Jeremiah 4:23
Jeremiah 4:23 in Multiple Translations
I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void; I looked to the heavens, and they had no light.
I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.
I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was waste and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.
Looking at the earth, I saw that it was waste and without form; and to the heavens, that they had no light.
I looked at the earth, and it was formless and empty; I looked to the heavens, and its light was gone.
I haue looked vpon the earth, and loe, it was without forme and voide: and to the heauens, and they had no light.
I looked [to] the land, and lo, waste and void, And unto the heavens, and their light is not.
I saw the earth and, behold, it was waste and void, and the heavens, and they had no light.
I beheld the earth, and lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.
I beheld the earth, and lo it was void, and nothing: and the heavens, and there was no light in them.
God gave me a vision in which I saw that the earth was barren and without form. I looked at the sky, and there was no light there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 4:23
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 4:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָאִ֨יתִי֙
אֶת
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
וְ/הִנֵּה
תֹ֖הוּ
וָ/בֹ֑הוּ
וְ/אֶל
הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם
וְ/אֵ֥ין
אוֹרָֽ/ם
רָאִ֨יתִי֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
תֹ֖הוּ
tôhûw
H8414
formlessness
N-ms
וָ/בֹ֑הוּ
bôhûw
H922
void
Conj | N-ms
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
אוֹרָֽ/ם
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs | Suff
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 4:23
רָאִ֨יתִי֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | 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.
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | 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.
תֹ֖הוּ
tôhûw
H8414
"formlessness"
N-ms
Tohuw describes a desolate or empty place, like a wilderness or wasteland. It can also mean something is worthless or unreal, like an idol.
Definition: 1) formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness 1a) formlessness (of primeval earth) 1a1) nothingness, empty space 1b) that which is empty or unreal (of idols) (fig) 1c) wasteland, wilderness (of solitary places) 1d) place of chaos 1e) vanity
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: confusion, empty place, without form, nothing, (thing of) nought, vain, vanity, waste, wilderness. See also: Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 107:40.
וָ/בֹ֑הוּ
bôhûw
H922
"void"
Conj | N-ms
Bohu refers to a void or emptiness, describing a state of being without form or purpose. It is used in the Bible to describe the earth before creation.
Definition: emptiness, void, waste
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: emptiness, void. See also: Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 34:11; Jeremiah 4:23.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | 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.
אוֹרָֽ/ם
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs | Suff
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 4:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 4:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:23
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
- Sermons on Jeremiah 4:23
Context — Lamentation for Judah
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.
24I looked at the mountains, and behold, they were quaking; all the hills were swaying. 25I looked, and no man was left; all the birds of the air had fled.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 24:29 | Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ’ |
| 2 | Mark 13:24–25 | But in those days, after that tribulation: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ |
| 3 | Isaiah 13:10 | For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light. |
| 4 | Joel 3:15–16 | The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine. The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. |
| 5 | Luke 21:25–26 | There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. |
| 6 | Genesis 1:2 | Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 32:7–8 | When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars. I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you, and I will bring darkness upon your land,’ declares the Lord GOD. |
| 8 | Joel 2:10 | Before them the earth quakes; the heavens tremble. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars lose their brightness. |
| 9 | Amos 8:9 | And in that day, declares the Lord GOD, I will make the sun go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the daytime. |
| 10 | Acts 2:19–20 | I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord. |
Jeremiah 4:23 Summary
Jeremiah 4:23 describes a scene where the earth is empty and dark, and the heavens have no light. This is a picture of what happens when God's people reject Him and His ways, as seen in Jeremiah 4:22. It's like a world without God's love and guidance, where everything is empty and dark (see Genesis 1:2). But even in the midst of such darkness, God's word can be a lamp to our feet, guiding us back to His path (Psalm 119:105).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jeremiah 4:23 mean by 'formless and void'?
This phrase is reminiscent of Genesis 1:2, where the earth is described as 'formless and empty' before God's creation. In Jeremiah 4:23, it symbolizes a state of chaos and desolation, devoid of God's presence and order.
Is Jeremiah 4:23 describing a literal or spiritual darkness?
The darkness described in Jeremiah 4:23 is likely spiritual, as it is a result of God's judgment and the absence of His light, as seen in Isaiah 60:2, where darkness covers the earth when people reject God's light.
