah 18:14 · KJV

Context

12

And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.

13

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing.

14

Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? the snow: or, my fields for a rock, or for the snow of Lebanon? shall the running waters be forsaken for the strange cold waters?

15

Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths , to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;

16

To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing ; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Read Jeremiah 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God employs nature imagery to highlight Israel's unnatural behavior: "Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field?" Mount Lebanon's snow-capped peaks provided reliable, refreshing water sources. "Shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken?" The rhetorical questions expect negative answers—no one abandons reliable, life-giving water sources.

The implied comparison: just as travelers depend on Lebanon's cold streams, Israel should cling to God, their reliable source of life and blessing. But they've done the unthinkable—forsaken the fountain of living waters for broken cisterns (Jer 2:13). Nature operates according to consistent patterns, but humans irrationally abandon what benefits them for what destroys them. Sin is fundamentally irrational—it contradicts both revelation and reason.

This verse illustrates common grace—even fallen creation displays more consistency and wisdom than rebellious humans. Animals follow their instincts (Isa 1:3), rivers flow to the sea, snow caps mountains—nature obeys its ordained patterns. But humans, made in God's image with moral consciousness and revelation, irrationally rebel against their Creator and true good. Only supernatural grace can restore this fundamental irrationality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Lebanon's snow and springs were proverbial for reliability and refreshment in ancient Near Eastern culture (Jer 18:14, Song 4:15). The mountain range, located in modern Lebanon, reaches over 10,000 feet and maintains snow year-round, feeding numerous streams and springs. Ancient peoples depended on these predictable water sources. The prophets used this imagery to contrast God's faithful provision with Israel's unfaithful abandonment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'cold flowing waters' has God provided that you're tempted to forsake for lesser things?
  2. How does sin's fundamental irrationality manifest in your life—choosing what harms over what helps?
  3. In what ways does nature's consistency rebuke human inconsistency and unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הֲיַעֲזֹ֥ב1 of 11

“Will a man leave”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

מִצּ֛וּר2 of 11

“which cometh from the rock”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

שָׂדַ֖י3 of 11

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

שֶׁ֣לֶג4 of 11

“the snow”

H7950

snow (probably from its whiteness)

לְבָנ֑וֹן5 of 11

“of Lebanon”

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

אִם6 of 11
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִנָּתְשׁ֗וּ7 of 11

“be forsaken”

H5428

to tear away

מַ֛יִם8 of 11

“waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

זָרִ֥ים9 of 11

“that come from another place”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

קָרִ֖ים10 of 11

“or shall the cold”

H7119

cool; figuratively, quiet

נוֹזְלִֽים׃11 of 11

“flowing”

H5140

to drip, or shed by trickling

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 18:14 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 18:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 6:68

Places in This Verse

LebanonRegion · Modern: Jezzine · 33.54°N, 35.58°E57 verses across 16 books
Mount HermonMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E16 verses across 6 books
View all places in Jeremiah 18 →

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