Jeremiah 8:14

Jeremiah 8:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Why are we just sitting here? Gather together, let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

King James Version KJV

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fortified cities, and let us be silent there; for Jehovah our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Why are we seated doing nothing? come together, and let us go to the walled towns, and let destruction overtake us there, for the Lord our God has sent destruction on us, and given us bitter water for our drink, because we have done evil against the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

The people say, “Why are we sitting around here? Let's get together and run to the fortified towns. We can die there, for the Lord our God is killing us by giving us poisoned water to drink, because we sinned against him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Why doe we stay? assemble your selues, and let vs enter into the strong cities, and let vs be quiet there: for the Lord our God hath put vs to silence and giuen vs water with gall to drinke, because we haue sinned against the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Wherefore are we sitting still? Be gathered, and we go in to the fenced cities, And we are silent there, For Jehovah our God hath made us silent, Yea, He causeth us to drink water of gall, For we have sinned against Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

“Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves! Let’s enter into the fortified cities, and let’s be silent there; for the LORD our God has put us to silence, and given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fortified cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fenced city, and let us be silent there: for the Lord our God hath put us to silence, and hath given us water of gall to drink: for we have sinned against the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the people will say, “◄Why should we wait here in these small towns?/We should not wait here in these small towns.► [RHQ]! We should go to the cities that have high walls around them, but even if we do that we will be killed there, because Yahweh our God has decided that we must be destroyed; it is as though [MET] he has given us a cup of poison to drink, because we sinned against him.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 8:14

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 8:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עַל מָה֙ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ יֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים הֵֽאָסְפ֗וּ וְ/נָב֛וֹא אֶל עָרֵ֥י הַ/מִּבְצָ֖ר וְ/נִדְּמָה שָּׁ֑ם כִּי֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י/נוּ הֲדִמָּ֨/נוּ֙ וַ/יַּשְׁקֵ֣/נוּ מֵי רֹ֔אשׁ כִּ֥י חָטָ֖אנוּ לַ/יהוָֽה

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מָה֙ mâh H4100 what? Part

אֲנַ֣חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 we Pron

יֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal

הֵֽאָסְפ֗וּ ʼâçaph H622 to gather V-Niphal-Impv-2mp

וְ/נָב֛וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-1cp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

עָרֵ֥י ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp

הַ/מִּבְצָ֖ר mibtsâr H4013 fortification Art | N-ms

וְ/נִדְּמָה dâmam H1826 to silence Conj | V-Qal-1cp

שָּׁ֑ם shâm H8033 there Adv

כִּי֩ kîy H3588 for Conj

יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹהֵ֤י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

הֲדִמָּ֨/נוּ֙ dâmam H1826 to silence V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff

וַ/יַּשְׁקֵ֣/נוּ shâqâh H8248 to water Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

מֵי mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7219 poison N-ms

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

חָטָ֖אנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-1cp

לַ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 8:14

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.

מָה֙ 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.

אֲנַ֣חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 "we" Pron

A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.

Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.

יֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

הֵֽאָסְפ֗וּ ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" V-Niphal-Impv-2mp

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.

וְ/נָב֛וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-1cp

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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

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.

עָרֵ֥י ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fp

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.

הַ/מִּבְצָ֖ר mibtsâr H4013 "fortification" Art | N-ms

This word describes a strong, fortified place like a castle or a fenced city, providing protection and safety. It is used in the Bible to describe secure and defended locations.

Definition: fortification, fortress, fortified city, stronghold

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most) strong (hold). See also: Numbers 13:19; Isaiah 34:13; Psalms 89:41.

וְ/נִדְּמָה dâmam H1826 "to silence" Conj | V-Qal-1cp

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.

שָּׁ֑ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

כִּי֩ 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.

יְהוָ֨ה 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.

אֱלֹהֵ֤י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

הֲדִמָּ֨/נוּ֙ dâmam H1826 "to silence" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff

וַ/יַּשְׁקֵ֣/נוּ shâqâh H8248 "to water" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.

Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.

