Jeremiah 4:13
Jeremiah 4:13 in Multiple Translations
Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!
Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.
Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as the whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are ruined.
See, he will come up like the clouds, and his war-carriages like the storm-wind: his horses are quicker than eagles. Sorrow is ours, for destruction has come on us.
Look, he's rushing in like storm clouds; his chariots are like a whirlwind. His horses fly faster than eagles. “What a disaster! We're ruined!”
Beholde, he shall come vp as the cloudes, and his charets shalbe as a tempest: his horses are lighter then eagles. Woe vnto vs, for wee are destroyed.
Lo, as clouds he cometh up, And as a hurricane his chariots, Lighter than eagles have been his horses, Woe to us, for we have been spoiled.
Behold, he will come up as clouds, and his chariots will be as the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us! For we are ruined.
Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us! for we are laid waste.
Behold he shall come up as a cloud, and his chariots as a tempest: his horses are swifter than eagles: woe unto us, for we are laid waste.
Our enemies are about to rush down on us; their chariots are like [SIM] whirlwinds. Their horses are faster than eagles. It will be terrible for us!
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 4:13
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 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנֵּ֣ה
כַּ/עֲנָנִ֣ים
יַעֲלֶ֗ה
וְ/כַ/סּוּפָה֙
מַרְכְּבוֹתָ֔י/ו
קַלּ֥וּ
מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֖ים
סוּסָ֑י/ו
א֥וֹי
לָ֖/נוּ
כִּ֥י
שֻׁדָּֽדְנוּ
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
כַּ/עֲנָנִ֣ים
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
Prep | N-mp
יַעֲלֶ֗ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/כַ/סּוּפָה֙
çûwphâh
H5492
whirlwind
Conj | Prep | N-fs
מַרְכְּבוֹתָ֔י/ו
merkâbâh
H4818
chariot
N-fp | Suff
קַלּ֥וּ
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֖ים
nesher
H5404
eagle
Prep | N-mp
סוּסָ֑י/ו
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-mp | Suff
א֥וֹי
ʼôwy
H188
woe!
Part
לָ֖/נוּ
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שֻׁדָּֽדְנוּ
shâdad
H7703
to ruin
V-Pual-Perf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 4:13
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
כַּ/עֲנָנִ֣ים
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
יַעֲלֶ֗ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
וְ/כַ/סּוּפָה֙
çûwphâh
H5492
"whirlwind"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
Suphah refers to a hurricane or storm, and is also the name of a place east of the Jordan, translated as Red Sea in the KJV. It is derived from the idea of overflowing. In the Bible, it is used to describe powerful natural events, such as storms and whirlwinds.
Definition: storm-wind
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Red Sea, storm, tempest, whirlwind, Red sea. See also: Numbers 21:14; Isaiah 17:13; Psalms 83:16.
מַרְכְּבוֹתָ֔י/ו
merkâbâh
H4818
"chariot"
N-fp | Suff
This word is also used for a chariot, a vehicle used for transportation or warfare in ancient times. It is similar to H4817 and appears in stories about the prophet Ezekiel's visions, like in Ezekiel 1:15. The word is usually translated as 'chariot' in English Bibles.
Definition: chariot
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chariot. See also H1024 (בֵּית הַמַּרְכָּבוֹת). See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Isaiah 2:7.
קַלּ֥וּ
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֖ים
nesher
H5404
"eagle"
Prep | N-mp
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
סוּסָ֑י/ו
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-mp | Suff
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.
א֥וֹי
ʼôwy
H188
"woe!"
Part
This word is an expression of sorrow or grief, like a cry of 'Oh no!' or 'Alas!' It's used in Isaiah and Jeremiah to lament the fate of God's people. The prophets use it to express deep emotional pain.
Definition: 1) woe! alas! oh! 1a) passionate cry of grief or despair
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: alas, woe. See also: Numbers 21:29; Jeremiah 6:4; Proverbs 23:29.
לָ֖/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
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.
שֻׁדָּֽדְנוּ
shâdad
H7703
"to ruin"
V-Pual-Perf-1cp
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 4:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 4:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:13
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
- Sermons on Jeremiah 4:13
Context — Disaster from the North
11At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, “A searing wind from the barren heights in the desert blows toward the daughter of My people, but not to winnow or to sift;
12a wind too strong for that comes from Me. Now I also pronounce judgments against them.”
13Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!
14Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you? 15For a voice resounds from Dan, proclaiming disaster from the hills of Ephraim.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 19:1 | This is the burden against Egypt: Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud; He is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them. |
| 2 | Isaiah 66:15 | For behold, the LORD will come with fire— His chariots are like a whirlwind— to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 1:8 | Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. |
| 4 | Lamentations 4:19 | Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness. |
| 5 | Isaiah 5:28 | Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 28:49 | The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand, |
| 7 | Nahum 1:3 | The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet. |
| 8 | Isaiah 13:5 | They are coming from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens— the LORD and the weapons of His wrath— to destroy the whole country. |
| 9 | Revelation 1:7 | Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 4:31 | For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child— the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!” |
Jeremiah 4:13 Summary
Jeremiah 4:13 describes a powerful and swift judgment from God, comparing it to clouds and a whirlwind, emphasizing its unstoppable nature. The horses being swifter than eagles shows how quickly God's judgment can come, much like the swift return of Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:20). The cry 'Woe to us, for we are ruined' is a call to recognize our sinfulness and the need for repentance, as also seen in Lamentations 1:1-2. This verse reminds us to turn away from sin and towards God, seeking salvation and forgiveness, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9 and Ezekiel 18:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the chariots to be like a whirlwind in Jeremiah 4:13?
