King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 25:37 Mean?
“And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD.”
Jeremiah 25:37 · KJV
Context
35
And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape. the shepherds: Heb. flight shall perish from the shepherds, and escaping from, etc
36
A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.
37
And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
38
He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger. desolate: Heb. a desolation
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD. The phrase nĕʾĕlĕmû nĕʾôṯ haššālôm (נֶאֱלְמוּ נְאוֹת הַשָּׁלוֹם, the peaceable habitations are cut down/silenced) describes the destruction of secure, prosperous settlements. The term nāʾâ (נָאָה, habitation/pasture) continues the pastoral imagery—pleasant fields and safe dwellings destroyed. The cause: mipnê ḥărôn ʾap̄-YHWH (מִפְּנֵי חֲרוֹן אַף־יְהוָה, because of the fierce anger/burning wrath of the LORD).
The phrase ḥărôn ʾap̄ (חֲרוֹן אַף, fierce anger) literally means 'burning of the nose'—a Hebrew idiom for intense anger. This anthropomorphic language depicts God's righteous indignation against persistent sin. The destruction of 'peaceable habitations' demonstrates that apparent peace and prosperity don't indicate God's approval—Judah enjoyed years of relative peace while accumulating guilt. Sudden judgment shattered their false security. Jesus warned the same: 'when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them' (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Outward peace without inward righteousness is temporary and deceptive.
The phrase ḥărôn ʾap̄ (חֲרוֹן אַף, fierce anger) literally means 'burning of the nose'—a Hebrew idiom for intense anger. This anthropomorphic language depicts God's righteous indignation against persistent sin. The destruction of 'peaceable habitations' demonstrates that apparent peace and prosperity don't indicate God's approval—Judah enjoyed years of relative peace while accumulating guilt. Sudden judgment shattered their false security. Jesus warned the same: 'when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them' (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Outward peace without inward righteousness is temporary and deceptive.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Archaeological evidence shows that many Judean towns and villages were prosperous before Babylon's invasions. Agriculture flourished, trade continued, life seemed normal. Then came sudden catastrophe—cities burned, populations killed or enslaved, the land desolate. The contrast between pre-destruction prosperity and post-destruction desolation emphasized that peace and safety apart from covenant faithfulness is illusory. The 'peaceable habitations' proved vulnerable when God's protective hand was withdrawn.
Reflection Questions
- How does the destruction of 'peaceable habitations' challenge the assumption that prosperity and peace indicate God's approval?
- What is the difference between genuine peace (shalom from covenant faithfulness) and false peace (temporary stability apart from God)?
- In what ways might modern Western prosperity create false security similar to Judah's 'peaceable habitations' before judgment?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוְנָדַ֖מּוּ1 of 7
“are cut down”
H1826to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
הַשָּׁל֑וֹם3 of 7
“And the peaceable”
H7965safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
מִפְּנֵ֖י4 of 7
“because”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אַף6 of 7
“anger”
H639properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
יְהוָֽה׃7 of 7
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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 25:37 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 25:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge