King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 47:3 Mean?

Jeremiah 47:3 in the King James Version says “At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of h...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands;”

Jeremiah 47:3 · King James Version

Context

1

The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza. Gaza: Heb. Azzah

2

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl. all that: Heb. the fulness thereof

3

At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands;

4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor. the country: Heb. the isle

5

Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels (מִקּוֹל שַׁעֲטַת פַּרְסוֹת אַבִּירָיו מֵרַעַשׁ לְרִכְבּוֹ הֲמוֹן גַּלְגִּלָּיו)—The triple auditory assault creates overwhelming sensory terror: shaatah (stamping), raash (rushing/rattling), and hamon (rumbling/tumult). Abbirim (strong ones/stallions) emphasizes elite cavalry. The alliterative Hebrew intensifies the cacophony of invasion.

The fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands (לֹא־הִפְנוּ אָבוֹת אֶל־בָּנִים מֵרִפְיוֹן יָדָיִם)—The shocking image of fathers abandoning children reverses natural parental instinct. Rifyon yadayim (slackness/feebleness of hands) denotes paralyzing terror, the same phrase used of Joshua's enemies (Joshua 2:11, 5:1). Panic dissolves the most basic human bonds.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian military technology was superior, with heavy cavalry and sophisticated chariotry. The psychological impact of these forces terrified smaller nations. Archaeological evidence from Ashkelon shows destruction layers from this period, confirming the prophecy's fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the vivid sensory language (sound of hooves, wheels, chariots) make divine judgment tangible?
  2. What does the image of fathers abandoning children reveal about the totality of judgment's terror?
  3. How might "feebleness of hands" describe spiritual paralysis in the face of consequences we've long avoided?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
מִקּ֗וֹל1 of 15

“At the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

שַֽׁעֲטַת֙2 of 15

“of the stamping”

H8161

a clatter (of hoofs)

פַּרְס֣וֹת3 of 15

“of the hoofs”

H6541

a claw or split hoof

אַבִּירָ֔יו4 of 15

“of his strong”

H47

a valiant one

מֵרַ֣עַשׁ5 of 15

“horses at the rushing”

H7494

vibration, bounding, uproar

לְרִכְבּ֔וֹ6 of 15

“of his chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

הֲמ֖וֹן7 of 15

“and at the rumbling”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

גַּלְגִּלָּ֑יו8 of 15

“of his wheels”

H1534

a wheel; by analogy, a whirlwind; also dust (as whirled)

לֹֽא9 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִפְנ֤וּ10 of 15

“shall not look back”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אָבוֹת֙11 of 15

“the fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֶל12 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בָּנִ֔ים13 of 15

“to their children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵֽרִפְי֖וֹן14 of 15

“for feebleness”

H7510

slackness

יָדָֽיִם׃15 of 15

“of hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 47:3 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 47:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 5:22Jeremiah 8:16Nahum 3:2-3Jeremiah 46:9Ezekiel 26:10-11Nahum 2:4

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