Jeremiah 4:17
Jeremiah 4:17 in Multiple Translations
They surround her like men guarding a field, because she has rebelled against Me,” declares the LORD.
As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.
As keepers of a field are they against her round about, because she hath been rebellious against me, saith Jehovah.
Like keepers of a field they are against her on every side; because she has been fighting against me, says the Lord.
They encircle her like men guarding a field, because she has rebelled against me, declares the Lord.
They haue compassed her about as the watchmen of the fielde, because it hath prouoked me to wrath, saith the Lord.
As the keepers of a field They have been against her round about, For with Me she hath been rebellious, An affirmation of Jehovah.'
As keepers of a field, they are against her all around, because she has been rebellious against me,’” says the LORD.
As keepers of a field they are against her on all sides; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.
They are set round about her, as keepers of fields: because she hath provoked me to wrath, saith the Lord.
They will set up tents around Jerusalem like people set up temporary shelters [SIM] around a field at harvest time. That will happen because the people of Judah have rebelled against me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 4:17
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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/שֹׁמְרֵ֣י
שָׂדַ֔י
הָי֥וּ
עָלֶ֖י/הָ
מִ/סָּבִ֑יב
כִּי
אֹתִ֥/י
מָרָ֖תָה
נְאֻם
יְהוָֽה
כְּ/שֹׁמְרֵ֣י
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Prep | V-Qal
שָׂדַ֔י
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-ms
הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עָלֶ֖י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
מִ/סָּבִ֑יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
Prep | N-cs
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֹתִ֥/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מָרָ֖תָה
mârâh
H4784
to rebel
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
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 4:17
כְּ/שֹׁמְרֵ֣י
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Prep | V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
שָׂדַ֔י
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עָלֶ֖י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִ/סָּבִ֑יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
Prep | N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
כִּי
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.
אֹתִ֥/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מָרָ֖תָה
mârâh
H4784
"to rebel"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To rebel means to resist or disobey authority, often in a stubborn or defiant way. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's disobedience towards God or their parents.
Definition: 1) to be contentious, be rebellious, be refractory, be disobedient towards, be rebellious against 1a) (Qal) to be disobedient, be rebellious 1a1) towards father 1a2) towards God 1b) (Hiphil) to show rebelliousness, show disobedience, disobey
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bitter, change, be disobedient, disobey, grievously, provocation, provoke(-ing), (be) rebel (against, -lious). See also: Numbers 20:10; Psalms 78:17; Psalms 5:11.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 4:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:17
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
- Sermons on Jeremiah 4:17
Context — Disaster from the North
15For a voice resounds from Dan, proclaiming disaster from the hills of Ephraim.
16Warn the nations now! Proclaim to Jerusalem: “A besieging army comes from a distant land; they raise their voices against the cities of Judah.
17They surround her like men guarding a field, because she has rebelled against Me,” declares the LORD.
18“Your ways and deeds have brought this upon you. This is your punishment; how bitter it is, because it pierces to the heart!” 19My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 5:23 | But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 25:1–4 | So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year. By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, |
| 3 | Nehemiah 9:30 | You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:20–23 | But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers! Your silver has become dross; your fine wine is diluted with water. Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. |
| 5 | Lamentations 1:8 | Jerusalem has sinned greatly; therefore she has become an object of scorn. All who honored her now despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns away. |
| 6 | Isaiah 1:8 | And the Daughter of Zion is abandoned like a shelter in a vineyard, like a shack in a cucumber field, like a city besieged. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 9:26 | But they were disobedient and rebelled against You; they flung Your law behind their backs. They killed Your prophets, who had admonished them to return to You. They committed terrible blasphemies. |
| 8 | Luke 19:43–44 | For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God. ” |
| 9 | Luke 21:20–24 | But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 2:3–7 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. |
Jeremiah 4:17 Summary
This verse means that the nations will surround and attack Jerusalem, like guards watching over a field, because the people of Jerusalem have disobeyed the LORD. The LORD is a holy and just God who will not tolerate rebellion, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, where obedience is rewarded, and in Jeremiah 4:17, where disobedience leads to punishment. This is a warning to us to obey the LORD and to trust in His love and mercy, as stated in Psalm 103:8-12, where the LORD's compassion and forgiveness are proclaimed. By seeking to live in obedience to the LORD, we can avoid the consequences of sin and experience His love and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the nations to surround Jerusalem like men guarding a field?
This means that the nations will carefully watch over and protect their siege of Jerusalem, ensuring that no one escapes, just as a farmer guards his field to prevent animals from entering and causing damage, as seen in Jeremiah 4:17, where the LORD says they surround her because she has rebelled against Him, similar to what is written in Deuteronomy 28:49-52, where the LORD warns of a besieging army as a result of disobedience.
