Jeremiah 14:6
Jeremiah 14:6 in Multiple Translations
Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.”
And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass.
And the wild asses stand on the bare heights, they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail, because there is no herbage.
And the asses of the field on the open hilltops are opening their mouths wide like jackals to get air; their eyes are hollow because there is no grass.
Wild donkeys stand on the bare hills, panting like jackals. Their eyesight fails because they have nothing to eat.
And the wilde asses did stande in the hygh places, and drew in their winde like dragons their eyes did faile, because there was no grasse.
And wild asses have stood on high places, They have swallowed up wind like dragons, Consumed have been their eyes, for there is no herb.
The wild donkeys stand on the bare heights. They pant for air like jackals. Their eyes fail, because there is no vegetation.
And the wild asses stood in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes failed, because there was no grass.
And the wild asses stood upon the rocks, they snuffed up the wind like dragons, their eyes failed, because there was no grass.
The wild donkeys stand on the barren hills, panting like [SIM] thirsty jackals/wolves. They become blind because there is no grass to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 14:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Jeremiah 14:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/פְרָאִים֙
עָמְד֣וּ
עַל
שְׁפָיִ֔ם
שָׁאֲפ֥וּ
ר֖וּחַ
כַּ/תַּנִּ֑ים
כָּל֥וּ
עֵינֵי/הֶ֖ם
כִּי
אֵ֥ין
עֵֽשֶׂב
וּ/פְרָאִים֙
pereʼ
H6501
wild donkey
Conj | N-mp
עָמְד֣וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁפָיִ֔ם
shᵉphîy
H8205
bareness
N-mp
שָׁאֲפ֥וּ
shâʼaph
H7602
to long for
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
ר֖וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
כַּ/תַּנִּ֑ים
tannîyn
H8577
jackal
Prep | N-mp
כָּל֥וּ
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵינֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
עֵֽשֶׂב
ʻeseb
H6212
vegetation
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 14:6
וּ/פְרָאִים֙
pereʼ
H6501
"wild donkey"
Conj | N-mp
This word refers to a wild donkey or onager, a strong and fierce animal. It is used in the Bible to describe the wilderness and the animals that live there. The wild donkey is a symbol of freedom and untamed nature.
Definition: wild ass
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: wild (ass). See also: Genesis 16:12; Psalms 104:11; Isaiah 32:14.
עָמְד֣וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁפָיִ֔ם
shᵉphîy
H8205
"bareness"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a bare or smooth place, like a hill with no trees. It is used to describe the landscape of Israel. The word appears in descriptions of the country's geography.
Definition: 1) bareness, smooth or bare height, bare place, high places, barren height 1a) bareness 1b) bare place, bare height
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: high place, stick out. See also: Numbers 23:3; Jeremiah 3:21; Isaiah 41:18.
שָׁאֲפ֥וּ
shâʼaph
H7602
"to long for"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To crush or trample something, also to desire or hasten eagerly, as seen in Psalm 7:2. It implies a strong emotional response, like anger or intense longing. This word is used to describe God's judgment in Isaiah 13:3.
Definition: 1) to gasp, pant, pant after, long for, breathe heavily 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gasp, pant after, snuff up 1a2) to gasp or pant (with desire), pant after, be eager for 1a3) to thirst for one's blood (from actions of animals) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: desire (earnestly), devour, haste, pant, snuff up, swallow up. See also: Job 5:5; Ecclesiastes 1:5; Psalms 56:2.
ר֖וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
כַּ/תַּנִּ֑ים
tannîyn
H8577
"jackal"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a monster or serpent, like a sea-serpent or dragon, as described in Psalm 74:13 and Isaiah 27:1. It can also mean a venomous snake or a whale, symbolizing powerful creatures.
Definition: jackal Also means: tan.nah (תַּנָּה "dragon" H8568)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: dragon, sea-monster, serpent, whale. See also: Genesis 1:21; Isaiah 27:1; Psalms 44:20.
כָּל֥וּ
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
עֵינֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
כִּי
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.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
עֵֽשֶׂב
ʻeseb
H6212
"vegetation"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means vegetation or grass, representing growth and new life. It is used in Genesis 1:11 to describe the creation of plants and in Psalm 23:2 to describe a peaceful landscape.
Definition: herb, herbage, grass, green plants Aramaic equivalent: a.sav (עֲשַׂב "grass" H6211B)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: grass, herb. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 72:16; Psalms 92:8.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 14:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 14:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 14:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 14:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 14:6
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 14:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
- Sermons on Jeremiah 14:6
Context — Drought, Famine, Sword, and Plague
4The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads.
5Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass.
6Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.”
7Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. 8O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are You like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays but a night?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:24 | a wild donkey at home in the wilderness, sniffing the wind in the heat of her desire. Who can restrain her passion? All who seek her need not weary themselves; in mating season they will find her. |
| 2 | Job 39:5–6 | Who set the wild donkey free? Who released the swift donkey from the harness? I made the wilderness his home and the salt flats his dwelling. |
| 3 | Joel 1:18 | How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering. |
| 4 | Lamentations 4:17 | All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 14:29 | “My father has brought trouble to the land,” Jonathan replied. “Just look at how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. |
| 6 | Lamentations 5:17 | Because of this, our hearts are faint; because of these, our eyes grow dim— |
Jeremiah 14:6 Summary
Jeremiah 14:6 uses the example of wild donkeys to describe how God's people were struggling to survive in a land that had been devastated by drought and sin. Just like the donkeys, the people were desperate for spiritual nourishment, but were unable to find it. This verse reminds us that when we turn away from God, we can become like a barren landscape, devoid of life and hope (see Psalm 63:1). But even in those times, we can cry out to God for help, just like Jeremiah did, and trust that He will provide for us and restore our spiritual vitality (see Isaiah 41:17-20).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the wild donkeys in Jeremiah 14:6?
The wild donkeys in Jeremiah 14:6 symbolize the desperate state of God's people, who are struggling to survive in a land devoid of spiritual nourishment, much like the physical barrenness described in Jeremiah 14:4 and Jeremiah 14:5.
How do the wild donkeys' actions relate to the people's spiritual condition?
The wild donkeys' panting for air like jackals and their failing eyes due to lack of pasture illustrate the people's spiritual exhaustion and blindness, highlighting their need for God's intervention, as expressed in Jeremiah 14:7.
What does this verse reveal about God's judgment on His people?
Jeremiah 14:6 suggests that God's judgment on His people can manifest in physical ways, such as drought and famine, which serve as a reflection of their spiritual barrenness, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:23-24.
How can we apply the lesson of Jeremiah 14:6 to our own lives?
This verse encourages us to examine our own spiritual condition, recognizing that spiritual dryness can have physical and emotional consequences, and to seek God's refreshing presence, as promised in Isaiah 44:3 and Psalm 107:35.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways am I, like the wild donkeys, struggling to find spiritual nourishment in my own life?
- How can I, like the prophet Jeremiah, cry out to God for relief and restoration in times of spiritual drought?
- What are some 'barren heights' in my life where I feel hopeless or desperate, and how can I trust God to provide for me in those areas?
- In what ways can I, as a child of God, be a source of spiritual refreshment and nourishment to those around me, as described in Matthew 5:6?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 14:6
And the wild asses did stand in the high places,.... To see where any grass was to be had, or where the wind blows more freely and cooly, to draw it in; as follows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 14:6
And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
The wild asses, wanting water, got upon high places, where was the freest and coolest air, and sucked in the wind, and this it is said they did like dragons, of whom Aristotle and Pliny report, that by reason of the great heat of their bodies, they ordinarily stand upon high places sucking in the cool air, and they tell us those creatures will live upon it for some time. The prophet describing this great drought, tells us the wild asses did the like. But for want of grass their eyes were either almost sunk in their heads, they being almost starved; or else the phrase signifies the frustration of their expectation, which this phrase also sometimes signifies in Scripture, .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
Jeremiah 14:6 And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because [there was] no grass.Ver. 6. And the wild asses.] Secretes alias vagae libidinis in silvis, that usually course up and down the woods, and can bear hunger and thirst a long while together. Snuffed up the wind like dragons.] Quorum est vehementissima spiratio ac sorbitio; who, in defect of water, can continue long by drawing in the air, as Aristotle likewise testifieth of the goats in Cephalonia, that they drink not for various days together, but instead thereof gape and suck in the fresh air. Plin., lib. x. cap. 72. Lib. De mirab auscult.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
(6) The wild asses.—From the field the prophet’s eye turns to the bare hill-tops of the “high places,” and sees a scene of like distress. The “wild asses” seem turned to beasts of prey, and stand gaping for thirst, as the jackals (not “dragons”—comp. Jeremiah 9:11) stand panting for their prey. By some scholars the word is taken as meaning, like a kindred word in Ezekiel 29:3; Ezekiel 32:2, “crocodiles,” with their wide gaping jaws. There was no grass.—The word is not the same as that in Jeremiah 14:5, and implies a larger and ranker herbage than that on which the hind fed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
Verse 6. Snuffed up the wind like dragons] תנים tannim here probably means the hippopotamus, who, after feeding under the water, is obliged to come to the surface in order to take in fresh draughts of air; or it may mean the wild asses.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 14:6
6. bare heights] See on ch. Jeremiah 3:2. pant for air] oppressed by heat and thirst. jackals] See on Jeremiah 9:11, but mg. (by the change of one Heb. letter) the crocodile (coming out of the water to breathe). their eyes fail] in place of their sharpness of sight. Cp. Job 11:20; Psalms 69:3; Lamentations 4:17, and contrast Jonathan’s case in 1 Samuel 14:27.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 14:6
Like dragons - “Like jackals” Jeremiah 9:11. No grass - The keen sight of the wild donkey is well known, but they look around in vain for herb.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:6
6. The wild asses stand upon the high places where they dwell, and gasp for air like the jackals, not dragons. These keen-sighted animals look for any green herb in vain.
Sermons on Jeremiah 14:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Ass by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook reflects on the significance of the ass in the Bible, highlighting its role as a symbol of meekness, humility, gratitude, and even the ability to speak when necessa |
|
Epistle 278 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of apprentices serving faithfully according to covenant, emphasizing the need for order and discipline to prevent youth from falling into d |