King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:30 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:30 in the King James Version says “And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with o... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life. face: Heb. eyes

Jeremiah 4:30 · KJV


Context

28

For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.

29

The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen ; they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.

30

And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life. face: Heb. eyes

31

For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:30 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 4:30, 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 4:30 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:30 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאַ֨תְּי1 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שָׁד֜וּד2 of 22

And when thou art spoiled

H7703

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

מַֽה3 of 22
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תַּעֲשִׂ֗י4 of 22

what wilt thou do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּֽי5 of 22
H3588

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

תִלְבְּשִׁ֨י6 of 22

Though thou clothest

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

שָׁנִ֜י7 of 22

thyself with crimson

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

כִּי8 of 22
H3588

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

תַעְדִּ֣י9 of 22

though thou deckest

H5710

to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon)

עֲדִי10 of 22

thee with ornaments

H5716

finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall

זָהָ֗ב11 of 22

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

כִּֽי12 of 22
H3588

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

תִקְרְעִ֤י13 of 22

though thou rentest

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

בַפּוּךְ֙14 of 22

with painting

H6320

dye (specifically, stibium for the eyes)

עֵינַ֔יִךְ15 of 22

thy face

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

לַשָּׁ֖וְא16 of 22

in vain

H7723

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

תִּתְיַפִּ֑י17 of 22

shalt thou make thyself fair

H3302

properly, to be bright, i.e., (by implication) beautiful

מָאֲסוּ18 of 22

will despise

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

בָ֥ךְ19 of 22
H0
עֹגְבִ֖ים20 of 22

thy lovers

H5689

to breathe after, i.e., to love (sensually)

נַפְשֵׁ֥ךְ21 of 22

thy life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

יְבַקֵּֽשׁוּ׃22 of 22

thee they will seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after


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 4:30 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 4:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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