Jeremiah 18:7
Jeremiah 18:7 in Multiple Translations
At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed.
At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy it;
Whenever I say anything about uprooting a nation or a kingdom, and smashing it and sending destruction on it;
At one time it could happen that I announce that a nation or a kingdom is going to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed.
I will speake suddenly against a nation or against a kingdome to plucke it vp, and to roote it out and to destroy it.
The moment I speak concerning a nation, And concerning a kingdom, To pluck up and to break down, and to destroy,
At the instant I speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy it,
At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it ;
I will suddenly speak against a nation, and against a kingdom, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy it.
There may be a time when I proclaim that I will get rid of a nation or kingdom, like someone pulls up a plant with its roots, and smashes it, and destroys it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 18:7
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 18:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רֶ֣גַע
אֲדַבֵּ֔ר
עַל
גּ֖וֹי
וְ/עַל
מַמְלָכָ֑ה
לִ/נְת֥וֹשׁ
וְ/לִ/נְת֖וֹץ
וּֽ/לְ/הַאֲבִֽיד
רֶ֣גַע
regaʻ
H7281
moment
N-ms
אֲדַבֵּ֔ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גּ֖וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-ms
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
מַמְלָכָ֑ה
mamlâkâh
H4467
kingdom
N-fs
לִ/נְת֥וֹשׁ
nâthash
H5428
to uproot
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/לִ/נְת֖וֹץ
nâthats
H5422
to tear
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וּֽ/לְ/הַאֲבִֽיד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 18:7
רֶ֣גַע
regaʻ
H7281
"moment"
N-ms
This word describes a very short space of time, like the blink of an eye. It can be translated as a moment, instant, or suddenly.
Definition: 1) a moment adv 2) for a moment, at one moment...at another moment with prep 3) in a moment
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: instant, moment, space, suddenly. See also: Exodus 33:5; Isaiah 26:20; Psalms 6:11.
אֲדַבֵּ֔ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
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.
גּ֖וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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.
מַמְלָכָ֑ה
mamlâkâh
H4467
"kingdom"
N-fs
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
לִ/נְת֥וֹשׁ
nâthash
H5428
"to uproot"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to uproot or tear away, like pulling up a plant by its roots. It is used in the Bible to describe God's judgment, as in Jeremiah 12:14-15, where God uproots nations.
Definition: 1) to pull up, expel, root out, pluck up 1a) (Qal) to pull or pluck up 1b) (Niphal) to be plucked up 1c) (Hophal) to be plucked up
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destroy, forsake, pluck (out, up, by the roots), pull up, root out (up), [idiom] utterly. s See also: Deuteronomy 29:27; Jeremiah 18:14; Psalms 9:7.
וְ/לִ/נְת֖וֹץ
nâthats
H5422
"to tear"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The act of tearing down or destroying something, like a wall or a city, is what this word describes, and it can also mean to overthrow or defeat someone.
Definition: 1) to pull down, break down, cast down, throw down, beat down, destroy, overthrow, break out (teeth) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull down 1a2) to break down, break off 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled or broken down 1c) (Piel) to tear down 1d) (Pual) to be torn down 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be broken down
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down. See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Chronicles 23:17; Psalms 52:7.
וּֽ/לְ/הַאֲבִֽיד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 18:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 18:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:7
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
- Sermons on Jeremiah 18:7
Context — The Potter and the Clay
5Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
6“O house of Israel, declares the LORD, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.
7At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed.
8But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring. 9And if at another time I announce that I will build up and establish a nation or kingdom,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 1:10 | See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 12:14–17 | This is what the LORD says: “As for all My evil neighbors who attack the inheritance that I bequeathed to My people Israel, I am about to uproot them from their land, and I will uproot the house of Judah from among them. But after I have uprooted them, I will once again have compassion on them and return each one to his inheritance and to his land. And if they will diligently learn the ways of My people and swear by My name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives’—just as they once taught My people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among My people. But if they will not obey, then I will uproot that nation; I will uproot it and destroy it, declares the LORD.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 45:4 | Thus Jeremiah was to say to Baruch: “This is what the LORD says: Throughout the land I will demolish what I have built and uproot what I have planted. |
| 4 | Jonah 3:4 | On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 25:9–14 | behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years. But when seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their guilt, declares the LORD, and I will make it an everlasting desolation. I will bring upon that land all the words I have pronounced against it, all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations. For many nations and great kings will enslave them, and I will repay them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands.’” |
| 6 | Amos 9:8 | Surely the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth. Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” declares the LORD. |
Jeremiah 18:7 Summary
This verse, Jeremiah 18:7, means that God has the power to judge and discipline any nation that turns away from Him, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:63. However, as seen in Jeremiah 18:8, if a nation repents and turns back to God, He will relent of the disaster He had planned, showing that God's judgment is not always final. This reminds us that God is a loving and merciful God, who desires all people to come to repentance, as described in 2 Peter 3:9. By understanding God's sovereignty and our responsibility to repent, we can turn to Him and avoid His judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 18:30-32 and Matthew 4:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'uproot, tear down, and destroy' a nation?
