Jeremiah 12:5
Jeremiah 12:5 in Multiple Translations
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?
¶ If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and though in a land of peace thou art secure, yet how wilt thou do in the pride of the Jordan?
If running with the fighting-men has made you tired, how will you be able to keep up with horses? and if in a land of peace you go in flight, what will become of you in the thick growth of Jordan?
The Lord says, Once you've become worn out in a foot race against men, how would you win racing against horses? If you trip up in open ground, how would you do in the tangled undergrowth beside the Jordan?
If thou hast runne with the footemen and they haue wearied thee, then howe canst thou match thy selfe with horses? and if thou thoughtest thy selfe safe in a peaceable lande, what wilt thou do in the swelling of Iorden?
For — with footmen thou hast run, And they weary thee, And how dost thou fret thyself with horses! Even in the land of peace, [In which] thou art confident — And how dost thou in the rising of Jordan!
“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? Though in a land of peace you are secure, yet how will you do in the pride of the Jordan?
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, in which thou hast trusted, they wearied thee , then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
If thou hast wearied with running with footmen, how canst thou contend with horses? and if thou hast been secure in a land of peace, what wilt thou do in the swelling of the Jordan?
Then to show me that I needed to be prepared to endure even greater difficulties, Yahweh said to me, “It is as though you have become exhausted from racing against men; so how will you be able to race against horses? If you stumble and fall when you are running on open/bare/smooth ground, what will happen to you when you are running through the thornbushes near the Jordan River?
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 12:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 12:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
אֶת
רַגְלִ֥ים
רַ֨צְתָּה֙
וַ/יַּלְא֔וּ/ךָ
וְ/אֵ֥יךְ
תְּתַֽחֲרֶ֖ה
אֶת
הַ/סּוּסִ֑ים
וּ/בְ/אֶ֤רֶץ
שָׁלוֹם֙
אַתָּ֣ה
בוֹטֵ֔חַ
וְ/אֵ֥יךְ
תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
בִּ/גְא֥וֹן
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
רַגְלִ֥ים
raglîy
H7273
on foot
Adj
רַ֨צְתָּה֙
rûwts
H7323
to run
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
וַ/יַּלְא֔וּ/ךָ
lâʼâh
H3811
be weary
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
וְ/אֵ֥יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Conj | Part
תְּתַֽחֲרֶ֖ה
tachârâh
H8474
to contend
V-c-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
הַ/סּוּסִ֑ים
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Art | N-mp
וּ/בְ/אֶ֤רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Conj | Prep | N-cs
שָׁלוֹם֙
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
בוֹטֵ֔חַ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
V-Qal
וְ/אֵ֥יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Conj | Part
תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בִּ/גְא֥וֹן
gâʼôwn
H1347
pride
Prep | N-ms
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 12:5
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
רַגְלִ֥ים
raglîy
H7273
"on foot"
Adj
This word means on foot or a foot soldier, like when David fought Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:51. It describes someone who travels or fights without a horse or vehicle.
Definition: 1) on foot 1a) man on foot, footman, foot soldier
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (on) foot(-man). See also: Exodus 12:37; 2 Samuel 10:6; Jeremiah 12:5.
רַ֨צְתָּה֙
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
וַ/יַּלְא֔וּ/ךָ
lâʼâh
H3811
"be weary"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
Means to be or make weary, disgusted, or tired, like in Psalm 6:8 where David is weary of crying. It can also mean to be impatient or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be weary, be impatient, be grieved, be offended 1a) (Qal) to be weary, be impatient 1b) (Niphal) to be tired of something, weary oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to weary, make weary, exhaust
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: faint, grieve, lothe, (be, make) weary (selves). See also: Genesis 19:11; Isaiah 16:12; Psalms 68:10.
וְ/אֵ֥יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
תְּתַֽחֲרֶ֖ה
tachârâh
H8474
"to contend"
V-c-Imperf-2ms
To contend means to struggle or fight with someone, often out of anger or rivalry. In the Bible, this word is used to describe people who are fiercely competing with each other, like in a battle or argument.
Definition: 1) to burn, be kindled (of anger) 1a) (Tiphel) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: close, contend. See also: Jeremiah 12:5; Jeremiah 22:15.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הַ/סּוּסִ֑ים
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וּ/בְ/אֶ֤רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
שָׁלוֹם֙
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בוֹטֵ֔חַ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
וְ/אֵ֥יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בִּ/גְא֥וֹן
gâʼôwn
H1347
"pride"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means pride or majesty, describing something excellent or arrogant, like nations or God's power, as seen in the KJV translations of Isaiah and Psalms.
Definition: 1) exaltation, majesty, pride 1a) majesty, exaltation, excellence 1a1) of nations 1a2) of God 1a3) of the Jordan 1b) pride, arrogance (bad sense)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling. See also: Exodus 15:7; Jeremiah 13:9; Psalms 47:5.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 12:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 12:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:5
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 12:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
- Sermons on Jeremiah 12:5
Context — God’s Answer to Jeremiah
3But You know me, O LORD; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage.
