Menu

Jeremiah 4:6

Jeremiah 4:6 in Multiple Translations

Raise a signal flag toward Zion. Seek refuge! Do not delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, and terrible destruction.

Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Set up a standard toward Zion: flee for safety, stay not; for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Put up a flag for a sign to Zion: go in flight so that you may be safe, waiting no longer: for I will send evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Raise the danger flag; go to Zion! Find somewhere safe! Don't hesitate! I'm bringing enemies from the north who will cause terrible destruction.

Set vp the standart in Zion: prepare to flee, and stay not: for I will bring a plague from the North, and a great destruction.

Lift up an ensign Zionward, Strengthen yourselves, stand not still, For evil I am bringing in from the north, And a great destruction.

Set up a standard toward Zion. Flee for safety! Don’t wait; for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.”

Set up the standard towards Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Set up the standard in Sion. Strengthen yourselves, stay not: for I bring evil from the north, and great destruction.

Shout to the people of Jerusalem, ‘Run away now! Do not delay, because I am about to cause you to experience a terrible disaster [DOU] that will come from the north.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 4:6

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 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB שְׂאוּ נֵ֣ס צִיּ֔וֹנָ/ה הָעִ֖יזוּ אַֽל תַּעֲמֹ֑דוּ כִּ֣י רָעָ֗ה אָנֹכִ֛י מֵבִ֥יא מִ/צָּפ֖וֹן וְ/שֶׁ֥בֶר גָּדֽוֹל
שְׂאוּ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נֵ֣ס nêç H5251 ensign N-ms
צִיּ֔וֹנָ/ה Tsîyôwn H6726 Zion N-proper | Suff
הָעִ֖יזוּ ʻûwz H5756 to seek refuge V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
אַֽל ʼal H408 not Part
תַּעֲמֹ֑דוּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Juss-2mp
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
רָעָ֗ה raʻ H7451 bad N-fs
אָנֹכִ֛י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron
מֵבִ֥יא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Hiphil
מִ/צָּפ֖וֹן tsâphôwn H6828 Zaphon Prep | N-fs
וְ/שֶׁ֥בֶר sheber H7667 breaking Conj | N-ms
גָּדֽוֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 4:6

שְׂאוּ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
נֵ֣ס 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.
צִיּ֔וֹנָ/ה Tsîyôwn H6726 "Zion" N-proper | Suff
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
הָעִ֖יזוּ ʻûwz H5756 "to seek refuge" V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to seek refuge or flee to a safe place, like when David hid from King Saul. It is used to describe taking shelter or finding protection from harm. In the Bible, it often symbolizes trusting in God for safety.
Definition: (Hiphil) to take refuge, bring to refuge, seek refuge
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: gather (self, self to flee), retire. See also: Exodus 9:19; Jeremiah 4:6; Isaiah 10:31.
אַֽל ʼal H408 "not" Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּעֲמֹ֑דוּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Juss-2mp
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.
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.
רָעָ֗ה raʻ H7451 "bad" N-fs
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.
אָנֹכִ֛י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
מֵבִ֥יא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Hiphil
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מִ/צָּפ֖וֹן tsâphôwn H6828 "Zaphon" Prep | N-fs
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
וְ/שֶׁ֥בֶר sheber H7667 "breaking" Conj | N-ms
This word describes a breaking or shattering, like a physical injury or a dream being interpreted, and is used to convey ruin or destruction in the Bible.
Definition: 1) breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin, shattering 1a) breaking, fracture, shattering, crushing 1b) crashing 1c) breaking (of a dream), interpretation 1d) quarries
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: affliction, breach, breaking, broken(-footed, -handed), bruise, crashing, destruction, hurt, interpretation, vexation. See also: Leviticus 21:19; Jeremiah 6:1; Psalms 60:4.
גָּדֽוֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 4:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 50:2 “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’
2 Jeremiah 1:13–15 Again the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “What do you see?” “I see a boiling pot,” I replied, “and it is tilting toward us from the north.” Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster from the north will be poured out on all who live in the land. For I am about to summon all the clans and kingdoms of the north,” declares the LORD. “Their kings will come and set up their thrones at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem. They will attack all her surrounding walls and all the other cities of Judah.
3 Jeremiah 51:27 “Raise a banner in the land! Blow the ram’s horn among the nations! Prepare the nations against her. Summon the kingdoms against her— Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a captain against her; bring up horses like swarming locusts.
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 Isaiah 62:10 Go out, go out through the gates; prepare the way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones; raise a banner for the nations!
6 Jeremiah 4:21 How long must I see the signal flag and hear the sound of the horn?
7 Jeremiah 6:22 This is what the LORD says: “Behold, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is stirred up from the ends of the earth.
8 Jeremiah 25:9 behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation.
9 Jeremiah 51:12 Raise a banner against the walls of Babylon; post the guard; station the watchmen; prepare the ambush. For the LORD has both devised and accomplished what He spoke against the people of Babylon.
10 Jeremiah 51:54 “The sound of a cry comes from Babylon, the sound of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans!