מֵי mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7219 "poison" N-ms

The Hebrew word for poison refers to a harmful substance, possibly from a poppy plant. It appears in the Bible, including in the book of Deuteronomy, warning against poisonous things.

Definition: gall, venom, bitter, poisonous

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: gall, hemlock, poison, venom. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Jeremiah 9:14; Psalms 69:22.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

חָטָ֖אנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

לַ/יהוָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 8:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 8:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 8:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 8:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:14
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:14
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:14
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 8:14
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 8:14
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:14
Sermons on Jeremiah 8:14

Context — The People Respond

12Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD. 13I will take away their harvest, declares the LORD. There will be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the tree, and even the leaf will wither. Whatever I have given them will be lost to them.”

14Why are we just sitting here? Gather together, let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

15We hoped for peace, but no good has come, for a time of healing, but there was only terror. 16The snorting of enemy horses is heard from Dan. At the sound of the neighing of mighty steeds, the whole land quakes. They come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who dwell in it.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 23:15	Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.”
2	Jeremiah 9:15	Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will feed this people wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.
3	Lamentations 3:19	Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall.
4	Jeremiah 35:11	So when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched into the land, we said: ‘Come, let us go into Jerusalem to escape the armies of the Chaldeans and the Arameans.’ So we have remained in Jerusalem.”
5	2 Samuel 20:6	And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us. ”
6	Matthew 27:34	they offered Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it.
7	Psalms 69:21	They poisoned my food with gall and gave me vinegar to quench my thirst.
8	Deuteronomy 29:18	Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Make sure there is no root among you that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit,
9	Leviticus 10:3	Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.
10	Habakkuk 2:20	But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.

Jeremiah 8:14 Summary

[Jeremiah 8:14 shows a people who have recognized their sins and are facing the consequences, which is a hard but important lesson for us today - when we sin, there are always consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8. The people are so desperate that they think going to the fortified cities to die might be better than staying where they are. This verse reminds us that sin can lead to very difficult and painful situations, but it also reminds us that God is always with us, even in those hard times, as promised in Hebrews 13:5.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when it says 'the LORD our God has doomed us' in Jeremiah 8:14?

This statement reflects the people's acknowledgment of God's judgment upon them due to their sins, as seen in Jeremiah 8:12 where it says they have committed abominations without shame, and in Jeremiah 6:19 which warns of God's wrath upon the wicked.

Why does the verse mention 'poisoned water to drink' as a consequence of sinning against the LORD?

The 'poisoned water' is a metaphor for the bitter consequences of sin, much like the cup of God's wrath mentioned in Revelation 16:19, which the wicked will have to drink.

Is Jeremiah 8:14 suggesting that the people should actually flee to fortified cities to perish?

No, the suggestion to flee to fortified cities is an expression of desperation and hopelessness, rather than a genuine recommendation, highlighting the severity of the situation and the people's recognition of God's judgment, similar to the desperation seen in Jeremiah 4:20.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's mercy and love?

Despite the judgment pronounced in Jeremiah 8:14, it is essential to remember that God's actions are always motivated by His love and desire for repentance, as seen in Jeremiah 3:12-13 where He calls His people to return to Him, and in Jeremiah 31:3 which speaks of His everlasting love for Israel.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I apply the lesson of acknowledging and repenting from sin, as seen in Jeremiah 8:14, to my own life?
How does recognizing God's sovereignty over all things, including judgment and mercy, influence my daily decisions and faith?
What are some 'poisoned waters' or sinful patterns in my life that I need to turn away from, and how can I seek God's help in overcoming them?
In times of desperation or hopelessness, how can I, like the people in Jeremiah 8:14, turn to God and find hope in His love and mercy?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 8:14

Why do we sit still?.... In the country, where were barrenness and want of provisions; in the villages and unwalled towns, where they were exposed to the spoils and ravages of the enemy.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 8:14