How does Jeremiah 4:23 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Jeremiah 4:23 is part of a larger lamentation, where God is expressing His sorrow and disappointment over the state of His people, as seen in Jeremiah 4:22, where they are described as 'fools' who do not know Him.
What is the significance of the heavens having 'no light' in Jeremiah 4:23?
The absence of light in the heavens signifies a loss of spiritual guidance and hope, as light often represents God's presence and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where God's word is a lamp to our feet.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I have allowed chaos and disorder to reign, and how can I invite God's presence and order into those spaces?
- In what ways have I, like the people in Jeremiah's time, rejected God's light and guidance, and what steps can I take to return to His path?
- How can I, as a child of God, be a beacon of light in a world that often seems dark and void of God's presence?
- What are the spiritual 'mountains' and 'hills' in my life that may be quaking and swaying due to a lack of faith or trust in God, and how can I stand firm on His promises?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:23
I beheld the earth,.... The land of Judea, not the whole world; and this the prophet says, either in spirit, as Jerom; or in prophecy, as Kimchi; or in a visionary way; for these are not the words of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:23
I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. Graphic picture of the utter desolation about to visit Palestine.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
I beheld; either I Jeremiah saw all this in a vision, or I fancied and framed such an idea of it in my mind; it seems to be impressed upon my thoughts graphically, as in a map, in such a rueful manner; for in this and the three following verses he doth, as one transported with sorrow, elegantly and hyperbolically describe the phaenomenon, face or appearance of it. It was without form and void; the land was so squalid and so ruined, that he fancieth it to be like the first chaos, for which reason possibly he calls Judea the earth, in allusion to ; and herein implying that Judah’ s sins were such, that they had even overturned the course of nature, being laid waste and desolate, not of inhabitants only, but of all things that might tend either to ornament or use, without men, without houses, without fruits, without beasts or birds for food or service, ,26. They had no light; some say being obnubilated and darkened by the abundance of smoke that would ascend from the desolating fires of towns and cities, ,19, of which you may read in the history of this breaking in of the Chaldeans. But he seems to proceed rather in his metaphor of the chaos, it being an expression whereby the Scripture doth set forth the saddest desolations, , &c.; , &c.; ,30,31; every thing above and below seemed to be in a mournful posture, wrapt up in dismal blackness.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
Jeremiah 4:23 I beheld the earth, and, lo, [it was] without form, and void; and the heavens, and they [had] no light.Ver. 23. I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void.] Tohu vabohit sightless and shapeless. Sermo est hyperbolicus, all was in a confusion. What shall it, then, be at the last day?
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
(23) I beheld the earth.—In words of terrible grandeur the prophet speaks, as if he had already seen the consummated destruction; and repeating the words “I beheld,” as if he had passed through four distinct visions, describes its completeness. Without form, and void.—An obvious quotation from the tohu va-bohu of Gen 1:2. The goodly land of Israel was thrown back, as it were, into a formless chaos, before the words “Let there be light” had brought it into order.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
Verse 23. I beheld the earth, (the land,) and lo it was without form and void] תהו ובהו tohu vabohu; the very words used in Genesis to denote the formless state of the chaotic mass before God had brought it into order.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:23
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 4:23
In four verses each beginning with “I beheld,” the prophet sees in vision the desolate condition of Judaea during the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah 4:23 Without form, and void - Desolate and void (see Genesis 1:2 note).
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:23
23-26. I beheld, etc. — Resuming the general course of thought, another group of images is brought forward to show the fearfulness of the destruction impending.
Sermons on Jeremiah 4:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Positive Purposeful God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering our minds, hearts, and wills to the Lord in order to experience a quick and wonderful transformation by the Ho |
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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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Rev. 20:11-15. the Great White Throne by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 20:11-15, depicting the Great White Throne as a scene of ultimate judgment where all humanity, both great and small, will stand before God. He |
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Letter 135. by James Bourne | James Bourne addresses the struggles of young P. who has fallen among thieves, losing his simplicity and hope, emphasizing the importance of discerning between the dead professing |
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The Arm of the Lord - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a cry to God in the face of the evils and challenges present in the world. He refers to the prophet Isaiah's cry for God to come |
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What Jesus Believed by Charles Ryrie | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of anarchy that will occur during the tribulation period. He describes the various aspects of anarchy that will take place, such |
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(Through the Bible) Zechariah 13-14 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker briefly mentions the makeup of the population at the time, but states that he will discuss it in more detail in a future session. He then mentions the b |