Jeremiah 4:6 Summary

[Jeremiah 4:6 is a warning to the people of Judah to seek refuge in God because He is bringing disaster from the north. This disaster is a result of God's judgment on their sins, and they need to urgently turn to Him for protection, just like we need to turn to God in times of trouble, as seen in Psalm 46:1. The call to seek refuge is a call to repentance and faith in God's power to save, as Jesus taught in Matthew 4:17. By seeking refuge in God, we can find safety and protection from the disasters of life.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'raise a signal flag toward Zion' in Jeremiah 4:6?

Raising a signal flag toward Zion is a call to warn the people of Judah of the impending disaster, urging them to seek refuge in the city of God, as seen in Jeremiah 4:6, similar to the call to return to the Lord in Deuteronomy 30:2-3.

Why is God bringing disaster from the north?

The disaster from the north in Jeremiah 4:6 refers to the invading armies of Babylon, which God is using to judge the sins of Judah, as also prophesied in Jeremiah 1:14-15 and Isaiah 39:6.

What is the significance of not delaying in seeking refuge?

Not delaying in seeking refuge, as warned in Jeremiah 4:6, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, much like the call to repentance in Matthew 4:17, where Jesus says 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near'.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's wrath?

The disaster and destruction mentioned in Jeremiah 4:6 are a result of God's wrath, as also seen in Jeremiah 4:4, where it says 'My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it', highlighting the severity of God's judgment on sin, similar to Romans 1:18-20.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the areas in my life where I need to seek refuge in God, and how can I urgently turn to Him for protection?
  2. In what ways can I apply the principle of not delaying in seeking God's refuge to my daily life, especially in times of crisis or uncertainty?
  3. How does the concept of God's wrath, as seen in Jeremiah 4:6, impact my understanding of His character and my relationship with Him?
  4. What are some practical steps I can take to 'circumcise my heart' and remove the foreskins of my heart, as mentioned in Jeremiah 4:4, in order to avoid God's wrath?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:6

Set up the standard toward Zion,.... Not on the tower of Zion, as Kimchi interprets it; but on some high place, pointing to Zion, and directing the country people to flee thither for safety; for the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:6

Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:6

Set up the standard, i.e. for them to resort to, as is usual in war; and it is therefore said to he towards Zion or Jerusalem, as being a signal to show them whither they should repair; see ; Jerusalem being their principal place of strength, and Zion the strongest part of it, ,7. Retire; or, strengthen; fortify or strengthen yourselves for the fight. Or rather, make haste away, as men use to do in a great fight, viz. for your security: such a use there is of the word , which sense is confirmed by the next words, stay not, or, as some, stay not yourselves in sin, where you promise yourselves security. I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction, i.e. I am about to bring a great destruction upon you from Chaldea, . Some take this and the former verse to be spoken ironically.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:6

Jeremiah 4:6 Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.Ver. 6. Set up the standard towards Zion.] All this seemeth to be ironically spoken. For I will bring evil from the north,] i.e., From Babylon. Ab aquilone nihil boni. There is also another Babylon spoken of in the Revelation, which to the true Church hath of long time been lerna malorum; and so the poor persecuted Protestants in Poland feel at this day. Roma radix omnium malorum.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:6

(6) Set up the standard toward Zion.—Still the language of alarm. The words are as a command, “Raise the signal which shall point to Zion as a place of refuge from the foe, by whom the rest of the country is laid waste.”Retire.—Withdraw, in the transitive sense, “gather, with a view to removing” (as in Exodus 9:19), and this is followed by “stay not,” linger not, be quick. The call to retreat was urgent. I will bring.—Literally, I am bringing.From the north.—The Chaldæan, and possibly the Scythian, invasion, as in Jeremiah 1:14.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:6

Verse 6. I will bring evil from the north] From the land of Chaldea.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:6

6. Set up a standard] to guide those who were seeking to attain the shelter of the walls of Jerusalem. flee] rather, make (your households) flee. Cp. mg. in Isaiah 10:31; and Exodus 9:19 (“hasten in”). from the north] See introd. note to the section. destruction] For the alarm caused by the Scythians, see Introd. i. § 3.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:6

The standard - A flag or signal, to which the people were to rally.Retire, stay not - Rather, gather your goods together: linger not; “for I” (emphatic, Yahweh) am bringing at this very time etc.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:6

6. Set up the standard — Making it point toward Zion, to show the route to a place of safety.

Sermons on Jeremiah 4:6

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson A Prophecy - Wall of Fire by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson shares a prophetic vision of a 'Wall of Fire' that God will create to protect His people amidst the moral decay and increasing evil in society. He reflects on the d
Milton Green (In the Word) 11 - the Mother of Harlots by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than adhering to old traditions or wrong teachings. They urge listeners to listen to the e
Milton Green (Saved Through the Fire) 13 - God's True Message by Milton Green In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of the day of the Lord, where God will judge and punish all nations based on their actions. He warns that whatever one gives out
E.A. Johnston The Implosion of America by E.A. Johnston In this sermon, the speaker discusses three principles that lead to a nation's downfall and destruction. The first principle is the absence of spiritual leadership in the church, w
Don Wilkerson 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
Bill McLeod How to Pray for Revival by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a young boy who unexpectedly takes over the pulpit and preaches with tears. His passionate message touches the hearts of both
Albert Zehr Dealing With Offence by Albert Zehr Albert Zehr preaches on the importance of dealing with offence in the church to prepare for God's mighty move. He emphasizes the need to remove stumbling blocks that hinder believe

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate