King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 6:23 in the King James Version says “They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 6:23 · KJV


Context

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.

25

Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The invading army is described with terrifying imagery: 'They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy.' Their voice 'roareth like the sea,' suggesting overwhelming force. They come equipped for war, 'riding upon horses, set in array as men for war.' All this is directed 'against thee, O daughter of Zion.' This vivid description emphasizes the horror of the coming judgment. The phrase 'no mercy' is particularly striking given that these ruthless warriors are God's instruments—showing that divine judgment through human agents can be severe. The sea metaphor suggests chaos and uncontrollable power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian military power was legendary, employing advanced siege technology, cavalry, and brutal tactics. Historical records confirm their ruthlessness in conquest, including mass deportations and destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we reconcile God's mercy with His use of merciless instruments for judgment?
  2. What does the military imagery teach about the seriousness with which God treats persistent covenant unfaithfulness?
  3. How should fear of God's judgment motivate repentance and holy living?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
קֶ֣שֶׁת1 of 19

on bow

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

וְכִיד֞וֹן2 of 19

and spear

H3591

properly, something to strike with, i.e., a dart

יַחֲזִ֗יקוּ3 of 19

They shall lay hold

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

אַכְזָרִ֥י4 of 19

they are cruel

H394

terrible

הוּא֙5 of 19
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

וְלֹ֣א6 of 19
H3808

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

יְרַחֵ֔מוּ7 of 19

and have no mercy

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

קוֹלָם֙8 of 19

their voice

H6963

a voice or sound

כַּיָּ֣ם9 of 19

like the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

יֶהֱמֶ֔ה10 of 19

roareth

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

וְעַל11 of 19
H5921

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

סוּסִ֖ים12 of 19

upon horses

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

יִרְכָּ֑בוּ13 of 19

and they ride

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עָר֗וּךְ14 of 19

set in array

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

כְּאִישׁ֙15 of 19

as men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה16 of 19

for war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עָלַ֖יִךְ17 of 19
H5921

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

בַּת18 of 19

against thee O daughter

H1323

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

צִיּֽוֹן׃19 of 19

of Zion

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem


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 6:23 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 6:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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