King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:16 in the King James Version says “Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out t...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.”

Jeremiah 4:16 · KJV

Context

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.

16

Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

17

As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.

18

Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.

Read Jeremiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:16 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 4:16, 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 4:16 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:16 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הַזְכִּ֣ירוּ1 of 15

“Make ye mention”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

לַגּוֹיִ֗ם2 of 15

“to the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הִנֵּה֙3 of 15
H2009

lo!

הַשְׁמִ֣יעוּ4 of 15

“behold publish”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עַל5 of 15
H5921

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

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם6 of 15

“against Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

נֹצְרִ֥ים7 of 15

“that watchers”

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

בָּאִ֖ים8 of 15

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ9 of 15

“country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַמֶּרְחָ֑ק10 of 15

“from a far”

H4801

remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar

וַֽיִּתְּנ֛וּ11 of 15

“and give out”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל12 of 15
H5921

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

עָרֵ֥י13 of 15

“against the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֖ה14 of 15

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

קוֹלָֽם׃15 of 15

“their voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

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 4:16 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 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 21:22Jeremiah 5:15Isaiah 39:3Jeremiah 2:15Jeremiah 16:6Jeremiah 5:6

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 4 →

Test Your Knowledge

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