King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:6 in the King James Version says “Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. retire...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. retire: or, strengthen destruction: Heb. breaking”

Jeremiah 4:6 · KJV

Context

4

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

5

Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.

6

Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. retire: or, strengthen destruction: Heb. breaking

7

The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

8

For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us.

Read Jeremiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:6 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 4:6, 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 4:6 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:6 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
שְׂאוּ1 of 13

“Set up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נֵ֣ס2 of 13

“the standard”

H5251

a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token

צִיּ֔וֹנָה3 of 13

“toward Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

הָעִ֖יזוּ4 of 13

“retire”

H5756

to be strong; causatively, to strengthen, i.e., (figuratively) to save (by flight)

אַֽל5 of 13
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּעֲמֹ֑דוּ6 of 13

“stay”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

כִּ֣י7 of 13
H3588

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

רָעָ֗ה8 of 13

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אָנֹכִ֛י9 of 13
H595

i

מֵבִ֥יא10 of 13

“not for I will bring”

H935

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

מִצָּפ֖וֹן11 of 13

“from the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וְשֶׁ֥בֶר12 of 13

“destruction”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

גָּדֽוֹל׃13 of 13

“and a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 50:2Jeremiah 1:13-15Jeremiah 51:27Jeremiah 6:1Jeremiah 25:9Isaiah 62:10

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Jeremiah 4 →

Test Your Knowledge

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