This phrase refers to God's judgment and discipline on a nation that has turned away from Him, as seen in Jeremiah 18:7, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:63 and Isaiah 13:19.
Is God's announcement of judgment always final, or can it be changed?
According to Jeremiah 18:8, if a nation turns from its evil ways, God will relent of the disaster He had planned, showing that God's judgment is not always final and can be changed through repentance, as also seen in Jonah 3:10.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
This verse highlights the balance between God's sovereignty, as seen in His ability to announce judgment, and human responsibility, as seen in the call to repentance, similar to what is described in Ezekiel 18:30-32 and 2 Peter 3:9.
What is the purpose of God's announcement of judgment on a nation?
The purpose of God's announcement is to call the nation to repentance, as seen in Jeremiah 18:8, and to bring them back to a right relationship with Him, as described in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Matthew 4:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of repentance and turning from evil in my own life, as seen in Jeremiah 18:8?
- How can I balance the understanding of God's sovereignty with the call to human responsibility in my daily life, as described in Romans 11:22 and 2 Peter 1:10?
- In what ways can I be a part of calling my own nation or community to repentance and faith, as seen in Jeremiah 18:7-8 and Matthew 28:18-20?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring God's call to repentance, as described in Jeremiah 18:7 and Matthew 25:31-46?
- How can I trust in God's goodness and love, even in the face of judgment and discipline, as seen in Jeremiah 18:7 and Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:7
[At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom,.... By way of threatening: or, "the moment I shall speak" (s), c as soon as ever I have declared concerning any people
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:7
At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; At what instant - in a moment, when the nation least expects it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
God thus speaketh concerning nations and kingdoms more immediately in his word, or more mediately by his prophets and ministers; he told Jeremiah, , that he had set him over nations, to root out, and to pull down
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
Jeremiah 18:7 [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];Ver. 7. At what instant I shall speak.] As God loveth to forewarn; and he therefore threateneth, that he may not punish, for he would be prevented.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
(7-10) At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation . . .—The words carry the thoughts of the prophet back to those which had been stamped indelibly on his memory when he was first called to his work (Jeremiah 1:10). He is now taught that that work was throughout conditional. In bold anthropomorphic speech Jehovah represents himself as changing His purpose, even suddenly, “in an instant,” if the nation that is affected by it passes from evil to good or from good to evil. The seeming change is but the expression of an unchanged eternal Law of Righteousness, dealing with men according to their works. This, and not the assertion of an arbitrary, irresistibly predestinating will, was the lesson the prophet had been taught by the parable of the potter’s wheel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
Verse 7. - 10. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, &c. - If that nation, against whom, &c. - And at what instant, &c. - If it do evil, &c.] These verses contain what may be called God's decree by which the whole of his conduct towards man is regulated. If he purpose destruction against an offending person, if that person repent and turn to God, he shall live and not die. If he purpose peace and salvation to him that walketh uprightly, if he turn from God to the world and sin, he shall die and not live.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:7
7–10. See introd. note.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:7
At what instant - literally, “in a moment.” Here, “at one time - at another time.”
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
7, 9. At what instant… at what instant — These phrases are correlative, like the now… now, of Jeremiah 18:11.
Sermons on Jeremiah 18:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"America Rejecting the Light" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the concept of God's potential withdrawal of protection from a nation that has been abundantly blessed but has turned away from Him. It explores the idea th |
|
(Messages) Weapons for Temptation by Basilea Schlink | In this video, Mother Basilea Schlink of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary discusses the urgent need for Christians to rise up and accept the challenge of spreading God's word in |
|
David Wilkerson Prophecy - New York 1000 Fires by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the judgment of societies by God, warning of impending chastisement for turning away from righteousness and holiness. The speaker predicts a period of intens |
|
Desperation, Resignation - Part 1 by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the story of Jeremiah visiting the potter's house, where he witnesses the potter remaking a marred vessel, symbolizing God's ability to reshape and work on |
|
Do Not Forsake My Law by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, turning back to God, and seeking His wisdom. It highlights the consequences of shedding innocent blood, promoting idolatry, and |
|
Oh America, What Will Be Your Destiny - Part 1 by Brian Long | Brian Long expresses a deep burden for the state of America, emphasizing the need for revival and repentance among the church and the nation. He reflects on the blessings America h |
|
The Justice of God—and the Sins of Our Country by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies, in his sermon 'The Justice of God—and the Sins of Our Country,' passionately addresses the sins of the people and the nation, attributing calamities to God's provide |