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:14

Why do we sit still? the people at length seem to bethink themselves, and thus to bespeak each other. Let us enter into the defenced cities; in the scattered villages there is no safety for us, let us retire into places of greater security, ; possibly they thought they might be secured there, as they had been before in the time of Sennacherib. Let us be silent there; keep close within our walls, say or do nothing to provoke the enemy; but sit down and bewail the desperateness of our condition, ,29, or tremblingly expect the issue of this sad war, for there is no possibility of making head against such an enemy, that bears down all before them. The Lord our God hath put us to silence: they now begin to perceive that the hand of God is in all this, and that therefore they have not a word to say, as if they were wronged; God hath put them to shame: much less courage to oppose the Babylonians; their heart fails them, they are as men in a great terror and consternation; God hath put us to silence, let us be silent. Water of gall; or, poison; probably the name of some poisonous herb, with the juice or infusion whereof they were wont to kill persons, as hemlock, nightshade &c. See . It notes those bitter destructive judgments that God was bringing upon them, , which did spring from that bitter root of their sinning against him, as in the next words.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:14

Jeremiah 8:14 Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.Ver. 14. Why do we sit still?] Here the people speak (see on Jeremiah 8:13), being grievously frightened upon the coming of the Chaldees, and thereupon consulting what course to take; but all would not do. Let us be silent.] Sic silent pavidi mures coram fele. So they were as a panic struck mouse in the eyes of a cat. For the Lord our God hath put us to silence.] Hath expelled our courage and stopped our mouths. And hath given us water of gall to drink.] Succum cicutae, juice of hemlock, our bane, our death’ s draught; so that now we know, by woeful experience, what an evil and bitter thing sin is; for a drop of honey we have now a sea of gall.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:14

(14) Why do we sit still? . . .—The cry of the people in answer to the threatening of Jehovah is brought in by the prophet with a startling dramatic vividness. They are ready to flee into the defenced cities, as the prophet had told them in Jeremiah 4:5, but it is without hope. They are going into the silence as of death, for to that silence Jehovah himself has brought them. Water of gall.—The idea implied is that of poison as well as bitterness. It is uncertain what the “gall-plant” was; possibly, from its connection with “grapes” or “clusters,” as in Deuteronomy 32:32, belladonna or colocynth is meant. Others have suggested the poppy, and this is in part confirmed by the narcotic properties implied in Matthew 27:34. In Deuteronomy 29:18 it is joined with “wormwood.”

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 8:14

13–17. See summary at commencement of section.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 8:14

The people rouse one another to exertion. “Why,” they ask, “do we remain here to be overwhelmed?” They are ready now to follow the command given (see the marginal reference), but with the conviction that all hope is over.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:14

14. Let us be silent, etc. — Better, let us perish, for Jehovah our God hath caused us to perish. Gall — The name of a poisonous plant which cannot be unmistakably identified.

Sermons on Jeremiah 8:14

	Sermon	Description
	The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 2 by Dan Biser	This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confessing our sins before the Lord, both individually and collectively as a church and nation. It delves into various Bibl
	Lx. to Lady Kenmure, on the Death of Her Son, John, Second Viscount by Samuel Rutherford	Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of comfort and encouragement to a grieving noble lady who has lost her child, reminding her to submit to God's will and find solace in the fell
	The Land Is in Ruins, Weep All Ye People! by Brian Long	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the desperate state of the nation during the time of Jeremiah. He emphasizes how Jeremiah's heart was deeply affected by the sins of God's p
	(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 12 Psalm 137 by Keith Simons	Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 137, emphasizing its prophetic nature and the deep sorrow of the Israelites in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. He explores the contrast be
	(Guidelines) Fulfilled Prophecy by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker presents fulfilled prophecy as the conclusive proof that the Bible is the Word of God. He explains that one fourth of the Bible is prophetic, denouncing
	Sunday Night Meditations 40 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sacrifice and love of God displayed at Calvary. He describes Jesus willingly taking on the bitter cup of suffering for the sake of human
	Seven Perspectives of the Cross by John Follette	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the crucifixion of Jesus as described in Matthew 27:34-36. He highlights the significance of the actions and reactions of different people w