King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:7 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:7 in the King James Version says “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 t... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 4:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And it shall come to pass at that day, saith the LORD, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:7 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 4:7, 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 4:7 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:7 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
עָלָ֤ה1 of 15

is come up

H5927

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

אַרְיֵה֙2 of 15

The lion

H738

a lion

מִֽסֻּבְּכ֔וֹ3 of 15

from his thicket

H5441

a copse

וּמַשְׁחִ֣ית4 of 15

and the destroyer

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

גּוֹיִ֔ם5 of 15

of the Gentiles

H1471

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

נָסַ֖ע6 of 15

is on his way

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

יָצָ֣א7 of 15

he is gone forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִמְּקֹמ֑וֹ8 of 15

from his place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

לָשׂ֤וּם9 of 15

to make

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אַרְצֵךְ֙10 of 15

thy land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְשַׁמָּ֔ה11 of 15

desolate

H8047

ruin; by implication, consternation

עָרַ֥יִךְ12 of 15

and thy cities

H5892

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

תִּצֶּ֖ינָה13 of 15

shall be laid waste

H5327

properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel

מֵאֵ֥ין14 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יוֹשֵֽׁב׃15 of 15

without an inhabitant

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry


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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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