Jeremiah 14:3
Jeremiah 14:3 in Multiple Translations
The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads.
And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.
And their nobles send their little ones to the waters: they come to the cisterns, and find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they are put to shame and confounded, and cover their heads.
Their great men have sent their servants for water: they come to the holes and there is no water to be seen; they come back with nothing in their vessels; they are overcome with shame and fear, covering their heads.
Rich people send their servants to get water. They go to the cisterns, but don't find any water. They return with empty jars, disappointed and ashamed, covering their heads.
And their nobles haue sent their inferiours to the water, who came to the welles, and founde no water: they returned with their vessels empty: they were ashamed and confounded, and couered their heads.
And their honourable ones have sent their little ones to the water, They have come unto ditches, They have not found water, They have turned back — their vessels empty! They have been ashamed, And have blushed and covered their head.
Their nobles send their little ones to the waters. They come to the cisterns, and find no water. They return with their vessels empty. They are disappointed and confounded, and cover their heads.
And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.
The great ones sent their inferiors to the water: they came to draw, they found no water, they carried back their vessels empty: they were confounded and afflicted, and covered their heads.
The rich people send their servants to wells to get water, but all the wells are dry. The servants return with empty pitchers; they cover their heads because they are ashamed and humiliated/disappointed and sad.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 14:3
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 14:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַדִּ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם
שָׁלְח֥וּ
צעורי/הם
צְעִירֵי/הֶ֖ם
לַ/מָּ֑יִם
בָּ֣אוּ
עַל
גֵּבִ֞ים
לֹא
מָ֣צְאוּ
מַ֗יִם
שָׁ֤בוּ
כְלֵי/הֶם֙
רֵיקָ֔ם
בֹּ֥שׁוּ
וְ/הָכְלְמ֖וּ
וְ/חָפ֥וּ
רֹאשָֽׁ/ם
וְ/אַדִּ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼaddîyr
H117
great
Conj | Adj | Suff
שָׁלְח֥וּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
צעורי/הם
tsâʻîyr
H6810
little
Adj | Suff
צְעִירֵי/הֶ֖ם
tsâʻîyr
H6810
little
Adj | Suff
לַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
בָּ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גֵּבִ֞ים
gêb
H1356
cistern
N-mp
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
מָ֣צְאוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מַ֗יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
שָׁ֤בוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כְלֵי/הֶם֙
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp | Suff
רֵיקָ֔ם
rêyqâm
H7387
emptily
Adv
בֹּ֥שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/הָכְלְמ֖וּ
kâlam
H3637
be humiliated
Conj | V-Hophal-Perf-3cp
וְ/חָפ֥וּ
châphâh
H2645
to cover
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רֹאשָֽׁ/ם
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 14:3
וְ/אַדִּ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼaddîyr
H117
"great"
Conj | Adj | Suff
Describes something or someone as great or powerful, such as the mighty waters of the sea in Psalm 107.
Definition: 1) great, majestic 1a) of waters of sea 1b) of a tree 1c) of kings, nations, gods 2) great one, majestic one 2a) of nobles, chieftains, servants
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, lordly, mighty(-ier one), noble, principal, worthy. See also: Exodus 15:10; Psalms 136:18; Psalms 8:2.
שָׁלְח֥וּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
צעורי/הם
tsâʻîyr
H6810
"little"
Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means something or someone is little, young, or insignificant. It appears in the Bible to describe something small in number or size. In the KJV, it is translated as least, little, or small.
Definition: 1) little, insignificant, young 1a) little, insignificant 1b) insignificant, mean 1c) young, younger, youngest
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: least, little (one), small (one), [phrase] young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 19:31; 1 Kings 16:34; Psalms 68:28.
צְעִירֵי/הֶ֖ם
tsâʻîyr
H6810
"little"
Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means something or someone is little, young, or insignificant. It appears in the Bible to describe something small in number or size. In the KJV, it is translated as least, little, or small.
Definition: 1) little, insignificant, young 1a) little, insignificant 1b) insignificant, mean 1c) young, younger, youngest
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: least, little (one), small (one), [phrase] young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 19:31; 1 Kings 16:34; Psalms 68:28.
לַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | 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.
בָּ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
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.
גֵּבִ֞ים
gêb
H1356
"cistern"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to a beam or rafter, like a log cut from a tree, and can also mean a well or cistern dug out of the ground. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of buildings and landscapes. This term is used to describe physical structures.