4How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field be withered? Because of the evil of its residents, the animals and birds have been swept away, for the people have said, “He cannot see what our end will be.”
5“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?
6Even your brothers— your own father’s household— even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you. 7I have forsaken My house; I have abandoned My inheritance. I have given the beloved of My soul into the hands of her enemies.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 4:12 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. |
| 2 | Proverbs 24:10 | If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength! |
| 3 | Hebrews 12:3–4 | Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 49:19 | Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” |
| 5 | Psalms 42:7 | Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 50:44 | Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” |
| 7 | Psalms 69:1–2 | Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. |
| 8 | Proverbs 3:11 | My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; |
| 9 | Joshua 3:15 | Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, |
| 10 | Jeremiah 26:8 | and as soon as he had finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people seized him, shouting, “You must surely die! |
Jeremiah 12:5 Summary
Jeremiah 12:5 is a reminder that if we struggle with small challenges, we may not be ready for bigger ones. It's like trying to run a marathon if we can't even finish a short race. The verse is encouraging us to trust God and seek His strength and guidance, especially when we're facing difficult terrain or uncertain circumstances, as seen in Psalm 37:5-6 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By putting our faith in God, we can navigate even the toughest challenges and come out stronger on the other side, as seen in Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Jeremiah 12:5?
The main point of Jeremiah 12:5 is that if we struggle with lesser challenges, how can we expect to handle greater ones, as seen in the contrast between racing with men on foot and competing with horses, and between stumbling in a peaceful land and navigating the thickets of the Jordan, which is reminiscent of the challenges faced by the Israelites in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 14:13 and Numbers 33:3.
Is Jeremiah 12:5 talking about physical or spiritual struggles?
While the verse uses physical imagery, such as racing and navigating terrain, it is ultimately talking about spiritual struggles and our ability to trust and follow God in the face of challenges, as seen in Psalm 37:5-6 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does Jeremiah 12:5 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Jeremiah 12:5 is part of a larger lament by Jeremiah, in which he expresses his concerns and frustrations to God about the state of Judah and the wickedness of its people, as seen in Jeremiah 12:3 and Jeremiah 12:7, and is calling out to God for guidance and strength, as seen in Jeremiah 12:3 and Psalm 25:4-5.
What can we learn from the image of the 'thickets of the Jordan' in Jeremiah 12:5?
The 'thickets of the Jordan' likely refers to the dense and potentially treacherous terrain near the Jordan River, and serves as a metaphor for the challenges and dangers that we may face in our spiritual journeys, as seen in Jeremiah 2:6 and Isaiah 43:2, and reminds us to trust in God's guidance and protection, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am 'racing with men on foot' and getting worn out, and how can I trust God to give me the strength and endurance I need, as seen in Isaiah 40:31?
- How do I respond when I 'stumble in a peaceful land', and what can I learn from those experiences about trusting God and persevering in my faith, as seen in Romans 5:3-5 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?
- What are some 'thickets of the Jordan' that I may be facing in my life right now, and how can I seek God's guidance and protection as I navigate them, as seen in Psalm 32:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I apply the principles of Jeremiah 12:5 to my relationships and interactions with others, and what does it mean to 'compete with horses' in a spiritual sense, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Timothy 2:5?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:5
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee,.... The Targum introduces the words thus, "this is the answer which was made to Jeremiah the prophet, concerning his question; a prophet
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:5
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
That these are the answer of God to the prophet is reasonably well agreed by the best interpreters, as also that this is a proverbial expression; but as to the application of it in this place, there is some difference. Some make it this: If thou dost not understand what is done by the men of thine own city, how canst thou think to fathom my dispensations of providence in the government of the world? But this sense seemeth not very probable, because the sense of the proverb seemeth to be, If thou be not able to encounter lesser dangers, how wilt thou be able to over come greater? I rather agree with those who make the sense this: Jeremiah, I have greater dangers for thee to encounter than those thou art exposed to at Anathoth; if thou be so disturbed with them, who are but as footmen, how wilt thou be able to grapple with those far greater enemies which thou art like to meet with at Jerusalem? Anathoth also seemeth to be understood by the land of thy peace; that is, the land of thy friends, wherein thou hadst a confidence: If thy enemies thou hast there met with thee, what wilt thou do in the swellings of Jordan? that is, in a place where thou art like to meet with an increase of greater troubles, like the swelling of Jordan (which in harvest used to overflow its banks). Many other things are said by interpreters, both with reference to the sense of this text, and the explication of these proverbial expressions; but the sense above mentioned seemeth to me least strained, and best agreeing with what went before and what follows.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?Ver. 5. If thou hast run with the footmen.] Here God returneth an answer to the prophet’ s foregoing complaint, saith the Chaldee, partly checking him for his discontentedness, and partly exciting him to a humble submission and a well-knit resolution. Then how wilt thou contend with horses?] If thy countrymen of Anathoth overmatch and overmaster thee, how wilt thou deal with those of Jerusalem, who are a far deal worse? And if in a land of peace.] These are proverbial speeches, both to one purpose: “ Ferre minora velis, ut graviora feras. ” How wouldst thou endure wounds for Christ, that canst not endure words? saith one. And how wilt thou fry a faggot that startlest at a reproach for the truth? While William Cobberly, martyr, was in durance, his wife also, called Alice, being apprehended, was in the keeper’ s house the same time detained, where the keeper’ s wife had secretly heated a key fire hot, and laid it in the grass on the back side; so speaking to Alice Cobberly to fetch her the key in all haste, she went with speed to bring the key, and taking it up in haste, did piteously burn her hand, whereupon she cried out, Ah, thou drab! Quoth the other, Thou that canst not abide the burning of thy hand, how wilt thou be able to abide the burning of thy whole body? And so she afterwards repented. Acts and Mon., fol. 1719.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
