King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 30:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 30:13 in the King James Version says “There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines. that: Heb. for binding u... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines. that: Heb. for binding up, or, pressing

Jeremiah 30:13 · KJV


Context

11

For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

12

For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous.

13

There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines. that: Heb. for binding up, or, pressing

14

All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy sins were increased.

15

Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There is none to plead thy cause (אֵין דָּן דִּינֵךְ, 'ein dan dinekh')—Israel stands utterly alone in her distress, with no advocate (דָּן, 'dan', legal defender) to plead her case. The metaphor shifts to medical hopelessness: no healing medicines (רְפֻאוֹת תְּעָלָה, 'refu'ot te'alah', literally 'remedies for new flesh'). This depicts the exile as both judicial condemnation and terminal illness.

Yet this very hopelessness prepares for God's sovereign intervention—when human remedies fail, divine grace alone can heal. Christ becomes our ultimate advocate (παράκλητος, 1 John 2:1) and great physician (Luke 5:31), healing wounds no earthly remedy could touch.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written during the Babylonian siege (588-586 BC), this verse captures Jerusalem's total abandonment by her former political allies (Egypt, surrounding nations) who could not or would not help against Nebuchadnezzar's armies.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you experienced spiritual hopelessness where no human remedy could help?
  2. How does recognizing Christ as your advocate change how you approach God in times of guilt and shame?
  3. What 'healing medicines' do people today trust in instead of seeking God's restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֵֽין1 of 8
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

דָּ֥ן2 of 8

There is none to plead

H1777

to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)

דִּינֵ֖ךְ3 of 8

thy cause

H1779

judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife

לְמָז֑וֹר4 of 8

that thou mayest be bound up

H4205

a bandage, i.e., remedy; hence, a sore (as needing a compress)

רְפֻא֥וֹת5 of 8

medicines

H7499

a medicament

תְּעָלָ֖ה6 of 8

thou hast no healing

H8585

a bandage or plaster (as placed upon a wound)

אֵ֥ין7 of 8
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָֽךְ׃8 of 8
H0

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 30:13 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 30:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study