Definition: pit, trench, ditch,
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: beam, ditch, pit. See also: 1 Kings 6:9; 2 Kings 3:16; Jeremiah 14:3.
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.
מָ֣צְאוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
מַ֗יִם
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.
שָׁ֤בוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
כְלֵי/הֶם֙
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
רֵיקָ֔ם
rêyqâm
H7387
"emptily"
Adv
This Hebrew word means doing something empty or without purpose, like acting in vain. It is used in the Bible to describe actions that have no real effect. In the KJV, it is translated as 'without cause' or 'in vain'.
Definition: 1) vainly, emptily 1a) in empty condition, empty, emptily 1b) in vain, without effect, vainly
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: without cause, empty, in vain, void. See also: Genesis 31:42; 1 Samuel 6:3; Psalms 7:5.
בֹּ֥שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
וְ/הָכְלְמ֖וּ
kâlam
H3637
"be humiliated"
Conj | V-Hophal-Perf-3cp
To be humiliated means to be insulted or shamed, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe people's reactions to their mistakes. It is about feeling ashamed or reproached.
Definition: 1) to insult, shame, humiliate, blush, be ashamed, be put to shame, be reproached, be put to confusion, be humiliated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be humiliated, be ashamed 1a2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put to shame, insult, humiliate, cause shame to 1b2) to exhibit shame 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be insulted, be humiliated 1c2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: be (make) ashamed, blush, be confounded, be put to confusion, hurt, reproach, (do, put to) shame. See also: Numbers 12:14; Proverbs 25:8; Psalms 35:4.
וְ/חָפ֥וּ
châphâh
H2645
"to cover"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To cover something, like a roof or a secret, is what this word means in the original Hebrew. It appears in Exodus 26:14, describing the covering of the tabernacle. This concept is also seen in 1 Kings 7:3.
Definition: 1) to cover, overlay, wainscotted, covered with boards or panelling 1a) (Qal) to cover 1b)(Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) to cover, overlay
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: ceil, cover, overlay. See also: 2 Samuel 15:30; Esther 6:12; Psalms 68:14.
רֹאשָֽׁ/ם
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 14:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 14:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 14:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 14:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 14:3
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 14:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
- Sermons on Jeremiah 14:3
Context — Drought, Famine, Sword, and Plague
1This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought:
2“Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem.
3The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads.
4The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. 5Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 15:30 | But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. |
| 2 | Psalms 40:14 | May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 18:31 | Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern, |
| 4 | Jeremiah 2:13 | “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water. |
| 5 | Amos 4:8 | People staggered from city to city for water to drink, but they were not satisfied; yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Esther 6:12 | Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 18:5–6 | Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.” So they divided the land to explore. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself. |
| 8 | Joel 1:20 | Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 14:4 | The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 2:26–27 | As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces, yet in the time of trouble they beg, ‘Rise up and save us!’ |
Jeremiah 14:3 Summary
This verse, Jeremiah 14:3, describes a scene where even the wealthy and powerful are struggling to find water due to a severe drought, and their servants return empty-handed, leading to feelings of shame and humiliation. This scene serves as a reminder that God's judgment can impact anyone, regardless of social status, as seen in Jeremiah 13:15-17. It also highlights the importance of trusting in God's provision, rather than relying on our own strength and resources, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7. By recognizing our own spiritual droughts and trusting in God's sovereignty, we can learn to respond to difficult circumstances with faith and humility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the nobles sending their servants for water in Jeremiah 14:3?
The nobles sending their servants for water highlights the severity of the drought, as even the wealthy and powerful are affected, and it serves as a reminder that God's judgment can impact everyone, regardless of social status, as seen in Jeremiah 13:15-17.
Why do the servants return with empty jars in Jeremiah 14:3?
The servants return with empty jars because they were unable to find any water in the cisterns, emphasizing the devastating consequences of the drought and the people's lack of preparation, as warned in Proverbs 27:12.
What is the symbolic meaning of covering their heads in shame and humiliation in Jeremiah 14:3?
Covering their heads is a sign of mourning and shame, indicating that the people are beginning to recognize their spiritual barrenness and the consequences of their sin, as expressed in Job 42:6 and Lamentations 2:10.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Jeremiah's message?
This verse is part of Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the drought, which serves as a warning to Judah of the coming judgment if they do not repent, as stated in Jeremiah 14:1 and Deuteronomy 28:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have been relying on my own strength and resources, rather than trusting in God's provision?
