King James Version
Jeremiah 18:17 in the King James Version says “I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of th...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.”
Jeremiah 18:17 · KJV
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;
To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing ; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.
I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.
Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words. with: or, for the tongue
Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“wind”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
“them as with an east”
H6921the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
“I will scatter”
H6327to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
“and not the face”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
“them the back”
H6203the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and not the face”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
“I will shew”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“in the day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
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.
Jeremiah 18:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Jeremiah 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge