Jeremiah 5:6
Jeremiah 5:6 in Multiple Translations
Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.
Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, a wolf of the evenings shall destroy them, a leopard shall watch against their cities; every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces; because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
And so a lion from the woods will put them to death, a wolf of the waste land will make them waste, a leopard will keep watch on their towns, and everyone who goes out from them will be food for the beasts; because of the great number of their sins and the increase of their wrongdoing.
As a result a lion from the forest will attack them; a wolf from the desert will rip them apart. A leopard will lie in wait for them near their towns, ready to tear to pieces anyone who goes outside. For they keep on rebelling, and turn away from me so often.
Wherefore a lyon out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolfe of the wildernesse shall destroy them: a leopard shall watch ouer their cities: euery one that goeth out thence, shall be torne in pieces, because their trespasses are many, and their rebellions are increased.
Therefore smitten them hath a lion out of the forest, A wolf of the deserts doth spoil them, A leopard is watching over their cities, Every one who is going out of them is torn, For many have been their transgressions, Mighty have been their backslidings.
Therefore a lion out of the forest will kill them. A wolf of the evenings will destroy them. A leopard will watch against their cities. Everyone who goes out there will be torn in pieces, because their transgressions are many and their backsliding has increased.
Wherefore a lion from the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
Wherefore a lion out of the wood hath slain them, a wolf in the evening, hath spoiled them, a leopard watcheth for their cities: every one that shall go out thence shall be taken, because their transgressions are multiplied, their rebellions are strengthened.
Because of that, lions will come out of the forests and kill them; wolves from the desert will attack them; leopards that lurk/wait outside their cities will maul anyone who walks outside the cities. Those things will happen because the people have sinned very much against God and have turned away from him very frequently.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 5:6
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 5:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
כֵּן֩
הִכָּ֨/ם
אַרְיֵ֜ה
מִ/יַּ֗עַר
זְאֵ֤ב
עֲרָבוֹת֙
יְשָׁדְדֵ֔/ם
נָמֵ֤ר
שֹׁקֵד֙
עַל
עָ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם
כָּל
הַ/יּוֹצֵ֥א
מֵ/הֵ֖נָּה
יִטָּרֵ֑ף
כִּ֤י
רַבּוּ֙
פִּשְׁעֵי/הֶ֔ם
עָצְמ֖וּ
משבותי/הם
מְשׁוּבוֹתֵי/הֶֽם
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּן֩
kên
H3651
right
Part
הִכָּ֨/ם
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
אַרְיֵ֜ה
ʼărîy
H738
lion
N-ms
מִ/יַּ֗עַר
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
Prep | N-ms
זְאֵ֤ב
zᵉʼêb
H2061
wolf
N-ms
עֲרָבוֹת֙
ʻărâbâh
H6160
plain
N-fp
יְשָׁדְדֵ֔/ם
shâdad
H7703
to ruin
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
נָמֵ֤ר
nâmêr
H5246
leopard
N-ms
שֹׁקֵד֙
shâqad
H8245
to watch
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עָ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/יּוֹצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Art | V-Qal
מֵ/הֵ֖נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Prep | Pron
יִטָּרֵ֑ף
ṭâraph
H2963
to tear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רַבּוּ֙
râbab
H7231
to multiply
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פִּשְׁעֵי/הֶ֔ם
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-mp | Suff
עָצְמ֖וּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
be vast
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
משבותי/הם
mᵉshûwbâh
H4878
faithlessness
N-fp | Suff
מְשׁוּבוֹתֵי/הֶֽם
mᵉshûwbâh
H4878
faithlessness
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 5:6
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
כֵּן֩
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
הִכָּ֨/ם
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אַרְיֵ֜ה
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
N-ms
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
מִ/יַּ֗עַר
yaʻar
H3293
"Jaar"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.
Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.
זְאֵ֤ב
zᵉʼêb
H2061
"wolf"
N-ms
Ze'ev means wolf in Hebrew, an animal mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing danger or fierceness.
