King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:13 in the King James Version says “Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe un...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.”

Jeremiah 4:13 · KJV

Context

11

At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

12

Even a full wind from those places shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them. a full: or, a fuller wind than those give: Heb. utter judgments

13

Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.

14

O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

15

For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth affliction from mount Ephraim.

Read Jeremiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:13 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 4:13, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 4:13 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:13 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הִנֵּ֣ה׀1 of 12
H2009

lo!

כַּעֲנָנִ֣ים2 of 12

“as clouds”

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

יַעֲלֶ֗ה3 of 12

“Behold he shall come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וְכַסּוּפָה֙4 of 12

“shall be as a whirlwind”

H5492

a hurricane

מַרְכְּבוֹתָ֔יו5 of 12

“and his chariots”

H4818

a chariot

קַלּ֥וּ6 of 12

“are swifter”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

מִנְּשָׁרִ֖ים7 of 12

“than eagles”

H5404

the eagle (or other large bird of prey)

סוּסָ֑יו8 of 12

“his horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

א֥וֹי9 of 12

“Woe”

H188

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

לָ֖נוּ10 of 12
H0
כִּ֥י11 of 12
H3588

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

שֻׁדָּֽדְנוּ׃12 of 12

“unto us! for we are spoiled”

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 19:1Isaiah 66:15Lamentations 4:19Habakkuk 1:8Isaiah 5:28Isaiah 13:5

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