- How can I learn to recognize and respond to the spiritual droughts in my own life, just as the people in Jeremiah's time were forced to confront their physical drought?
- In what ways can I identify with the feelings of shame and humiliation expressed in this verse, and how can I allow God to use those feelings to bring about repentance and restoration in my life?
- What are some practical steps I can take to prepare for spiritual droughts and to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem barren and hopeless?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 14:3
And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters,.... To places where water used to be; to the pools, the upper and the lower, particularly to the fountain of Shiloah, which, Jerom says,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 14:3
And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
This scarcity of water afflicted not mean persons only, who have not so good means to supply their necessities as others; but their greatest persons; so as they sent their little ones (it were better translated servants, for they are meant) to the places made to receive and retain water; but finding no water in the pits, they came back again with their vessels empty, like men ashamed and confounded, and troubled upon the seeing their expectations frustrated.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
Jeremiah 14:3 And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, [and] found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.Ver. 3. And their nobles.] Who would be sure to have it if it were to be had. Sent their little ones.] Their boys, as they used to call their menial servants of the younger sort. See Matthew 14:2. To the waters.] Such as were the waters of Siloe, which only fountain, saith Jerome, Jerusalem maketh use of so long as it lasteth. To the pits,] Or, Cisterns. They covered their heads.] As close mourners do still.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
(3) Their little ones.—Not their children, but their menial servants. The word is peculiar to Jeremiah, and occurs only here and in Jeremiah 48:4. The vivid picture of the messengers running hither and thither to all wells, and springs, and tanks, reminds us of Ahab’s search for wells or springs in the time of the great drought of his reign (1 Kings 18:5), of the “two or three cities wandering” to the one city that was yet supplied with water of Amo 4:8. The pits.—The tanks or reservoirs where, if anywhere, water might be looked for. Covered their heads.—The extremest sign of a grief too great to utter itself to others, craving to be alone in its wretchedness (2 Samuel 15:30; 2 Samuel 19:4). The student will recollect it as occurring also in the account of the painting of Agamemnon at the Sacrifice of Iphigenia, ascribed to Timanthes.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
Verse 3. Their nobles have sent their little ones] So general was this calamity, that the servants no longer attended to their lords, but every one was interested alone for himself; and the nobles of the land were obliged to employ their own children to scour the land, to see if any water could be found in the tanks or the pits. In the dearth in the time of Elijah, Ahab the king, and Obadiah his counsellor, were obliged to traverse the land themselves, in order to find out water to keep their cattle alive. This and the three following verses give a lively but distressing picture of this dearth and its effects.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 14:3
3. little ones] rather, as mg. inferiors, i.e. servants. pits] cisterns, or tanks, where the water was kept till wanted for use. See on ch. Jeremiah 2:13. ashamed] See on Jeremiah 2:26. cover their heads] as a sign of the greatest grief or confusion. Cp. 2 Samuel 15:30; Esther 6:12.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 14:3
Little ones - mean ones, the common people. The word is unique to Jeremiah Jeremiah 48:4. The pits - i. e., tanks for holding water. Covered their heads - The sign of grief.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:3
3. Little ones — Not children, but the common people, in contrast with the nobles — the great ones. The word is used besides only in chap. Jeremiah 48:4. Pits — Cisterns.
Sermons on Jeremiah 14:3
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Deep Calleth Unto Deep by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being caught in a storm on a boat. Despite the fear and uncertainty, the preacher and his companion prayed and eventual |
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(2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the character of Absalom and his cunning tactics to win the hearts of the people of Israel. Absalom would sympathize with anyone who came to |
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"The Suffering of Christ From John's Gospel" ch.17:1 by Charles Alexander | In this sermon on John 17 and 18, the preacher delves into the profound significance of Jesus' words and actions leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals His |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 10:5 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the warnings given by the prophet Jeremiah to the people who had forsaken God. He draws parallels between the patterns of rebellion in |
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Broken Cisterns by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true and living God, highlighting the dangers of seeking fulfillment in broken cisterns, which represent false beliefs and i |
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Take Heed, Lest You Fall by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's voice. The prophet in focus is described as having a fierce loyalty to God and |
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Revival Forum Interview by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the spiritual deadness of people and the role of the church in bringing them to life. He refers to a quote by John Ruskin that describes pre |