Definition: wolf
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: wolf. See also: Genesis 49:27; Jeremiah 5:6; Isaiah 11:6.
עֲרָבוֹת֙
ʻărâbâh
H6160
"plain"
N-fp
The Arabah is a desert plain near the Jordan River, stretching to the Red Sea, and is often translated as wilderness or desert in the Bible. It is mentioned in books like Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: § desert plain, steppe, desert, wilderness
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. See also H1026 (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה). See also: Numbers 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:24; Psalms 68:5.
יְשָׁדְדֵ֔/ם
shâdad
H7703
"to ruin"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
נָמֵ֤ר
nâmêr
H5246
"leopard"
N-ms
Another Hebrew word for leopard, also noting its striped appearance. It appears in Daniel 7:6, describing a vision of four beasts, including a leopard.
Definition: leopard Aramaic equivalent: ne.mar (נְמַר "leopard" H5245)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: leopard. See also: Song of Solomon 4:8; Jeremiah 13:23; Isaiah 11:6.
שֹׁקֵד֙
shâqad
H8245
"to watch"
V-Qal
Being watchful or alert is what this word means, often used to describe staying awake or vigilant. In the book of Psalms, it is used to describe God watching over his people. It implies a sense of careful attention or surveillance.
Definition: 1) to wake, watch, awake, be alert 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep watch of, be wakeful over 1a2) to be wakeful, wake (as mourner or sufferer)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: hasten, remain, wake, watch (for). See also: Ezra 8:29; Isaiah 29:20; Psalms 102:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
עָ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/יּוֹצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֵ/הֵ֖נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Prep | Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
יִטָּרֵ֑ף
ṭâraph
H2963
"to tear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to tear or pull something apart, and it can also mean to provide food. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus 22:13 and Proverbs 30:14. It describes an act of violence or providing for someone.
Definition: 1) to tear, rend, pluck 1a) (Qal) to tear, rend 1b) (Niphal) to be torn in pieces 1c) (Poal) to be torn in pieces 1d) (Hiphil) to provide food
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: catch, [idiom] without doubt, feed, ravin, rend in pieces, [idiom] surely, tear (in pieces). See also: Genesis 37:33; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 7:3.
כִּ֤י
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.
רַבּוּ֙
râbab
H7231
"to multiply"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to multiply or increase, used in Genesis to describe God's promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous.
Definition: 1) to be or become many, be or become much, be or become great 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be or become many 1a2) to be or become great 1a3) to be long (of journey) 2) (Pual) ten thousands
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: increase, be many(-ifold), be more, multiply, ten thousands. See also: Genesis 6:1; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 3:2.
פִּשְׁעֵי/הֶ֔ם
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-mp | Suff
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
עָצְמ֖וּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
"be vast"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to shut one's eyes tightly or to become powerful, and can also mean to break or crunch bones. It is used in various contexts, including in the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The idea of being strong is central to this word.
Definition: 1) to be vast, be numerous, be mighty 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be mighty 1a2) to be numerous 1b) (Hiphil) to make strong, make mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er). See also: Genesis 26:16; Isaiah 31:1; Psalms 38:20.
משבותי/הם
mᵉshûwbâh
H4878
"faithlessness"
N-fp | Suff
This word describes turning away from God, or faithlessness. It is used to convey the idea of apostasy or backsliding. In the Bible, it is often used to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God.
Definition: turning away, turning back, apostasy, backsliding
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: backsliding, turning away. See also: Proverbs 1:32; Jeremiah 3:22; Jeremiah 2:19.
מְשׁוּבוֹתֵי/הֶֽם
mᵉshûwbâh
H4878
"faithlessness"
N-fp | Suff
This word describes turning away from God, or faithlessness. It is used to convey the idea of apostasy or backsliding. In the Bible, it is often used to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God.
Definition: turning away, turning back, apostasy, backsliding
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: backsliding, turning away. See also: Proverbs 1:32; Jeremiah 3:22; Jeremiah 2:19.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 5:6
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Context — No One Is Just
4Then I said, “They are only the poor; they have played the fool, for they do not know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.
5I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains.
6Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.
7“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery and assembled at the houses of prostitutes. 8They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing after his neighbor’s wife.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 4:7 | A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 1:8 | Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. |
| 3 | Zephaniah 3:3 | Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 22:27 | Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. |
| 5 | Amos 5:18–19 | Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light. It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. |
| 6 | Ezra 10:10 | Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful by marrying foreign women, adding to the guilt of Israel. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 14:16–21 | then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate. 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, then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered. Or if I send a plague into that land and pour out My wrath upon it through bloodshed, cutting off from it both man and beast, then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. Their righteousness could deliver only themselves. For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem My four dire judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague—in order to cut off from it both man and beast? |
| 8 | Ezra 9:6 | and said: “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens. |
| 9 | Daniel 7:4 | The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and given the mind of a man. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 14:7 | Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. |
Jeremiah 5:6 Summary
Jeremiah 5:6 means that when we disobey God and do wrong things, He will allow bad things to happen to us as a consequence, just like a lion, wolf, or leopard might attack someone who ventures into the wild. This is because our rebellious acts and unfaithful deeds have many and serious consequences, as stated in Jeremiah 5:6. However, God's judgment is not without hope, as we can repent and turn to Him for forgiveness and restoration, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Isaiah 55:7. By trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, we can stay safe from the spiritual dangers that surround us, just like staying safe from wild animals by following God's guidance and protection, as mentioned in Psalm 91:1-4 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the lion, wolf, and leopard represent in Jeremiah 5:6?
These animals represent the nations that God will use to judge His people for their rebellious acts, as seen in Jeremiah 5:6, similar to how God used Babylon to judge Judah in Jeremiah 25:9 and Ezekiel 23:22-24.
Why does God mention the rebellious acts and unfaithful deeds of His people?
God mentions these acts to emphasize the reason for His judgment, as stated in Jeremiah 5:6, and to highlight the importance of obedience and faithfulness to Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Hebrews 3:12-13.
Is God's judgment in Jeremiah 5:6 only for the Israelites, or does it apply to other nations as well?
While the immediate context of Jeremiah 5:6 is God's judgment on the Israelites, the principle of God's judgment on rebellious acts and unfaithful deeds applies to all nations, as seen in Romans 2:1-11 and Revelation 20:12-15.
Reflection Questions
- How do I recognize and repent of rebellious acts and unfaithful deeds in my own life, and what are the consequences of not doing so?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in my daily life, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice when faced with challenges and uncertainties?
- What does it mean to 'venture out' in my own life, and how can I stay safe from the 'lions, wolves, and leopards' that seek to harm me spiritually, as mentioned in Jeremiah 5:6?
