Jeremiah 18:17
Jeremiah 18:17 in Multiple Translations
I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity.”
I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.
I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.
I will send them in flight, as from an east wind, before the attacker; I will let them see my back and not my face on the day of their downfall.
Like a strong wind from the east I will scatter them before the enemy. I will turn my back on them and not look at them when their time of trouble comes.
I will scatter them with an East winde before the enemie: I will shewe them the backe, and not the face in the day of their destruction.
As an east wind I scatter them before an enemy, The neck, and not the face, I shew them, In the day of their calamity.'
I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy. I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.
I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.
As a burning will I scatter them before the enemy: I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their destruction.
I will scatter the people when their enemies attack them like dust is scattered by an east wind. And when they experience all those difficulties/disasters, I will turn my back on them and refuse to help them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 18:17
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 18:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/רֽוּחַ
קָדִ֥ים
אֲפִיצֵ֖/ם
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
אוֹיֵ֑ב
עֹ֧רֶף
וְ/לֹֽא
פָנִ֛ים
אֶרְאֵ֖/ם
בְּ/י֥וֹם
אֵידָֽ/ם
כְּ/רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Prep | N-cs
קָדִ֥ים
qâdîym
H6921
east
N-ms
אֲפִיצֵ֖/ם
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אוֹיֵ֑ב
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal
עֹ֧רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
neck
N-ms
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
פָנִ֛ים
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
אֶרְאֵ֖/ם
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
בְּ/י֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
אֵידָֽ/ם
ʼêyd
H343
calamity
N-ms | Suff
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 18:17
כְּ/רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
קָדִ֥ים
qâdîym
H6921
"east"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the direction east or the east wind, often used to describe geographical locations or the direction of the wind.
Definition: 1) east, east wind 1a) east (of direction) 1b) east wind
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: east(-ward, wind). See also: Genesis 41:6; Ezekiel 43:17; Psalms 48:8.
אֲפִיצֵ֖/ם
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אוֹיֵ֑ב
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
עֹ֧רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
"neck"
N-ms
The neck or back of the neck represents a turning point, like the back of a fleeing enemy or a stubborn person with a stiff neck.
Definition: 1) neck, back of the neck, back 1a) back of the neck 1a1) of fleeing foe 1a2) of apostasy (fig.) 1b) stiff of neck, obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). See also: Genesis 49:8; 2 Chronicles 30:8; Psalms 18:41.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
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.
פָנִ֛ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶרְאֵ֖/ם
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בְּ/י֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אֵידָֽ/ם
ʼêyd
H343
"calamity"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means calamity or disaster, and can also mean oppression or misfortune. It's used in the Bible to describe difficult times, like in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) distress, burden, calamity 1a) burden (of the righteous) 1b) calamity (of nation) 1c) disaster (of wicked) 1d) day of calamity
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: calamity, destruction. See also: Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 6:15; Psalms 18:19.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 18:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 18:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:17
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:17
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:17
- Sermons on Jeremiah 18:17
Context — The Potter and the Clay
15Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, leaving the ancient roads to walk on rutted bypaths instead of on the highway.
16They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads.
17I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity.”
18Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.” 19Attend to me, O LORD. Hear what my accusers are saying!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 13:24 | “I will scatter you like chaff driven by the desert wind. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:27 | 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!’ |
| 3 | Job 27:21 | The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place. |
| 4 | Psalms 48:7 | With a wind from the east You wrecked the ships of Tarshish. |
| 5 | Hosea 13:15 | Although he flourishes among his brothers, an east wind will come— a wind from the LORD rising up from the desert. His fountain will fail, and his spring will run dry. The wind will plunder his treasury of every precious article. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 46:21 | Even the mercenaries among her are like fattened calves. They too will turn back; together they will flee, they will not stand their ground, for the day of calamity is coming upon them— the time of their punishment. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 32:33 | They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 31:17 | On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’ |
| 9 | Judges 10:13–14 | But you have forsaken Me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you in your time of trouble.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 7:25–26 | Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths. For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. |
Jeremiah 18:17 Summary
[In Jeremiah 18:17, God says that He will turn away from His people and scatter them before their enemies because of their disobedience and idolatry. This means that when we choose to follow our own ways and ignore God, He may withdraw His presence and protection from us, as seen in Psalms 51:11. However, God's discipline is always motivated by His love and desire to restore us to Himself, as seen in Hebrews 12:6. By acknowledging our sin and turning back to God, we can experience His presence and protection once again, as promised in Jeremiah 29:13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'show them My back and not My face' in Jeremiah 18:17?
