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Jeremiah 4:18

Jeremiah 4:18 in Multiple Translations

“Your ways and deeds have brought this upon you. This is your punishment; how bitter it is, because it pierces to the heart!”

Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.

Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness; for it is bitter, for it reacheth unto thy heart.

Your ways and your doings have made these things come on you; this is your sin; truly it is bitter, going deep into your heart.

You've brought this on yourself by your own attitudes and actions. This is your punishment, and it's so painful, it's like being stabbed in the heart!”

Thy wayes and thine inuentions haue procured thee these things, such is thy wickednesse: therefore it shall be bitter, therefore it shall perce vnto thine heart.

Thy way and thy doings have done these to thee, This [is] thy vexation, for [it is] bitter, For it hath struck unto thy heart.

“Your way and your doings have brought these things to you. This is your wickedness, for it is bitter, for it reaches to your heart.”

Thy way and thy doings have procured these things to thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth to thy heart.

They ways, and thy devices have brought these things upon thee: this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it hath touched thy heart.

You will be punished very severely; it will be as though a sword has stabbed your inner beings. But you are causing those things to happen to you because of the evil things that you have done.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 4:18

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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 4:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB דַּרְכֵּ/ךְ֙ וּ/מַ֣עֲלָלַ֔יִ/ךְ עָשׂ֥וֹ אֵ֖לֶּה לָ֑/ךְ זֹ֤את רָעָתֵ/ךְ֙ כִּ֣י מָ֔ר כִּ֥י נָגַ֖ע עַד לִבֵּֽ/ךְ
דַּרְכֵּ/ךְ֙ derek H1870 way N-cs | Suff
וּ/מַ֣עֲלָלַ֔יִ/ךְ maʻălâl H4611 deed Conj | N-mp | Suff
עָשׂ֥וֹ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Ptc
אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Pron
לָ֑/ךְ Prep | Suff
זֹ֤את zôʼth H2063 this Pron
רָעָתֵ/ךְ֙ raʻ H7451 bad N-fs | Suff
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
מָ֔ר mar H4751 bitter Adj
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj
נָגַ֖ע nâgaʻ H5060 to touch V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
לִבֵּֽ/ךְ lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 4:18

דַּרְכֵּ/ךְ֙ derek H1870 "way" N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וּ/מַ֣עֲלָלַ֔יִ/ךְ maʻălâl H4611 "deed" Conj | N-mp | Suff
Maalal means a deed or act, which can be good or bad, such as a practice or invention. It is used in the Bible to describe human actions and their consequences. This term is found in various biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) deed, practice 1a) practice (usually bad) 1b) deeds 1c) acts
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: doing, endeavour, invention, work. See also: Deuteronomy 28:20; Jeremiah 21:12; Psalms 28:4.
עָשׂ֥וֹ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Ptc
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.
אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לָ֑/ךְ "" Prep | Suff
זֹ֤את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
רָעָתֵ/ךְ֙ raʻ H7451 "bad" N-fs | Suff
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
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.
מָ֔ר mar H4751 "bitter" Adj
Mar means bitter, describing something that tastes bad or is unpleasant. It can also describe emotional pain or discontent, like being angry or chafed.
Definition: adj 1) bitter, bitterness 1a) of water or food 1b) of harlot's end, end of wickedness, cry (fig.) 1c) of pain (subst) adv 2) bitterly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, [idiom] great, heavy. See also: Genesis 27:34; Psalms 64:4; Proverbs 5:4.
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.
נָגַ֖ע nâgaʻ H5060 "to touch" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
לִבֵּֽ/ךְ lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 4:18

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 2:19 Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.
2 Psalms 107:17 Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction.
3 Proverbs 1:31 So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
4 Isaiah 50:1 This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
5 Jeremiah 2:17 Have you not brought this on yourself by forsaking the LORD your God when He led you in the way?
6 Jeremiah 6:19 Hear, O earth! I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their own schemes, because they have paid no attention to My word and have rejected My instruction.
7 Jeremiah 5:19 And when the people ask, ‘For what offense has the LORD our God done all these things to us?’ You are to tell them, ‘Just as you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so will you serve foreigners in a land that is not your own.’”
8 Jeremiah 26:19 Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did Hezekiah not fear the LORD and seek His favor, and did not the LORD relent of the disaster He had pronounced against them? But we are about to bring great harm on ourselves!”
9 Proverbs 5:22 The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him.
10 Job 20:5–16 the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? Though his arrogance reaches the heavens, and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who had seen him will ask, ‘Where is he?’ He will fly away like a dream, never to be found; he will be chased away like a vision in the night. The eye that saw him will see him no more, and his place will no longer behold him. His sons will seek the favor of the poor, for his own hands must return his wealth. The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie down with him in the dust. Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he conceals it under his tongue, though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, yet in his stomach his food sours into the venom of cobras within him. He swallows wealth but vomits it out; God will force it from his stomach. He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him.

