Jeremiah 47:6
Jeremiah 47:6 in Multiple Translations
‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’
O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.
O thou sword of Jehovah, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard; rest, and be still.
O sword of the Lord, how long will you have no rest? put yourself back into your cover; be at peace, be quiet.
Oh sword of the Lord, when are you going to stop killing? Go back in your sheath. Stop killing and stay there!
O thou sword of the Lord, how long will it be or thou cease! turne againe into thy scaberd, rest and be still.
Ho, sword of Jehovah, till when art thou not quiet? Be removed unto thy sheath, rest and cease.
“‘You sword of the LORD, how long will it be before you are quiet? Put yourself back into your scabbard; rest, and be still.’
O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.
O thou sword of the Lord, how long wilt thou not be quiet? Go into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.
The people of Philistia say, “Yahweh, when [RHQ] will you tell our enemies to stop killing us with [PRS] their swords? Tell them to [PRS] put them back into their sheaths and keep them there!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 47:6
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 47:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֗וֹי
חֶ֚רֶב
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
עַד
אָ֖נָה
לֹ֣א
תִשְׁקֹ֑טִי
הֵאָֽסְפִי֙
אַל
תַּעְרֵ֔/ךְ
הֵרָגְעִ֖י
וָ/דֹֽמִּי
ה֗וֹי
hôwy
H1945
woe!
Part
חֶ֚רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אָ֖נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִשְׁקֹ֑טִי
shâqaṭ
H8252
to quiet
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
הֵאָֽסְפִי֙
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
V-Niphal-Impv-2fs
אַל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Part
תַּעְרֵ֔/ךְ
taʻar
H8593
razor
N-cs | Suff
הֵרָגְעִ֖י
râgaʻ
H7280
to disturb
V-Niphal-Impv-2fs
וָ/דֹֽמִּי
dâmam
H1826
to silence
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 47:6
ה֗וֹי
hôwy
H1945
"woe!"
Part
Hoy is an expression of sadness or pain, like saying oh or woe. It's used to show strong emotions, and is often translated as alas or woe in the KJV Bible. This word conveys a sense of lament or regret.
Definition: ah!, alas!, ha!, ho!, O!, woe!
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas, ho, O, woe. See also: 1 Kings 13:30; Jeremiah 22:18; Isaiah 1:4.
חֶ֚רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
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.
אָ֖נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשְׁקֹ֑טִי
shâqaṭ
H8252
"to quiet"
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
To quiet or be at peace is what this Hebrew word means, like the stillness after a storm, as described in Psalm 107:30.
Definition: 1) to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be quiet, be undisturbed 1a1a) to be at peace (of land) 1a2) to be quiet, be inactive 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show quietness 1b1a) quietness, display of quietness (subst) 1b2) to quiet, be quiet 1b3) to cause quietness, pacify, allay
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appease, idleness, (at, be at, be in, give) quiet(-ness), (be at, be in, give, have, take) rest, settle, be still. See also: Joshua 11:23; Psalms 76:9; Psalms 83:2.
הֵאָֽסְפִי֙
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
V-Niphal-Impv-2fs
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
אַל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Part
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.
תַּעְרֵ֔/ךְ
taʻar
H8593
"razor"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a sharp knife or razor, used for shaving or cutting. It also refers to an empty scabbard, a holder for a sword. The word is used in various contexts, including Exodus and 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) razor, sheath (making naked) 1a) razor 1b) sheath (of sword)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (pen-) knife, razor, scabbard, shave, sheath. See also: Numbers 6:5; Jeremiah 36:23; Psalms 52:4.
הֵרָגְעִ֖י
râgaʻ
H7280
"to disturb"
V-Niphal-Impv-2fs
This verb means to harden or toss violently, but also to quiet or settle something. It can describe the sudden movement of the sea or the skin with boils.
Definition: 1) to act in an instant, stir up, disturb 1a) (Qal) to stir up, disturb 1b) (Hiphil) to make a twinkling
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: break, divide, find ease, be a moment, (cause, give, make to) rest, make suddenly. See also: Deuteronomy 28:65; Isaiah 51:15; Proverbs 12:19.
וָ/דֹֽמִּי
dâmam
H1826
"to silence"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to wail or mourn, often in response to a tragic event, like in Job 30:31 where Job laments his suffering. It can also mean to be astonished or stop an activity.
Definition: : stationary 1) to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be silent 1a2) to be still, die 1a3) to be struck dumb 1b) (Niphal) to be silenced, be made silent, destroyed 1c) (Poal) to make quiet 1d) (Hiphil) to make silent (cause to die)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait. See also: Exodus 15:16; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 4:5.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 47:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 47:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 47:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 47:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:6
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 47:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:6
- Sermons on Jeremiah 47:6
Context — Judgment on the Philistines
4For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.
5The people of Gaza will shave their heads in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourself?
6‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’
7How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 21:3–5 | and tell her that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked. Because I will cut off both the righteous and the wicked, My sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north. Then all flesh will know that I, the LORD, have taken My sword from its sheath, not to return it again.’ |
| 2 | Jeremiah 12:12 | Over all the barren heights in the wilderness the destroyers have come, for the sword of the LORD devours from one end of the earth to the other. No flesh has peace. |
| 3 | John 18:11 | “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 21:30 | Return the sword to its sheath! In the place where you were created, in the land of your origin, I will judge you. |
| 5 | Isaiah 10:15 | Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood! |
| 6 | Jeremiah 25:27 | “Then you are to tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Drink, get drunk, and vomit. Fall down and never get up again, because of the sword I will send among you.’ |
| 7 | Isaiah 10:5 | Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 15:3 | I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. |
| 9 | Psalms 17:13 | Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword, |
| 10 | Ezekiel 14:17 | Or if I bring a sword against that land and say, ‘Let a sword pass through it,’ so that I cut off from it both man and beast, |
Jeremiah 47:6 Summary
Jeremiah 47:6 is a cry for God's judgment to cease, as the destruction it brings can be overwhelming. The 'sword of the LORD' is a metaphor for God's power and authority, and the command for it to rest is a plea for peace and restoration. This verse reminds us that God is just and righteous in all His ways (Psalm 119:137), and that He desires for His people to live in peace and harmony, as described in Isaiah 2:4. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask God to help us surrender to His judgment and to use us as vessels for His peace and restoration in a world that often experiences chaos and destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'sword of the LORD' in Jeremiah 47:6?
The 'sword of the LORD' is a metaphor for God's judgment and wrath, as seen in Jeremiah 47:7, where it is commanded against Ashkelon and its coastland, similar to how God's sword is described in Ezekiel 21:3-5.
Why is the sword being told to 'rest' and 'return to your sheath'?
The command for the sword to rest is a plea for God's judgment to cease, as the destruction and chaos it brings can be overwhelming, yet it is also a recognition that God's judgment is just, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4.
Is the 'sword of the LORD' a physical or spiritual entity?
The 'sword of the LORD' is likely a spiritual entity, representing God's power and authority, similar to the 'sword of the Spirit' in Ephesians 6:17, which is used for spiritual battle and protection.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse highlights God's justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 119:137, where God is described as righteous and just in all His ways, and also shows His mercy, as He commands the sword to rest, indicating a desire for peace and restoration, as in Isaiah 2:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's judgment and allow His 'sword' to bring correction and refinement?
- How can I balance the idea of God's judgment with His love and mercy, as seen in Jeremiah 47:6 and other scriptures like Lamentations 3:22-23?
- In what ways can I be a vessel for God's peace and restoration in a world that often experiences chaos and destruction, as described in Matthew 5:9?
- What are some spiritual 'battles' I am facing, and how can I wield the 'sword of the Spirit' to overcome them, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 47:6
O thou sword of the Lord,.... For though it was the sword of the Chaldeans, yet being appointed and sent by the Lord, and having a commission from him, and being ordered and directed in his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 47:6
O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:6
Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long [will it be] ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.Ver. 6. O thou sword of the Lord.] So called because whencesoever it cometh it is bathed in heaven. See Jeremiah 25:29 Judges 7:18; Judges 7:20. How long will it be ere thou be quiet?] Erisne in opere semper? Wilt thou ever be eating flesh and drinking blood? War, the shorter the better. Of the pirates’ war, as the Romans called it, Augustine reporteth to the just commendation of Pompey, that it was by him incredibill celeritate et temporls brevitate eonfectum, quickly despatched and made an end of. Aug., De Civit. Dei.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:6
(6) O thou sword of the Lord . . .—This is the question and entreaty of the Philistines, “When will there be an end of war?” And the prophet has but one answer: the sword must do its work till it has done what Jehovah had appointed it to do.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:6
Verse 6. O thou sword of the Lord] This is a most grand prosopopoeia-a dialogue between the sword of the Lord and the prophet. Nothing can be imagined more sublime. Put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.] Shed no more blood, destroy no more lives, erase no more cities, desolate no more countries. Rest:-hast thou not been long enough at this work of judgment? O be still:-let wars and desolations cease for ever.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 47:6
6, 7. These vv. have been suspected, but on insufficient (partly metrical) grounds. They contain (a) the cry of the Philistines for mercy, (b) the prophet’s reply.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:6
6. O thou sword… how long — As if it may no longer be endured. The prayer is in behalf of Philistia and in behalf of humanity for respite and mercy.
Sermons on Jeremiah 47:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Don't Lay Down Your Sword by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of not laying down our spiritual sword, which represents the Word of God, in the face of demonic attacks and societal challenges. He discusse |
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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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(Genesis) 66 - Joseph's Last Words by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last chapter of Genesis, specifically the events following Jacob's death. Joseph, Jacob's son, weeps over his father's body and commands |
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True Discipleship by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannett emphasizes the importance of following God's will for our lives, even if it means sacrificing comfort and facing persecution. He urges listen |
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"That They May Be in Us" by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound connection between believers and God, as illustrated in Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17:21. He reflects on Jesus' life, showing how He c |
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No Distinction Between What God Appointed and What God Permitted. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that both God's appointments and permissions are part of His divine will, using examples from Job, Joseph, David, and Jesus to illustrate that even when faced |
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John 18:1-37 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the events leading to Jesus' arrest, highlighting His willingness to go to His Passion, the disciples' response, Judas' betrayal, and Peter's denial. |