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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Jeremiah 6  › Jeremiah 6:17

Jeremiah 6:17

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Jeremiah 6:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’

King James Version KJV

Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

American Standard Version ASV

And I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not hearken.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I put watchmen over you, saying, Give attention to the sound of the horn; but they said, We will not give attention.

Free Bible Version FBV

I put watchmen in charge of you and told you, Make sure you listen for the trumpet call warning you of danger. But you answered, “We won't listen!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also I set watchmen ouer you, which said, Take heede to the sound of the trumpet: but they said, We will not take heede.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I have raised up for you watchmen, Attend ye to the voice of the trumpet. And they say, 'We do not attend.'

World English Bible WEB

I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen!’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Also I set watchmen over you, saying , Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I appointed watchmen over you, saying: Hearken ye to the sound of the trumpet. And they said: We will not hearken.

Translation for Translators T4T

I sent my prophets who were like [MET] watchmen. They said, ‘Listen carefully when we blow the trumpets to warn you that your enemies are approaching,’ but you said, ‘No, we do not want to listen.’

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.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 6:17

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 6:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/הֲקִמֹתִ֤י עֲלֵי/כֶם֙ צֹפִ֔ים הַקְשִׁ֖יבוּ לְ/ק֣וֹל שׁוֹפָ֑ר וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ לֹ֥א נַקְשִֽׁיב
וַ/הֲקִמֹתִ֤י qûwm H6965 -kamai Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
צֹפִ֔ים tsâphâh H6822 to watch V-Qal
הַקְשִׁ֖יבוּ qâshab H7181 to listen V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לְ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 voice Prep | N-ms
שׁוֹפָ֑ר shôwphâr H7782 trumpet N-ms
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
נַקְשִֽׁיב qâshab H7181 to listen V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study

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

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 6:17

וַ/הֲקִמֹתִ֤י qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙ 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.
צֹפִ֔ים tsâphâh H6822 "to watch" V-Qal
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
הַקְשִׁ֖יבוּ qâshab H7181 "to listen" V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
לְ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
שׁוֹפָ֑ר shôwphâr H7782 "trumpet" N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֥א 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.
נַקְשִֽׁיב qâshab H7181 "to listen" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 6:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 25:4 And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear.
2 Isaiah 58:1 “Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins.
3 Zechariah 7:11 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing.
4 Isaiah 21:11 This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”
5 Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.
6 Isaiah 56:10 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.
7 Hosea 8:1 Put the ram’s horn to your lips! An eagle looms over the house of the LORD, because the people have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law.
8 Ezekiel 33:2–9 “Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people. Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. Since he heard the sound of the horn but failed to heed the warning, his blood will be on his own head. If he had heeded the warning, he would have saved his life. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me. If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
9 Acts 20:27–31 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
10 Amos 3:6–8 If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. The lion has roared— who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken— who will not prophesy?

Jeremiah 6:17 Summary

[Jeremiah 6:17 tells us that God appointed special leaders, called watchmen, to warn and guide His people. He told them to listen for the sound of the ram's horn, which was a call to attention and warning. However, the people refused to listen, just like they refused to follow God's instructions in Jeremiah 6:16. This verse reminds us of the importance of listening to God's voice and being obedient to His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, where God promises blessings for those who obey Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a watchman in the context of Jeremiah 6:17?

In this verse, watchmen refer to spiritual leaders or prophets who are appointed by God to warn and guide His people, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17 and Ezekiel 33:7, where God commissions Ezekiel as a watchman for the house of Israel.

Why did the people refuse to listen to the sound of the ram's horn?

The people refused to listen because they had become hardened and rebellious against God's warnings and instructions, similar to the response in Jeremiah 6:16 where they said, 'We will not walk in it!'

What is the significance of the sound of the ram's horn in Jeremiah 6:17?

