King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 8:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 8:14 in the King James Version says “Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. gall: or, poison

Jeremiah 8:14 · KJV


Context

12

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. I will: or, In gathering I will consume

13

I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.

14

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. gall: or, poison

15

We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!

16

The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein. all: Heb. the fulness thereof


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse transitions to portraying the people's response to coming invasion: 'Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities.' The Hebrew question 'al-mah anachnu yoshevim' (עַל־מָה אֲנַחְנוּ יֹשְׁבִים) reflects sudden awareness that inaction means death. 'Defenced cities' (arei hamibtzar, עָרֵי הַמִּבְצָר) were fortified urban centers offering military protection. Yet the bitter recognition follows: 'for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink.' 'Put to silence' (demamnu, דָּמָמְנוּ) means to be dumb, destroyed, cut off. 'Water of gall' (mei-rosh, מֵי־רֹאשׁ) indicates poisoned water, possibly hemlock—divine judgment bringing bitter death. 'Because we have sinned against the LORD' acknowledges the cause—their own covenant violation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During Babylon's invasions, rural populations fled to fortified cities like Jerusalem, Lachish, and Azekah (Jeremiah 34:7). Archaeological evidence from the Lachish Letters shows desperate communications between these besieged cities. The phrase 'water of gall' appears also in Jeremiah 9:15 and 23:15, indicating God forcing judgment upon the unfaithful. The people's acknowledgment 'we have sinned' may reflect too-late repentance as doom approached.

Reflection Questions

  1. When does recognition of sin come too late to avert judgment's consequences?
  2. How does this verse's acknowledgment of sin contrast with the shamelessness described in verse 12?

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

מָה֙2 of 21
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אֲנַ֣חְנוּ3 of 21
H587

we

יֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים4 of 21

Why do we sit still

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הֵֽאָסְפ֗וּ5 of 21

assemble

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

וְנָב֛וֹא6 of 21

yourselves and let us enter

H935

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

אֶל7 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עָרֵ֥י8 of 21

cities

H5892

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

הַמִּבְצָ֖ר9 of 21

into the defenced

H4013

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

הֲדִמָּ֙נוּ֙10 of 21

and let us be silent

H1826

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

שָּׁ֑ם11 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

כִּי֩12 of 21
H3588

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

לַיהוָֽה׃13 of 21

against the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֤ינוּ14 of 21

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הֲדִמָּ֙נוּ֙15 of 21

and let us be silent

H1826

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

וַיַּשְׁקֵ֣נוּ16 of 21

to drink

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

מֵי17 of 21

and given us water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רֹ֔אשׁ18 of 21

of gall

H7219

a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head); generally poison (even of serpents)

כִּ֥י19 of 21
H3588

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

חָטָ֖אנוּ20 of 21

because we have sinned

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

לַיהוָֽה׃21 of 21

against the LORD

H3068

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


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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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