(5) If thou hast run with the footmen.—The prophet is compelled to make answer to himself, and the voice of Jehovah is heard in his inmost soul rebuking his impatience. What are the petty troubles that fall on him compared with what others suffer, with what might come on himself? The thought is not unlike that with which St. Paul comforts the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 10:13), or what we find in Hebrews 12:4. The meaning of the first clause is plain enough. The man who was wearied in a foot-race should not venture (as Elijah, e.g., had done, 1 Kings 18:46) to measure his speed against that of horses. The latter (“the swelling of Jordan”) suggests the thoughts of the turbid stream of the river overflowing its banks in the time of harvest (Joshua 3:15; 1 Chronicles 12:15). In Zechariah 11:3, however, the same phrase (there translated “the pride of Jordan”) is used apparently in connection with the lions and other beasts of prey that haunted the jungle on its banks (Jeremiah 49:19; Jeremiah 50:44), and that may be the thought here. Commentators differ, and there are no data for deciding. In any case, there is no need for the interpolated words of the English Version.
The sentence should run, “In a land of peace thou art secure (i.e., it is easy to be tranquil when danger is not pressing). What wilt thou in the swelling (or, amid the pride) of Jordan?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
Verse 5. If thou hast run with the footmen] If the smallest evils to which thou art exposed cause thee to make so many bitter complaints, how wilt thou feel when, in the course of thy prophetic ministry, thou shalt be exposed to much greater, from enemies much more powerful? Footmen may here be the symbol of common evil events; horsemen, of evils much more terrible. If thou have sunk under small difficulties, what wilt thou do when great ones come? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst] I believe the meaning is this, "If in a country now enjoying peace thou scarcely thinkest thyself in safety, what wilt thou do in the swellings of Jordan? in the time when the enemy, like an overflowing torrent, shall deluge every part of the land?" The overflowing of Jordan, which generally happened in harvest, drove the lions and other beasts of prey from their coverts among the bushes that lined its banks; who, spreading themselves through the country, made terrible havoc, slaying men, and carrying off the cattle. Perhaps by footmen may be meant the Philistines, Edomites, c., whose armies were composed principally of infantry and by the horses, the Chaldeans, who had abundance of cavalry and chariots in their army. But still the words are proverbial, and the above is their meaning.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:5
Jeremiah 12:1-6. See summary at commencement of section. Pe. points out that this passage is very important in religious history, since it is probably the first expression we have in Hebrew literature of the problem, Why do the wicked prosper? Habakkuk, who also deals with it (Jeremiah 1:13 ff.), is likely to have been at the earliest a younger contemporary of Jeremiah. (See Intr. p. xxx.) Du. rejects the passage on the ground that (a) Jeremiah expected the immediate overthrow of rich and poor alike, and that the wicked are not known to have been more prosperous than the godly in his time. But these arguments are inconclusive except perhaps for the later portion of Jer 12:3, while the larger part of the passage seems to carry with it in point of style its own credentials.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 12:5
Yahweh rebukes Jeremiah’s impatience, showing him by two proverbial sayings, that there were still greater trials of faith in store for him.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:5
5. If… they have wearied thee — In this beautiful verse Jehovah rebukes Jeremiah’s impatience. It consists of two proverbial sayings, unlike in form and specific import, but alike relevant to the object of the address.
Sermons on Jeremiah 12:5
| Sermon | Description | |
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Through Jordan by William Booth | William Booth emphasizes the challenges faced in life, comparing them to running with footmen and contending with the swelling of Jordan, symbolizing trials and tribulations. He en |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about three men who find a genie and are granted three wishes each. The first man wishes to be back in London, the second wishes to be ba |
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Be Strong in the Lord by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Steve Mays emphasizes the importance of standing strong in the face of spiritual warfare. He highlights the fact that many believers are walking away from God in th |
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Contrasting Picture of Life and Death by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges and struggles of life, comparing them to footmen in a race. He emphasizes that everyone will face disappointments, sickness, s |
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A Test of Faith by Arthur John Gossip | Arthur John Gossip emphasizes the importance of having a steadfast and unwavering faith in God, comparing the challenges faced in life to running with footmen and contending with h |
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Great Tribulation Travails by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of not delaying in serving God, especially in the face of increasing corruption and challenges in the world. He warns against compromising on |
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The Swelling of Jordan by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the significance of the river Jordan in the Bible, symbolizing experiences that stand between us and our future. He emphasizes the importance of fulfi |