Jeremiah 4:21
Jeremiah 4:21 in Multiple Translations
How long must I see the signal flag and hear the sound of the horn?
How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?
How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?
How long will I go on seeing the flag and hearing the sound of the war-horn?
How long do I have to see the flags of war and hear the trumpets of battle?”
Howe long shall I see the standert, and heare the sounde of the trumpet?
Till when do I see an ensign? Do I hear the voice of a trumpet?
How long will I see the standard and hear the sound of the trumpet?
How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?
How long shall I see men fleeing away, how long shall I hear the sound of the trumpet?
How long will this battle continue? How long will I continue to see the enemy battle flags and hear the sound of their trumpets being blown?
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 4:21
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 4:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַד
מָתַ֖י
אֶרְאֶה
נֵּ֑ס
אֶשְׁמְעָ֖ה
ק֥וֹל
שׁוֹפָֽר
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מָתַ֖י
mâthay
H4970
how
Part
אֶרְאֶה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
נֵּ֑ס
nêç
H5251
ensign
N-ms
אֶשְׁמְעָ֖ה
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-1cs
ק֥וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
שׁוֹפָֽר
shôwphâr
H7782
trumpet
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 4:21
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.
מָתַ֖י
mâthay
H4970
"how"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.
Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.
אֶרְאֶה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
נֵּ֑ס
nêç
H5251
"ensign"
N-ms
A nes is a flag or banner, often used as a signal or standard. It can also refer to a sail or flagstaff, and is sometimes used figuratively as a symbol or token.
Definition: 1) something lifted up, standard, signal, signal pole, ensign, banner, sign, sail 1a) standard (as rallying point), signal 1b) standard (pole) 1c) ensign, signal
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: banner, pole, sail, (en-) sign, standard. See also: Numbers 21:8; Isaiah 31:9; Psalms 60:6.
אֶשְׁמְעָ֖ה
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
ק֥וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
שׁוֹפָֽר
shôwphâr
H7782
"trumpet"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 4:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 4:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:21
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:21
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:21
- Sermons on Jeremiah 4:21
Context — Lamentation for Judah
19My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle.
20Disaster after disaster is proclaimed, for the whole land is laid waste. My tents are destroyed in an instant, my curtains in a moment.
21How long must I see the signal flag and hear the sound of the horn?
22“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” 23I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void; I looked to the heavens, and they had no light.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 36:10 | In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar summoned Jehoiachin and brought him to Babylon, along with the articles of value from the house of the LORD. And he made Jehoiachin’s relative Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 36:3 | And the king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 36:6–7 | Then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jehoiakim and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon some of the articles from the house of the LORD, and he put them in his temple in Babylon. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 6:1 | “Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin; flee from Jerusalem! Sound the ram’s horn in Tekoa; send up a signal over Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 36:17 | So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 35:25 | Then Jeremiah lamented over Josiah, and to this day all the choirs of men and women sing laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel, and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 4:5–6 | Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: “Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities.’ Raise a signal flag toward Zion. Seek refuge! Do not delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, and terrible destruction. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 4:19 | My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. |
Jeremiah 4:21 Summary
Jeremiah 4:21 is a cry of anguish from the prophet Jeremiah, who is weary of seeing the warning signs of God's judgment and hearing the sound of the horn, calling the people to repentance. He is asking how long he must see these signs and hear this warning, similar to the cry of Habakkuk 1:2-4 where the prophet cries out to God about the violence and injustice he sees. This verse reminds us that God often sends warnings and calls us to repentance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and that we should be attentive to these signals and respond in humility and prayer. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to be more sensitive to the spiritual state of those around us and to trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult times, as seen in Romans 8:28 where we are told that all things work together for good for those who love God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the signal flag mentioned in Jeremiah 4:21?
The signal flag is likely a warning signal or a call to battle, as seen in Jeremiah 4:20 where disaster after disaster is proclaimed, and in other scriptures like Jeremiah 51:27 where a signal is given to prepare for war.
Why is the prophet Jeremiah hearing the sound of the horn?
The sound of the horn is a call to battle or a warning of impending disaster, as mentioned in Jeremiah 4:19-20, and Jeremiah is hearing it as a sign of the coming judgment of God, similar to the trumpet sound in Ezekiel 33:3-6 that warns of approaching danger.
