Jeremiah 5:15

Jeremiah 5:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Behold, I am bringing a distant nation against you, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD. “It is an established nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know and whose speech you do not understand.

King James Version KJV

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

American Standard Version ASV

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

Bible in Basic English BBE

See, I will send you a nation from far away, O people of Israel, says the Lord; a strong nation and an old nation, a nation whose language is strange to you, so that you may not get the sense of their words.

Free Bible Version FBV

Look! I am bringing a nation from far away to attack you, people of Israel, declares the Lord. It's a powerful nation that has existed for a long time; it's a nation whose language you don't know, and when they speak you can't understand them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Loe, I will bring a nation vpon you from farre, O house of Israel, saith the Lord, which is a mightie nation, and an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither vnderstandest what they say.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Lo, I am bringing against you a nation from afar, O house of Israel, an affirmation of Jehovah, A nation — strong it [is], a nation — from of old it [is], A nation — thou knowest not its tongue, Nor understandest what it speaketh.

World English Bible WEB

Behold, I will bring a nation on you from far away, house of Israel,” says the LORD. “It is a mighty nation. It is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you don’t know and don’t understand what they say.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Behold I will bring upon you a nation from afar, O house of Israel, saith the Lord: a strong nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou shalt not know, nor understand what they say.

Translation for Translators T4T

Listen to this, you people of Israel: I will bring the army of a distant nation to attack you. It is a very powerful nation that has existed for a long time. They speak a language that you do not know and which you will not be able to understand.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 5:15

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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 5:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הִנְ/נִ֣י מֵבִיא֩ עֲלֵי/כֶ֨ם גּ֧וֹי מִ/מֶּרְחָ֛ק בֵּ֥ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל נְאֻם יְהֹוָ֑ה גּ֣וֹי אֵיתָ֣ן ה֗וּא גּ֤וֹי מֵ/עוֹלָם֙ ה֔וּא גּ֚וֹי לֹא תֵדַ֣ע לְשֹׁנ֔/וֹ וְ/לֹ֥א תִשְׁמַ֖ע מַה יְדַבֵּֽר

הִנְ/נִ֣י hên H2005 look! Part | Suff

מֵבִיא֩ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Hiphil

עֲלֵי/כֶ֨ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

גּ֧וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile N-ms

מִ/מֶּרְחָ֛ק merchâq H4801 distance Prep | N-ms

בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

יְהֹוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

גּ֣וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile N-ms

אֵיתָ֣ן ʼêythân H386 strong Adj

ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

גּ֤וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile N-ms

מֵ/עוֹלָם֙ ʻôwlâm H5769 forever Prep | N-ms

ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

גּ֚וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile N-ms

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

תֵדַ֣ע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

לְשֹׁנ֔/וֹ lâshôwn H3956 tongue N-cs | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִשְׁמַ֖ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

מַה mâh H4100 what? Part

יְדַבֵּֽר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 5:15

הִנְ/נִ֣י hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff

An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.

Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)

Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.

מֵבִיא֩ 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.

עֲלֵי/כֶ֨ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

גּ֧וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-ms

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

מִ/מֶּרְחָ֛ק merchâq H4801 "distance" Prep | N-ms

Merchaq means a distant place or far country, often used to describe a location that is far away. It can also imply a sense of remoteness or separation. This word is used in the Bible to describe geographical distance.

Definition: distant place, distance, far country

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (a-, dwell in, very) far (country, off). See also H1023 (בֵּית הַמֶּרְחָק). See also: Psalms 138:6; Isaiah 33:17; Proverbs 25:25.

בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms

This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.

Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)

Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.

יְהֹוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" 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.

גּ֣וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-ms

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

אֵיתָ֣ן ʼêythân H386 "strong" Adj

The Hebrew word for strong or mighty, often used to describe a leader or a powerful force. It can also mean permanent or enduring, like a constantly flowing stream. In the Bible, it's used to describe God's strength and power.

Definition: 1) perpetual, constant, perennial, ever-flowing 1a) ever-flowing (of a stream) 1b) permanence, permanent, enduring (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: hard, mighty, rough, strength, strong. See also: Genesis 49:24; Psalms 74:15; Proverbs 13:15.

ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

גּ֤וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-ms

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

מֵ/עוֹלָם֙ ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" Prep | N-ms

This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.

Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.

ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

גּ֚וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-ms

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

לֹא 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.

תֵדַ֣ע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

לְשֹׁנ֔/וֹ lâshôwn H3956 "tongue" N-cs | Suff

The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.

Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

תִשְׁמַ֖ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

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.

מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

יְדַבֵּֽר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 5:15

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Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 5:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:15
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 5:15
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15
Sermons on Jeremiah 5:15

Context — Judgment Proclaimed

13The prophets are but wind, for the word is not in them. So let their own predictions befall them. ” 14Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts says: “Because you have spoken this word, I will make My words a fire in your mouth and this people the wood it consumes.

15Behold, I am bringing a distant nation against you, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD. “It is an established nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know and whose speech you do not understand.

16Their quivers are like open graves; they are all mighty men. 17They will devour your harvest and food; they will consume your sons and daughters; they will eat up your flocks and herds; they will feed on your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will destroy the fortified cities in which you trust.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 28:49	The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand,
2	Jeremiah 4:16	Warn the nations now! Proclaim to Jerusalem: “A besieging army comes from a distant land; they raise their voices against the cities of Judah.
3	Isaiah 33:19	You will no longer see the insolent, a people whose speech is unintelligible, who stammer in a language you cannot understand.
4	Isaiah 28:11	Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people
5	Isaiah 5:26	He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come!
6	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.
7	Jeremiah 1:15	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.
8	Jeremiah 5:11	For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to Me,” declares the LORD.
9	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.
10	1 Corinthians 14:21	It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”

Jeremiah 5:15 Summary

Jeremiah 5:15 is a warning from God that He will bring a powerful and unfamiliar nation to invade Israel as a form of judgment. This means that God is in control of all nations and will use them to fulfill His plans, as seen in Daniel 4:17. Just like Israel, we can trust in God's mercy and providence, even in difficult times, knowing that He is our Rock and Refuge, as described in Psalm 18:2. By trusting in Him, we can have confidence and peace, no matter what challenges we face, and remember that God's judgments are always just and righteous, as stated in Genesis 18:25.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God is bringing a 'distant nation' against the house of Israel?

This refers to a foreign nation that will invade and conquer Israel, as seen in Jeremiah 5:15, a fulfillment of God's judgment as warned in Deuteronomy 28:49-50.

Why does the verse emphasize that the invading nation's language is unknown to Israel?

This emphasizes the stranger and more frightening nature of the invasion, much like the fear and confusion described in Exodus 5:2 when Pharaoh did not know Joseph, highlighting God's sovereign control over all nations.

Is this prophecy fulfilled in history?

Yes, this prophecy was fulfilled through the Babylonian invasion of Judah, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:1-21, where the Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem and took many Jews into exile.

What is the spiritual significance of this verse for believers today?

This verse reminds us of God's sovereignty over all nations and His judgment on sin, as seen in Romans 11:22, and encourages believers to trust in His mercy and providence, as promised in Psalm 103:8-10.

Reflection Questions

How does the concept of a 'distant nation' invading Israel relate to the idea of God's judgment and mercy in my own life?
In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertain or frightening circumstances, like the invasion described in Jeremiah 5:15?
What are some ways that God's word can be a 'fire' in my mouth, as described in Jeremiah 5:14, and how can I share that with others?
How can I apply the warning of Jeremiah 5:15 to my own life, in terms of being prepared for spiritual battles and trusting in God's protection?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:15

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far,.... From Babylon, as in Jeremiah 4:16: O house of Israel, saith the Lord; though the house of Israel is generally taken for the ten tribes, especially

