King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 6:22 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides o...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth.”

Jeremiah 6:22 · KJV

Context

20

To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

21

Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish.

22

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth.

23

They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.

24

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

Read Jeremiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A people comes 'from the north country' (Babylon), described as a 'great nation' being 'raised from the sides of the earth.' The phrase 'raised' (Hebrew 'ur') suggests God's sovereign stirring up of this nation for His purposes. This mighty army serves as God's instrument of judgment, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all nations. Reformed theology emphasizes God's meticulous providence—even pagan empires serve His redemptive purposes. This verse also shows that distance is no obstacle to God's judgment; He can summon nations from earth's extremities to execute His will.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon rose to power in the late 7th century BC under Nebuchadnezzar, conquering the Assyrian Empire and eventually Judah. Their empire extended across the Ancient Near East, fulfilling the 'great nation' description.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty over pagan nations encourage believers facing powerful opposition?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's ability to accomplish His purposes through any means?
  3. How should understanding God's control over world events affect our political anxieties?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כֹּ֚ה1 of 13
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 13

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הִנֵּ֛ה4 of 13
H2009

lo!

עַ֥ם5 of 13

“Behold a people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בָּ֖א6 of 13

“cometh”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אָֽרֶץ׃7 of 13

“country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

צָפ֑וֹן8 of 13

“from the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וְג֣וֹי9 of 13

“nation”

H1471

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

גָּד֔וֹל10 of 13

“and a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

יֵע֖וֹר11 of 13

“shall be raised”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

מִיַּרְכְּתֵי12 of 13

“from the sides”

H3411

properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess

אָֽרֶץ׃13 of 13

“country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 6:22 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 6:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 10:22Jeremiah 50:41-43Jeremiah 5:15Jeremiah 1:14-15Jeremiah 6:1Jeremiah 25:9

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