King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:9 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:9 in the King James Version says “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 pri...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 4:9 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

10

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

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,

Read Jeremiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:9 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 4:9, 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 4:9 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:9 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהָיָ֤ה1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַיּוֹם2 of 14

“And it shall come to pass at that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַהוּא֙3 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נְאֻם4 of 14

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֹאבַ֥ד6 of 14

“shall perish”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

וְלֵ֣ב7 of 14

“and the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ8 of 14

“of the king”

H4428

a king

וְלֵ֣ב9 of 14

“and the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הַשָּׂרִ֑ים10 of 14

“of the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְנָשַׁ֙מּוּ֙11 of 14

“shall be astonished”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים12 of 14

“and the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהַנְּבִאִ֖ים13 of 14

“and the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יִתְמָֽהוּ׃14 of 14

“shall wonder”

H8539

to be in consternation

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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 22:3-5Ezekiel 13:9-16Isaiah 29:9-10Jeremiah 6:13-141 Samuel 25:37-38Jeremiah 52:7

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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