King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 25:38 Mean?

Jeremiah 25:38 in the King James Version says “He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and bec...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 25:38 · KJV

Context

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

Read Jeremiah 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The phrase ʿāzaḇ kakkĕp̄îr sukkô (עָזַב כַּכְּפִיר סֻכּוֹ, he has forsaken his covert like the lion) employs lion imagery—God leaving His dwelling like a lion emerging from its lair to hunt. The Hebrew kĕp̄îr (כְּפִיר, young lion) emphasizes strength and ferocity. God's protective presence, which sheltered Judah like a lion guards its den, has been withdrawn. The nation now faces the full force of judgment without divine protection.

The phrase kî-hāyĕṯâ ʾarṣām lĕshammâ (כִּי־הָיְתָה אַרְצָם לְשַׁמָּה, their land is desolate) describes the result—total devastation. The cause is twofold: mipnê ḥărôn hayyônâ ûmipnê ḥărôn ʾappô (מִפְּנֵי חֲרוֹן הַיּוֹנָה וּמִפְּנֵי חֲרוֹן אַפּוֹ, because of the fierceness of the oppressor and because of his fierce anger). The 'oppressor' is Babylon, but God's anger is the ultimate cause. Babylon serves as instrument of divine wrath. This chapter thus concludes where it began—with God's sovereignty over history, using nations to execute judgment while holding all accountable. The final words 'his fierce anger' remind us that sin is ultimately against God and must answer to Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The image of God forsaking His dwelling recalls Ezekiel's vision of God's glory departing the temple (Ezekiel 10-11). Without God's presence, the temple, city, and land were vulnerable. Babylon's armies were the immediate cause of desolation, but the withdrawal of divine protection was the ultimate cause. When God's protective presence departed, judgment became inevitable. This principle continues—Jesus wept over Jerusalem: 'your house is left unto you desolate' (Matthew 23:38). When God's presence withdraws, desolation follows regardless of outward religious structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the image of God 'forsaking his covert like a lion' teach about the terrifying reality of divine presence withdrawn in judgment?
  2. How does this chapter's conclusion—attributing desolation to both Babylon's oppression and God's anger—illustrate divine sovereignty using human instruments?
  3. In what ways might God's protective presence be withdrawing from churches or nations that maintain religious forms while rejecting His authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עָזַ֥ב1 of 13

“He hath forsaken”

H5800

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

כַּכְּפִ֖יר2 of 13

“as the lion”

H3715

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

סֻכּ֑וֹ3 of 13

“his covert”

H5520

a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair

כִּֽי4 of 13
H3588

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

הָיְתָ֤ה5 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַרְצָם֙6 of 13

“for their land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְשַׁמָּ֔ה7 of 13

“is desolate”

H8047

ruin; by implication, consternation

וּמִפְּנֵ֖י8 of 13

“and because”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

חֲר֥וֹן9 of 13

“of his fierce”

H2740

a burning of anger

הַיּוֹנָ֔ה10 of 13

“of the oppressor”

H3238

to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat

וּמִפְּנֵ֖י11 of 13

“and because”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

חֲר֥וֹן12 of 13

“of his fierce”

H2740

a burning of anger

אַפּֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“anger”

H639

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

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 25:38 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 25:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 4:7Jeremiah 5:6Hosea 5:14Hosea 13:7-8Amos 8:8Zechariah 2:3

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