The sound of the ram's horn, or shofar, was a call to attention, warning, and assembly, as seen in Numbers 10:1-10, where it was used to summon the Israelites and signal important events.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?

This verse is part of Jeremiah's warnings to the people of Judah, calling them to repentance and obedience to God, as seen in Jeremiah 7:3-7, where God commands the people to amend their ways and walk in His laws.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, like the Israelites, might be refusing to listen to God's warnings and instructions in my own life?
  2. How can I be more attentive to the 'sound of the ram's horn' in my life, and what are some ways that God might be calling me to repentance or action?
  3. In what ways can I, as a believer, serve as a 'watchman' for others, warning them of spiritual dangers and guiding them towards God?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to be more responsive to God's voice and guidance, and how can I cultivate a greater willingness to listen and obey?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:17

Also I set watchmen over you,.... That is, prophets, as Jarchi; true prophets, as Kimchi; such an one was Ezekiel, Jeremiah 3:17.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:17

Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:17

Watchmen, viz. prophets and messengers, that sought their good, and endeavoured to prevent their miseries by foretelling what was coming upon them, 33:7 A metaphor from watchmen, that are usually set upon high places to espy out dangers afar off. The sound of the trumpet; either the voice of his prophets, which is compared to a trumpet, , intimating his loud crying upon the account of imminent danger; for men do not use to sound the trumpet till danger be approaching; or the trumpet of that enemy, ,21. We will not hearken; more of their obstinacy suitable to their carriage, .

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:17

Jeremiah 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.Ver. 17. Also I set watchmen over you,] i.e., Priests and prophets to watch for your welfare. Hearken to the sound of the trumpet.] See on Jeremiah 6:8. We will not hearken.] See on Jeremiah 6:16.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:17

(17) Watchmen.—i.e., the sentinels of the army, as in 1 Samuel 14:16, giving the signal in this case, not for advance but for retreat (comp. Jeremiah 6:1, and Amos 3:6). The watchmen are, of course (as in Isaiah 52:8; Isaiah 56:10; Ezekiel 3:17; Habakkuk 2:1), the prophets blowing the trumpet of alarm, proclaiming, as in Jeremiah 6:1, the nearness of the invader, and calling on them to flee from the wrath of Jehovah. They call, however, in vain. The people refuse to hearken.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:17

Verse 17. I set watchmen] I have sent prophets to warn you.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:17

17. I set] “I ever raised up,” Dr. See on Jeremiah 6:16. watchmen] the prophets; so Ezekiel 3:17; Ezekiel 33:7. the sound of the trumpet] Cp. Jeremiah 6:1; Amos 3:6.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:17

Watchmen - The prophets Isaiah 52:8. The second of the trumpet - This was the signal for flight Jeremiah 6:1; Amos 3:6. Similarly the prophet’s warning was to move men to escape from God’s judgments.

Sermons on Jeremiah 6:17

SermonDescription
Shane Idleman What Is Wrong With the Pulpits? (Clip) by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the challenging and often offensive message of the gospel, highlighting the need to address sin, judgment, repentance, and the reality of hell. It warns agai
Derek Melton Do We Fear God? by Derek Melton Derek Melton delivers a powerful sermon on the lack of fear of God in America, drawing parallels between the days of Lot and the current state of the nation. He highlights the prid
David Wilkerson A Great Apostasy by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and
Alan Redpath God Seeks a Man of Prayer by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of justice and salvation in the world, drawing parallels to historical events such as the Vietnam War, the tragedy of the boat peop
Alan Redpath Christian Growth - Part 4 by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the world and compares it to the biblical verses that describe a lack of justice and salvation. He specifically mentions the tr
David Wilkerson Hatching Snake Eggs by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of putting off seeking deliverance from sin and turning back to God. He calls on those who have been injured or run away from God t
Alan Redpath Repairing the Breach by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the convention is not a time for religious entertainment, but rather a time for serious reflection on one's spiritual journey. The messa
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