Jeremiah 4:18 Summary

[This verse is saying that the people's actions have caused them to be punished, and that this punishment is very painful, like a sharp pain in the heart. It's like when we do something wrong and we feel bad about it, but this is much worse because it's a punishment from God. As it says in Jeremiah 4:17, the people have rebelled against God, and now they are facing the consequences. We can learn from this by trying to do what is right and following God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 where it says 'If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth']

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cause of the punishment mentioned in Jeremiah 4:18?

The punishment is a result of the people's ways and deeds, which have been in rebellion against God, as seen in Jeremiah 4:17 where it says 'she has rebelled against Me,' declares the LORD, and also in Jeremiah 1:16 where God says 'I will utter My judgments against them, for all their wickedness in forsaking Me'

How does God feel about the punishment He brings upon His people?

God takes no pleasure in punishing His people, as seen in Jeremiah 4:19 where He says 'My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain!' This shows that God's heart is grieved when He must punish His people, as also seen in Ezekiel 33:11 where He says 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked'

What is the nature of the punishment mentioned in Jeremiah 4:18?

The punishment is described as bitter and piercing to the heart, indicating a deep and profound sorrow, as also seen in Lamentations 1:12 where it says 'Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any pain like my pain'

How can we apply Jeremiah 4:18 to our own lives?

We can apply this verse by recognizing that our actions have consequences, and that rebellion against God will ultimately lead to punishment, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8 where it says 'Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be rebelling against God, and what are the potential consequences of those actions?
  2. How can I align my ways and deeds with God's will, and avoid the punishment that comes from rebellion?
  3. What does it mean for punishment to 'pierce to the heart', and how can I prepare myself for the possibility of experiencing such pain?
  4. In what ways can I seek God's mercy and forgiveness when I have rebelled against Him, and how can I find restoration and healing?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:18

Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee,.... The way in which they walked, which was an evil one; and the actions which they committed; their idolatries, backslidings, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:18

Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:18

Thy way; thy manner of life, and particularly thy idolatries. Have procured these things unto thee: q.d. Thou canst not lay any blame upon me. This is thy wickedness, because it is bitter; thy wickedness hath been the cause of this thy grievous affliction, ,19, of this thy bitterness of bringing such a bitter enemy against thee, a metonymy of the efficient, which hath reached unto thy very heart, as the sword is said to reach unto the soul, .

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:18

Jeremiah 4:18 Thy way and thy doings have procured these [things] unto thee; this [is] thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.Ver. 18. Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee.] This is like as we use to say to our children when they have taken cold or got any harm, This is your gadding and dabbling in the dirt, your going in the snow, your eating of fruit, &c. This is thy wickedness,] i.e., Merces malitlae; the wages of thy wickedness, the fruit of thy folly. Because it is bitter.] Thou hast given God a bitter pill, as it were, that went to his heart; and now he hath given thee as bitter a potion, that reacheth unto thine heart.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:18

(18) This is thy wickedness.—Better, this is thy evil. She was reaping the fruit of her own doing, and this gave her sorrows a fresh bitterness. The Hebrew word, like the English “evil,” includes both guilt and its punishment.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:18

18. Thy way and thy doings] See on Jeremiah 7:3. wickedness] i.e. its result, viz. calamity.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:18

Thy wickedness - This siege is thy wickedness, i. e., in its results; or better, this is thy wretchedness, this army and thy approaching ruin is thy misery.

Sermons on Jeremiah 4:18

SermonDescription
Thomas Brooks Every Twig Has a Voice! by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of listening to God's voice through afflictions, likening them to a rod that speaks to the soul. He urges Christians to remain silent and
James Smith The Bitterness of Sin! by James Smith James Smith preaches about the bitterness of sin, emphasizing that sin is not only dangerous but also bitter in nature and effects. Sin is a departure, opposition, and rebellion ag
Paul Washer (Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 3 by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching the word of God in a way that truly reflects the power and glory of Yahweh. He criticizes the current state of pr
David Wilkerson Antichrist Armageddon Mark of the Beast by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the coming economic collapse and how it will lead to a time when Christians can no longer afford internet or other frivolous things. He empha
Alan Redpath Challenge of Every Christian - Part 1 by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of revival in the church. He highlights the need for the Holy Spirit to bring life and vitality to the church and its ministr
Milton Green (Fury of Fire) 02 - a Fury of Fire & the Vengeance of God by Milton Green In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages the listeners to examine their beliefs and teac
Brian Edwards Praying for Revival by Brian Edwards In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of faith in four generations. The great grandparents of the present generation believed in the Christian faith but were in

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