The whirlwind represents a powerful and swift judgment from God, similar to the whirlwind that took Elijah to heaven in 2 Kings 2:11, emphasizing the unstoppable nature of God's wrath.
How can horses be swifter than eagles, which are known for their speed?
This comparison is a figure of speech to convey the extraordinary speed of the horses, highlighting the urgency and swiftness of God's judgment, much like the swift return of the Lord Jesus Christ mentioned in Revelation 22:20.
What does 'Woe to us, for we are ruined' mean in the context of Jeremiah 4:13?
It's a cry of despair and hopelessness from the people, recognizing their sinful state and the impending judgment from God, similar to the lamentations in Lamentations 1:1-2, where Jeremiah mourns the desolation of Jerusalem.
Is Jeremiah 4:13 talking about a literal or spiritual invasion?
While it may involve a literal invasion, the primary focus is on the spiritual judgment of God against His people for their sins, as seen in Jeremiah 4:14, where the prophet calls for the people to wash the evil from their hearts to be saved, echoing the call to repentance in Ezekiel 18:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'clouds' and 'whirlwind' in my life that signal God's judgment or call to repentance?
- How can I, like Jeremiah, recognize the signs of God's judgment and call others to repentance, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17-20?
- In what ways am I, or my community, harboring wicked thoughts or actions that invite God's judgment, and what steps can I take to repent and turn to God, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9?
- What does it mean for me to 'wash the evil from my heart' as mentioned in the next verse, Jeremiah 4:14, and how can I apply this to my life, considering Psalm 51:10-12?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:13
Behold, he shall come up as clouds,.... Meaning the lion, Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah 4:7, "the king with his army (as the Targum paraphrases it); he shall come up against them as a cloud that ascendeth
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:13
Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled. Clouds - continuing the metaphor in Jeremiah 4:11-12.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
He shall come up as clouds; either noting the vast number of them, ; or the suddenness of them, when not expected, clouds often rising on a sudden, and overspreading the whole face of the heavens; or rather, the great speed and swiftness with which Nebuchadnezzar shall march against them, , hyperbolically described by the swiftness of eagles in this verse, . His chariots shall be as a whirlwind; which beside the swiftness, notes also the confusion and amazement that they will cause, . Woe unto us! for we are spoiled: the dreadful apprehensions that the people have of their woeful condition, or possibly the words of the prophet lamenting their misery.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
Jeremiah 4:13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots [shall be] as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.Ver. 13. Behold, he shall come up as clouds.] Swiftly and numerously. His horses are swifter than eagles.] Which, though the biggest of all fowls, yet fly with greatest speed. Woe unto us, for we are spoiled.] This he premiseth fitly to his exhortation to repentance; q.d., We are utterly undone, if repentance prevent not. “ Currat ergo paenitentia, ne praecurrat sententia. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
(13) He shall come up as clouds.—He, the destroyer of nations, with armies that sweep like storm-clouds over the land they are going to destroy. (Comp. Ezekiel 38:16.) Swifter than eagles.—A possible quotation from David’s lament over Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:23). The fact that another phrase is quoted in Jeremiah 4:30 (“clothest thyself with crimson,” where the Hebrew is the same as the “scarlet” of 2 Samuel 1:24), makes the possibility something like a certainty. It was natural that one who himself wrote two sets of lamentations, one early (2 Chronicles 35:25), the other late, in life, should have been a student of earlier elegies. For the flight of the eagle as representing the swift march of the invader, comp. Lamentations 4:19; Hos. viii 1; Habakkuk 1:8. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.—Probably the cry of the terrified crowds of Jerusalem, with which the prophet, with dramatic vividness, as in Jeremiah 9:18-19, interrupts his description.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
Verse 13. See Clarke on Jeremiah 4:11. Ver. 13. Wo unto us!] The people, deeply affected with these threatened judgments, interrupt the prophet with the lamentation - Wo unto us, for we are spoiled! The prophet then resumes: -
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:13
13. as clouds] a further simile for the invader. Cp. Ezekiel 38:16, and Joe 2:2. his chariots shall be as the whirlwind] Cp. Isaiah 5:28; Isaiah 66:15. eagles] rather, griffons (gypsi fulvus), a species of vulture. Cp. ch. Jeremiah 48:40, Jeremiah 49:22; 2 Samuel 1:23; Lamentations 4:19; Habakkuk 1:8.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:13
His troops move on in large masses like dark threatening clouds Joe 2:2. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled - Jeremiah’s own cry of grief.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:13
13. Behold — Prophetic vision. Clouds… whirlwind… eagles — Located in the same region as that before suggested in the figure of the dry wind.
Sermons on Jeremiah 4:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer | James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract |
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Arab-02 Egypt - My People by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a revelation from Egypt, where the Lord is seen riding on a fast cloud. The idols of Egypt rise from his face, causing the heart of Egypt to m |
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(Isaiah) Judgment of the Nations by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Babylon as described in the book of Isaiah. He emphasizes the vividness and power of God's word, which conveys the panic and terr |
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A Highway Out of Egypt! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Highway Out of Egypt!' where he expounds on Isaiah 19's prophecy, emphasizing God's promise to bring back lost children and bac |
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Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and |
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Isaiah Chapter 5 Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding the geopolitical context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the neighboring nations that influenced Israel and Judah. He |
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The Day of the Lord by Thaddeus Barnum | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unimaginable sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity by taking on the justice that was due to us. He quotes John 5:24, which states that |