King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 5:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 5:6 in the King James Version says “Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch o... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased. evenings: or, deserts are increased: Heb. are strong

Jeremiah 5:6 · KJV


Context

4

Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God.

5

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.

6

Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased. evenings: or, deserts are increased: Heb. are strong

7

How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses.

8

They were as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 5:6 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 5:6, 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 5:6 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 5:6 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
עַל1 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֩2 of 21
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הִכָּ֨ם3 of 21

shall slay

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אַרְיֵ֜ה4 of 21

Wherefore a lion

H738

a lion

מִיַּ֗עַר5 of 21

out of the forest

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

זְאֵ֤ב6 of 21

them and a wolf

H2061

a wolf

עֲרָבוֹת֙7 of 21

of the evenings

H6160

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

יְשָׁדְדֵ֔ם8 of 21

shall spoil

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

נָמֵ֤ר9 of 21

them a leopard

H5246

a leopard (from its stripes)

שֹׁקֵד֙10 of 21

shall watch

H8245

to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)

עַל11 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם12 of 21

over their cities

H5892

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

כָּל13 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיּוֹצֵ֥א14 of 21

every one that goeth out

H3318

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

מֵהֵ֖נָּה15 of 21

thence shall

H2007

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

יִטָּרֵ֑ף16 of 21

be torn in pieces

H2963

to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)

כִּ֤י17 of 21
H3588

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

רַבּוּ֙18 of 21

are many

H7231

properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad

פִּשְׁעֵיהֶ֔ם19 of 21

because their transgressions

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

עָצְמ֖וּ20 of 21

are increased

H6105

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

מְשֻׁבוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃21 of 21

and their backslidings

H4878

apostasy


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 5:6 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 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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