This phrase means that God will turn away from His people in their time of calamity, rather than showing them His presence and favor, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 54:8 where God's face shines upon His people.
How does the 'east wind' relate to God's judgment in Jeremiah 18:17?
The east wind in Jeremiah 18:17 is a symbol of God's judgment and scattering of His people, much like the east wind that withers and destroys crops, as mentioned in Ezekiel 19:12 and Hosea 13:15.
Is God being cruel by scattering His people before their enemies?
No, God is not being cruel, but rather, He is disciplining His people for their disobedience and idolatry, as seen in Jeremiah 18:15, and as warned in Deuteronomy 28:25 and Leviticus 26:33.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's presence and protection?
This verse highlights the importance of God's presence and protection, which are withdrawn when His people disobey and turn to idols, as seen in Psalms 51:11 and Isaiah 59:2, where God's presence is withdrawn due to sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'forgetting' God, as mentioned in Jeremiah 18:15, and how can I return to Him?
- In what ways do I seek God's face and presence in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of His presence?
- How does the concept of God's judgment and discipline, as seen in Jeremiah 18:17, impact my understanding of His love and character?
- What are some 'worthless idols' that I may be prioritizing over my relationship with God, and how can I repent and turn to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:17
I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy,.... As the east wind, which is generally strong and boisterous, drives the chaff and stubble, and anything that is light, before it, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:17
I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:17
The east wind is (or was at least in those parts) the fiercest wind. As the east wind scatters the chaff, so, saith God, I will scatter them. And when they shall be in great calamity and misery, I will not hearken to them, I will not turn my face to them, or show them my face; but I will turn my back upon them, I will not regard them crying, nor hear their prayers.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:17
Jeremiah 18:17 I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.Ver. 17. I will scatter them.] Whirry and whirl them up and down, as chaff before the force of the enemy. I will skew them the back, and not the face.] This was woeful, but just upon them for their unworthy dealing in like sort with the Lord. Every transgression and disobedience hath a just recompense of reward.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:17
(17) With an east wind.—MSS. vary, some giving “with” and some “as an east wind.” The difference does not much affect the meaning. The east wind blowing from the desert was the wind of storms, tempests, and parching heat (Jonah 4:8; Psalms 48:7; Isaiah 27:8). I will shew them the back, and not the face.—The figure is boldly anthropomorphic. The light of God’s countenance is the fulness of joy (Numbers 6:25). To turn away that light was to leave the people to the darkness of their misery. What was thus done by Jehovah was but a righteous retribution on the people who had “turned their back” and “not their face” to Him (Jeremiah 2:27).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:17
Verse 17. I will scatter them as with an east wind] It is the property of this wind, almost every where, to parch up, blast, and destroy grain and trees, and even cattle and men suffer from it. Hence the old metrical proverb: - "When the wind blows from the east, 'Tis good for neither man nor beast."
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:17
17. as with an east wind] better, perhaps, as an east wind. look upon … their face] mg. shew them the back, and not the face, in answer to the people’s own behaviour towards Him. See ch. Jeremiah 2:27. They shall flee for shelter from the enemy as from the sirocco, the scorching wind in Palestine which springs suddenly from the desert in the E. or S.E. Cp. Genesis 41:6 (“blasted”) and see on Amos 4:9 in C.B.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:17
I will shew them the back - The hiding of God’s face is the sure sign of His displeasure Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 59:2.
Sermons on Jeremiah 18:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Chosen People Have Forgotten Him by Bob Jones III | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging God in our lives. He warns against becoming complacent and forgetting the source of our bless |
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Exposition on Psalm 114 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the significance of the events in the Bible, such as the crossing of the River Jordan, as both historical accounts and prophetic symbols for future genera |
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Esther 1:1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing trepidation about attending a conference due to the abundance of food and treats. He then shares a personal experience that motivat |
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The Implosion of America by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three principles that lead to a nation's downfall and destruction. The first principle is the absence of spiritual leadership in the church, w |
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Revival - America's Only Hope by Robert Vradenburgh | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the need for revival in America. He starts by referencing Romans chapter one, emphasizing the lost state of the Gentile heathen and the impo |