King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 21:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 21:14 in the King James Version says “But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest ther...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it. punish: Heb. visit upon”

Jeremiah 21:14 · KJV

Context

12

O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. Execute: Heb. Judge

13

Behold, I am against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations? inhabitant: Heb. inhabitress

14

But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it. punish: Heb. visit upon

Read Jeremiah 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God will kindle fire in Jerusalem's 'forest' (likely referring to Solomon's 'house of the forest of Lebanon' - 1 Kings 7:2) that will 'devour all things round about it.' Fire frequently symbolizes God's judgment (Deut 32:22). This comprehensive destruction spares nothing - a complete purging of sin's effects. The warning fulfills Moses' prophecy of covenant curses.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This was literally fulfilled when Babylon burned Jerusalem's buildings, including the temple and royal structures. The city became desolate ruins.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does fire imagery teach about the thorough nature of God's judgment?
  2. How does God sometimes need to burn away what we've built to start fresh?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּפָקַדְתִּ֧י1 of 12

“But I will punish”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עֲלֵיכֶ֛ם2 of 12
H5921

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

כִּפְרִ֥י3 of 12

“you according to the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

מַעַלְלֵיכֶ֖ם4 of 12

“of your doings”

H4611

an act (good or bad)

נְאֻם5 of 12

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 12

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְהִצַּ֤תִּי7 of 12

“and I will kindle”

H3341

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

אֵשׁ֙8 of 12

“a fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

בְּיַעְרָ֔הּ9 of 12

“in the forest”

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

וְאָכְלָ֖ה10 of 12

“thereof and it shall devour”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כָּל11 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

סְבִיבֶֽיהָ׃12 of 12

“all things round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 21:14 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 21:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 3:10-11Jeremiah 32:19Proverbs 1:31Jeremiah 52:132 Chronicles 36:19Jeremiah 17:10

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