King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 5:17 Mean?

Jeremiah 5:17 in the King James Version says “And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy f... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.

Jeremiah 5:17 · KJV


Context

15

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

16

Their quiver is as an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men.

17

And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.

18

Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you.

19

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 5:17 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 5:17, 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 5:17 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 5:17 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
יֹאכַ֥ל1 of 20

And they shall eat up

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

קְצִֽירְךָ֜2 of 20

thine harvest

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

וְלַחְמֶ֗ךָ3 of 20

and thy bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

יֹאכַ֥ל4 of 20

And they shall eat up

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָּנֶ֣יךָ5 of 20

which thy sons

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

וּבְנוֹתֶ֔יךָ6 of 20

and thy daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יֹאכַ֥ל7 of 20

And they shall eat up

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

צֹאנְךָ֙8 of 20

thy flocks

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבְקָרֶ֔ךָ9 of 20

and thine herds

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

יֹאכַ֥ל10 of 20

And they shall eat up

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

גַּפְנְךָ֖11 of 20

thy vines

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

וּתְאֵנָתֶ֑ךָ12 of 20

and thy fig trees

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

יְרֹשֵׁ֞שׁ13 of 20

they shall impoverish

H7567

to demolish

עָרֵ֣י14 of 20

cities

H5892

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

מִבְצָרֶ֗יךָ15 of 20

thy fenced

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַתָּ֛ה17 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֹּטֵ֥חַ18 of 20

trustedst

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בָּהֵ֖נָּה19 of 20

wherein thou

H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

בֶּחָֽרֶב׃20 of 20

with the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement


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 5:17 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 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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