- How can I balance the reality of God's judgment with the truth of His love and mercy, as seen in Jeremiah 5:6 and other Bible verses like John 3:16 and Romans 8:1?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:6
Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them,.... Meaning King Nebuchadnezzar out of Babylon, a place full of people, and so comparable to a forest, as the king is to a lion, for his strength,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:6
Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces:
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:6
Nebuchadnezzar and the Chaldean army from Syria and Libanus, woody places, are here pointed at under the metaphor of beasts of prey of three kinds; the malignity that is proper to each of these creatures shall be put forth in this Babylonian army, compared, for instance, to a lion, which notes his great power, courage, pride, and insulting over his prey. A wolf, for their greediness and unsatiableness; one wolf will destroy abundance of sheep; and said to be the wolf of the evenings, or deserts, or plains, they being the usual haunts of the wolf; or evenings, because then they are observed to be most ravenous, , possibly because lying most part of the day in their dens for fear of the huntsmen, want of prey enrageth their hunger at night; and because of this greediness to devour, the judges among themselves are said to be evening wolves, described , They gnaw not the bones till the morrow, either through hunger or rage. A leopard; the Chaldean army compared to a leopard, not for its speed only, but especially for its vigilancy and subtlety; they will be so vigilant, that scarce any shall escape, according to . Increased, Heb. strong: here is the reason why God would bring such a devastation upon them, because they did, as it were, strengthen themselves in the multitude of their rebellions against him.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:6
Jeremiah 5:6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, [and] a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, [and] their backslidings are increased.Ver. 6. Therefore a lion of the forest shall slay them.] So Nebuchadnezzar is called for his cruelty, a wolf for his voracity, and a leopard for his slyness and swiftness. All the malignities of other creatures meet in the Church’ s enemies.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:6
(6) A lion out of the forest.—The imagery is vivid in itself. The three forms of animal ferocity, lion, wolf, leopard—representing, perhaps, the three phases of simple fierceness, ravenousness, and cunning; possibly even three oppressors in whom those attributes were to be impersonated—are brought together to embody the cruelty of the invader. The three animals were all common in Palestine, but it seems a weak rendering of the prophet’s words to take them literally as simply predicting that the land would be ravaged by the beasts of prey. A wolf of the evenings.—Better, as in the margin, of the deserts; but the term “evening,” as applied to the habits of the beast of prey prowling in the darkness, is supported by Habakkuk 1:8; Zephaniah 3:3. The same three animals appear in the symbolism of the first canto of Dante’s Inferno, and the coincidence can hardly be thought of as accidental. A leopard shall watch . . .—There is no adequate reason for substituting “panther.” The leopard finds its place in the Fauna of Syria (Hosea 13:7; Habakkuk 1:8). The “watching” is that of the crouching beast making ready for its spring.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:6
Verse 6. Wherefore a lion] Nebuchadnezzar, according to the general opinion; who is called here a lion for his courage and violence, a bear for his rapaciousness, and a leopard for his activity. Dahler supposes the Scythians to be intended, both here and in Jeremiah 4:7.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:6
6. For the danger from actual wild beasts in Palestine cp. 1 Samuel 17:34; 1 Kings 13:24; 1 Kings 20:36. Here the description “spoiling,” “watching over” (i.e. lying in wait) shews that the passage is metaphorical. Cp. Jeremiah 4:7. evenings] deserts, as mg., thus preserving the parallelism with “forest.” The mistake arose from the similarity of the two words in Hebrew. leopard] panther. watch over] Cp. Hosea 13:7.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 5:6
Evenings - See the margin. From its habit of skulking about in the twilight the wolf is often called the “evening wolf” Habakkuk 1:8; Zephaniah 3:3, but the word used here means a sandy desert. Leopard - panther.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:6
6. Lion… wolf… leopard — This is a drawing out in detail of the curse denounced in Leviticus 26:22 : “I will also send wild beasts among you,” etc.
Sermons on Jeremiah 5:6
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 3-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to turn away from worldly distractions and dedicate themselves fully to God and spiritual matters. He quotes from the bo |
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(Through the Bible) Lamentations by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being double-minded and unstable in one's ways, as mentioned in the book of James. He emphasizes that God does not speak both |
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No Dirty Dogs Shall Ever Trample Upon That Golden Pavement by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the stark contrast between the holiness of heaven and the unholiness of sinful people, using vivid animal imagery to describe the nature of the unholy. He |
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The Wolf by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the analogy of wolves to illustrate the wild, savage, and cruel nature of sin and wickedness in the world. She draws parallels between the behavior of wolves, |
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Dvd 02 - Jewish Unbelief by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of boldly sharing the gospel with the Jewish community, highlighting the need for believers to be willing to endure rejection, insults, and su |
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Country Preacher Who Came to Town by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the days of Jeroboam and the prosperity that came to the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and eating the finest |
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Bristol Conference 1962 - Part 6 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the issue of luxury, complacency, and ease in today's society, particularly within the church. He references 1 Corinthians chapter 4, where |