Jeremiah 4:20
Jeremiah 4:20 in Multiple Translations
Disaster after disaster is proclaimed, for the whole land is laid waste. My tents are destroyed in an instant, my curtains in a moment.
Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.
Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is laid waste: suddenly are my tents destroyed, and my curtains in a moment.
News is given of destruction on destruction; all the land is made waste: suddenly my tents, straight away my curtains, are made waste.
News of one disaster after another comes flooding in, for the whole country is in ruins. My own home is destroyed in a moment, and everything inside.
Destruction vpon destruction is cryed, for the whole lande is wasted: suddenly are my tents destroyed, and my curtaines in a moment.
Destruction on destruction is proclaimed, For spoiled hath been all the land, Suddenly spoiled have been my tents, In a moment — my curtains.
Destruction on destruction is decreed, for the whole land is laid waste. Suddenly my tents are destroyed, and my curtains gone in a moment.
Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is laid waste; suddenly are my tents ruined, and my curtains in a moment.
Destruction upon destruction is called for, and all the earth is laid waste: my tents are destroyed on a sudden, and my pavilions in a moment.
Disasters will occur one after another until the whole land is ruined. Suddenly all our tents will be destroyed; even the curtains inside the tents will be ripped apart.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 4:20
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 4:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֶׁ֤בֶר
עַל
שֶׁ֨בֶר֙
נִקְרָ֔א
כִּ֥י
שֻׁדְּדָ֖ה
כָּל
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
פִּתְאֹם֙
שֻׁדְּד֣וּ
אֹהָלַ֔/י
רֶ֖גַע
יְרִיעֹתָֽ/י
שֶׁ֤בֶר
sheber
H7667
breaking
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שֶׁ֨בֶר֙
sheber
H7667
breaking
N-ms
נִקְרָ֔א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שֻׁדְּדָ֖ה
shâdad
H7703
to ruin
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
פִּתְאֹם֙
pithʼôwm
H6597
suddenly
Adv
שֻׁדְּד֣וּ
shâdad
H7703
to ruin
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
אֹהָלַ֔/י
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-mp | Suff
רֶ֖גַע
regaʻ
H7281
moment
N-ms
יְרִיעֹתָֽ/י
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
curtain
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 4:20
שֶׁ֤בֶר
sheber
H7667
"breaking"
N-ms
This word describes a breaking or shattering, like a physical injury or a dream being interpreted, and is used to convey ruin or destruction in the Bible.
Definition: 1) breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin, shattering 1a) breaking, fracture, shattering, crushing 1b) crashing 1c) breaking (of a dream), interpretation 1d) quarries
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: affliction, breach, breaking, broken(-footed, -handed), bruise, crashing, destruction, hurt, interpretation, vexation. See also: Leviticus 21:19; Jeremiah 6:1; Psalms 60:4.
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.
שֶׁ֨בֶר֙
sheber
H7667
"breaking"
N-ms
This word describes a breaking or shattering, like a physical injury or a dream being interpreted, and is used to convey ruin or destruction in the Bible.
Definition: 1) breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin, shattering 1a) breaking, fracture, shattering, crushing 1b) crashing 1c) breaking (of a dream), interpretation 1d) quarries
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: affliction, breach, breaking, broken(-footed, -handed), bruise, crashing, destruction, hurt, interpretation, vexation. See also: Leviticus 21:19; Jeremiah 6:1; Psalms 60:4.
נִקְרָ֔א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
כִּ֥י
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.
שֻׁדְּדָ֖ה
shâdad
H7703
"to ruin"
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
פִּתְאֹם֙
pithʼôwm
H6597
"suddenly"
Adv
This word means happening suddenly or quickly, like an unexpected event. It is used in the Bible to describe surprising things that happen to people like Jacob and Joseph.
Definition: adv 1) suddenly, surprisingly subst 2) suddenness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: straightway, sudden(-ly). See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 7:22; Psalms 64:5.
שֻׁדְּד֣וּ
shâdad
H7703
"to ruin"
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
אֹהָלַ֔/י
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
רֶ֖גַע
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.
יְרִיעֹתָֽ/י
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
"curtain"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for curtain or drape refers to a hanging or trembling fabric. It is used to describe the curtains in the tabernacle or temple, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: curtain, drape
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curtain. See also: Exodus 26:1; Exodus 36:12; Psalms 104:2.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 4:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 4:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:20
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
- Sermons on Jeremiah 4:20
Context — Lamentation for Judah
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.
20Disaster after disaster is proclaimed, for the whole land is laid waste. My tents are destroyed in an instant, my curtains in a moment.