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:15

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15

From far, viz. from Chaldea. House of Israel: by these are meant Judah; for Israel, properly so called, viz. the ten tribes, were in captivity before; see on ; called the house of Israel, not only because they descended from Jacob, but because they were the chief of that stock· It is a mighty nation; it is both potent, or, as the word is, rough and harsh, and of great antiquity, ever since the laying the first foundation of Babylon by Nimrod, about one hundred and seventy years after the flood; and hence it is called the land of Nimrod, . And this doth much add to their cruelty, that they have had dominion and rule in their hands so long, and whereby they have not only grown more proud and haughty, but having been brought up so long in ways of blood and slaughter, they must needs by this time become skilful to destroy. Neither understandest what they say; which makes thy case much more desperate. It is a great disadvantage when persons understand not one another. They will neither understand thy entreaties, nor thou their offers, being both unintelligible and inexorable, which will render thy condition much more sad and perplexed; speech being that by which the affection is readily communicated, and is the bond of human society: hence this was part of the judgment threatened, ,49,50, the Jews not well understanding the Syrian tongue, which the Chaldeans spake, having had no converse with them before the captivity. It was this put a stop to all converse at the building of Babel.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15

Jeremiah 5:15 Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it [is] a mighty nation, it [is] an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.Ver. 15. It is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation.] As ancient as Nimrod, the first founder of that first of the four monarchies. Hence Babylon is called "the land of Nimrod," whom the poets call Saturn, and his son and successor, Jupiter, Belus. A nation whose language thou knowest not.] For the Babylonians spake Syriac, as did also the Jews afterwards - viz., after the captivity in Babylon, where they learned of it, and lost their own language.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15

(15) O house of Israel.—Apparently, as there is no contrast with Judah, in its wider sense, as including the whole body of the twelve tribes. A mighty nation.—The strict force of the adjective is that of “lasting, enduring,” as of mountains (Micah 6:2) and rivers (Amos 5:24; Psalms 74:15). Whose language thou knowest not.—To the Jew, as to the Greek, the thought of being subject to a people of alien speech, a “barbarian,” added a new element of bitterness. Compare Isaiah 28:11; Deuteronomy 28:49.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15

Verse 15. I will bring a nation] The Scythians, says Dahler; the Babylonians, whose antiquity was great, that empire being founded by Nimrod. Whose language thou knowest not] The Chaldee, which, though a dialect of the Hebrew, is so very different in its words and construction that in hearing it spoken they could not possibly collect the meaning of what was said.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:15

15. Although the description suits the Babylonians (cp. Isaiah 5:26 of the Assyrians; also Isaiah 28:11; Isaiah 33:19), we need not suppose that it is altered in phraseology from its original application which was doubtless to the Scythians (see Intr. i. § 3). “Jeremiah may well have thought of the Scythians as a primaeval people like the Nephilim.” Pe. The LXX shew a considerable amount of omission and variation as compared with MT., but there is hardly sufficient ground for doubting the trustworthiness of the latter. mighty] The word in MT. is primarily used of a stream which flows continuously. Hence, mg. enduring, imperishable. Cp. Amos 5:24 mg. “overflowing.” whose language thou knowest not] Cp. Deuteronomy 28:49. Appeals for mercy would be fruitless when made in a tongue not understood by the stranger.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 5:15

Israel is not put here for the ten tribes, but for the whole house of Jacob, of which Judah was now the representative.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:15

15. House of Israel — Judah, which now represents the true Israel of God. Mighty nation… ancient nation — The Babylonian. “Mighty” — rather, firm, enduring.

Sermons on Jeremiah 5:15

	Sermon	Description
	Hosea #5 Ch. 7-8 Jesus Christ on Every Page by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline in biblical knowledge and understanding in society. He then focuses on Hosea chapter 8, specifically verses 13 and 14. The speaker
	(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians 14 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of order and understanding in the church. He uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the need for clarity in interpreting biblic
	From Famine to Feasting by Bob Phillips	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment and preparation for the coming judgment. He references Isaiah 33:17, which speaks of seeing the king in his be
	Healing and Tongues by Kenneth Wuest	In this sermon, the preacher discusses three topics: divine healing, speaking in tongues, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. The first point focuses on an exa
	(Through the Bible) Isaiah 26-30 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses various topics related to the word of God. He starts by emphasizing the complexity and functions of the nervous system and the brain, highlig
	The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Ceased by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 2 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 11. The speaker mentions that Paul had many companions during his missionary journeys, including Silas, Timothy
	Edition 7 - Many Witnesses to the Power of the Blood and of the Holy Ghost by William Seymour	G.B. Cashwell reports Pentecost spreading in the South, with miraculous healings, speaking in tongues, and angelic encounters. In San Francisco, conversions, sanctifications, and d