What is the emotional state of the prophet Jeremiah in this verse?
The prophet Jeremiah is expressing his anguish and pain, as seen in Jeremiah 4:19, where he says 'My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain!' and his heart pounds within him, indicating a deep sense of distress and concern for the people, similar to the emotional state of Jesus in Matthew 23:37 where He laments over Jerusalem.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?
This verse is part of Jeremiah's lament over the coming judgment of God on Judah, as seen in Jeremiah 4:22-23, where he describes the people's foolishness and lack of understanding, and is a call to repentance, as seen in other scriptures like Jeremiah 3:12-13 where God calls His people to return to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are the warning signs in my life that I need to pay attention to, and how can I respond to them in a way that honors God?
- How can I, like Jeremiah, be sensitive to the spiritual state of those around me and intercede for them in prayer, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 where we are called to pray for all people?
- What are the 'signal flags' in my life that indicate I need to seek God's guidance and wisdom, and how can I be more attentive to them, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 where we are called to trust in God with all our heart?
- How can I balance my emotional response to the needs of those around me with the need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 where we are called to trust in God and do good?
- What can I learn from Jeremiah's example of persistence in prayer and intercession, even in the face of seeming darkness and despair, as seen in Luke 18:1-8 where Jesus teaches us to pray always and not give up?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:21
How long shall I see the standard,.... "Ensign" or "banner" displayed; either by the watchmen placed on high hills or towers, who, when they see the enemy approaching, lift up their ensign or banner,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:21
How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet? How long shall I see the standard? - Judah in perplexity asks, 'How long is this state of things to continue?'
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:21
He seems to have these concomitants of war, both of Judea preparing for defence, and especially these of the enemy preparing for ruin and destruction. always in his eye and ear, , and bewailing the continuance of it in taking city after city, with the several sackings of Jerusalem under her three last kings. The LXX. read, How long shall I see them flying? reading nas, a refuge, for nes, a banner, differing only in the points.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:21
Jeremiah 4:21 How long shall I see the standard, [and] hear the sound of the trumpet?Ver. 21. How long shall I see the standard?] Sad sights and doleful ditties are common in times of war. And hear the sound of the trumpet.] Tubam turbamque hostiurn.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:21
(21) How long shall I see . . .—The “standard,” as in Jeremiah 4:6, is the alarm signal given to the fugitives. The “trumpet” sounds to give the alarm, and quicken their flight to the defenced city. The prophet sees no end to the miseries of the coming war.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:21
Ch. Jeremiah 4:5-31. Impending judgements. National disaster This section and the two that follow it (viz. chs. 5 and 6) are somewhat later than the preceding, as presenting a more definite description of the punishment there threatened. They picture the excitement and dismay caused throughout the defenceless portions of the land by the approach of the enemy, and the hasty retreat to walled towns on the part of the country people. No doubt as originally uttered these sections referred to the threatened invasion of Palestine by the Scythian hordes. (See Introd. i. § 3 and on Jeremiah 1:13.) On being reproduced in the Roll of b.c. 604 (ch. 36), when the Chaldaeans had become the formidable enemy, the language may have been modified here and there to suit the new political aspect of affairs. Thus “lion” and “destroyer of nations” (Jeremiah 4:7) are epithets more appropriate to an individual leader such as Nebuchadnezzar than to a hostile multitude. Neither do we know that the Scythians had “chariots” (Jeremiah 4:13). The present section may be summarized as follows.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:21
The standard - See Jeremiah 4:6. The alarm caused by the invasion is graphically described. The people are dispersed over the land following their usual pursuits, when tidings come of the enemy’s approach.
Sermons on Jeremiah 4:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the |
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Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t |
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Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in |
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Take Heed, Lest You Fall by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's voice. The prophet in focus is described as having a fierce loyalty to God and |
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In Time of War by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the Valley of Vision, using the prophecy in Isaiah to warn about the impending danger faced by Jerusalem due to their sins and lack of r |
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A Call to Set Our Hearts on God by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of setting our hearts on God, drawing inspiration from the life of the prophet Jeremiah, who sought the Lord and received His word. Despit |