Why has the LORD allowed the nations to surround Jerusalem?
The LORD has allowed this because Jerusalem has rebelled against Him, as stated in Jeremiah 4:17, and as warned in Leviticus 26:14-17, disobedience will lead to punishment and chastisement from the LORD.
Is there any hope for Jerusalem in this situation?
Even in the midst of judgment, there is always hope for repentance and restoration, as seen in Jeremiah 3:12-13, where the LORD calls His people to return to Him, and in 2 Chronicles 7:14, where the LORD promises to heal the land if His people will humble themselves, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways.
What is the significance of the LORD saying 'because she has rebelled against Me'?
This phrase emphasizes that the LORD is a holy and just God who will not tolerate rebellion and disobedience, as stated in Isaiah 59:1-2, and that the consequences of sin are real, but that He is also a loving and merciful God who desires restoration and reconciliation, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3 and Hosea 11:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- How have I rebelled against the LORD in my own life, and what are the consequences of my actions?
- What does it mean to 'rebel against' the LORD, and how can I ensure that I am living in obedience to Him?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of guarding my heart and life, just as the nations are guarding Jerusalem, to protect myself from the enemy and to stay faithful to the LORD?
- How can I balance the truth of God's judgment with the truth of His love and mercy, and what does this mean for my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:17
As keepers of a field, are they against her round about,.... As those that are set to watch a field, in which are fruit and corn of any sort, that thieves and robbers, and wild beasts, may not enter
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:17
As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD. Keepers of a field - metaphor from those who watch a field to frighten away the wild beasts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
They will strictly besiege her, as keepers of a field will be careful who go in and who go out, ; they will watch that none go in to relieve them, and also that none get out to escape: see . Because she hath been rebellious: God doth not threaten his judgments only, but he labours to convince them that there is a sufficient reason for it, both here and in the next verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
Jeremiah 4:17 As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.Ver. 17. As keepers of a field, are they against her.] They have straitly besieged her, so that there is no escaping their hands.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
(17) Field.—With the meaning, as in all early English, of “open,” not “enclosed,” country (Leviticus 14:7; Leviticus 17:5). The image is that of a nomadic tribe encamped in the open country, or of men watching their flocks (Luke 2:8) or crops (Job 27:18). So shall be the tents of the invaders round Jerusalem—keeping, or (as in 2 Samuel 11:16) “observing,” i.e., “blockading” the city.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
Verse 17. As keepers of a field] In the eastern countries grain is often sown in the open country; and, when nearly ripe, guards are placed at different distances round about it to preserve it from being plundered. Jerusalem was watched, like one of these fields, by guards all round about it; so that none could enter to give assistance, and none who wished to escape were permitted to go out.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:17
17. As keepers of a field] If the MT. stands, the point of comparison will lie in the improvised shelters put up by guardians of cattle in the open country and those put up now by the besiegers round the city. Cp. Job 27:18; 2 Samuel 11:11. But by an inconsiderable change we can translate, they (the enemy) are lying in wait on the fields round about. So Co.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:17
Jeremiah compares the tents of the besiegers on guard round Jerusalem to the booths erected by shepherds or farmers for the protection of their flocks or produce.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
17. Keepers of a field — As fields in Palestine were not enclosed, they had to be watched. The huts, or lodges, of these “keepers” might be seen in every direction commanding views of the entire country.
Sermons on Jeremiah 4:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Into the Harvest - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the gospel harvest in today's world. He shares his experience of witnessing a great hunger for the gospel in unlikely places, |
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We've Forgotten How to Blush by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of God's people in Israel during a time of rebellion and turning away from the truth. He references Jeremiah 5:1-3, where God chall |
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Brokenness by Mark Partin | Mark Partin preaches on the importance of brokenness and humility in rekindling our 'first love' for Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need to reconcile broken relationships and rebuil |
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From the Captivity of the Ten Tribes to the First Year of Cyrus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tragic events that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Israelites. From the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians to the appo |
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Commentary Notes - Ii Kings by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into the Book of 2 Kings, highlighting the division of the book into two parts and the continuous history it provides of God's people. The message of the boo |
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The Witness of the Spirit by J.W. McGarvey | J.W. McGarvey preaches about the assurance of being children of God, emphasizing the importance of knowing our status as God's children for both our eternal happiness and joy in th |
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God's Grace in Revival by Don Simmons | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the nation and how it has turned away from God's law. He emphasizes the need for fearless preachers who are driven by the love |