21How long must I see the signal flag and hear the sound of the horn? 22“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 42:7 | Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me. |
| 2 | Matthew 10:28 | Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. |
| 3 | Joel 1:15 | Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 7:25–26 | Anguish is coming! They will seek peace, but find none. Disaster upon disaster will come, and rumor after rumor. Then they will seek a vision from a prophet, but instruction from the priests will perish, as will counsel from the elders. |
| 5 | 2 Thessalonians 1:9 | They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, |
| 6 | Lamentations 3:47 | Panic and pitfall have come upon us— devastation and destruction. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 17:18 | Let my persecutors be put to shame, but do not let me be put to shame. Let them be terrified, but do not let me be terrified. Bring upon them the day of disaster and shatter them with double destruction. |
| 8 | Leviticus 26:24 | then I will act with hostility toward you, and I will strike you sevenfold for your sins. |
| 9 | Isaiah 13:6 | Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 10:19–20 | Woe to me because of my brokenness; my wound is grievous! But I said, “This is truly my sickness, and I must bear it.” My tent is destroyed, and all its ropes are snapped. My sons have departed from me and are no more. I have no one left to pitch my tent or set up my curtains. |
Jeremiah 4:20 Summary
[Jeremiah 4:20 describes a scene of complete devastation, where disaster after disaster is proclaimed, and the whole land is laid waste. This is a picture of what happens when people reject God and His ways, as seen in Romans 1:18-32. The destruction of the tents and curtains represents the sudden loss of security and comfort, much like the destruction described in Psalm 137:1-6. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded to prioritize our relationship with God and to seek His mercy and forgiveness, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'disaster after disaster' in Jeremiah 4:20?
The phrase 'disaster after disaster' refers to a series of catastrophic events that will occur in the land, as proclaimed by God, resulting in the destruction of the whole land, as seen in Jeremiah 4:20, similar to the judgments described in Deuteronomy 28:45-48.
Why are the tents and curtains destroyed in Jeremiah 4:20?
The tents and curtains being destroyed in an instant represent the sudden and complete devastation of the people's homes and way of life, much like the destruction of the temple in Jeremiah 7:14, emphasizing God's judgment on their sin.
Is Jeremiah 4:20 talking about a physical or spiritual disaster?
While the verse does describe physical destruction, it is also a reflection of the spiritual disaster that has occurred due to the people's rebellion against God, as seen in Jeremiah 4:18, where their ways and deeds have brought about their punishment.
How does Jeremiah 4:20 relate to the rest of the book of Jeremiah?
Jeremiah 4:20 is part of a larger section in the book of Jeremiah that describes God's judgment on Judah for their idolatry and rebellion, as seen in Jeremiah 1:16, and serves as a warning to the people to repent and turn back to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the warning of Jeremiah 4:20 to my own life, recognizing the potential for disaster when I rebel against God?
- How can I balance the message of judgment in Jeremiah 4:20 with the message of God's love and mercy, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3?
- In what ways can I be a voice of warning to others, as Jeremiah was, to turn them back to God and avoid disaster, as encouraged in Ezekiel 3:17-21?
- What are some 'tents' and 'curtains' in my life that may be vulnerable to destruction if I am not living in obedience to God, and how can I prioritize spiritual integrity to avoid such disaster?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:20
Destruction upon destruction is cried;.... Or, "breach upon breach" (g); as soon as one affliction is over, another comes on; and upon the news of one calamity, tidings are brought of another, as in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:20
Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
Destruction upon destruction; a further expression of his bitter lamentation, redoubling his complaint; the end of one, but the beginning of another; q.d. worse and worse, ; good Josiah slain, and four of his successors carried away or slain, or both, 2 Chronicles 36. The whole-land is spoiled: this is more particularly described . Suddenly are my tents spoiled; the enemy makes no more of overthrowing my stately cities and magnificent palaces, sometimes described by tents, , than if he were plundering of a camp, or overturning of tents made of curtains, ; either alluding to their ancient way of living, ,5, or their wilderness condition, when they abode in tents: q.d. We are reduced to as mean a condition as then, and that suddenly, ere we are aware, and it is done with as much ease as overturning a poor shepherd’ s cottage, ,6. Jeremiah possibly personating a shepherd, speaks in the shepherd’ s style, and may here signify the destruction of their whole country, even all those places and fields where shepherds were wont to pitch their tents.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
Jeremiah 4:20 Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, [and] my curtains in a moment.Ver. 20. Destruction upon destruction.] Fluctus fluctum trudit; one mischief upon another, the sword after famine, captivity after a siege. For the whole land is spoiled.] Or, Plundered; which word we first heard of in the Swedish wars.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
(20) Destruction upon destruction is cried.—Literally, Breaking upon breaking, or crash upon crash, is reported.Suddenly are my tents spoiled.—The tent dwelling retained its position even amid the cities and villages of Israel (2 Samuel 18:17; 1 Kings 8:66). The “curtains” are, of course, those of the tent (Isaiah 54:2). Conspicuous among such survivals of the nomad form of life we find the Rechabites of Jeremiah 35
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
Verse 20. Destruction upon destruction] Cities burnt, and their inhabitants destroyed. My tents spoiled] Even the solitary dwellings in the fields and open country do not escape.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:20
20. is cried] better, one destruction (lit. breach) meeteth (followeth upon) another. The Hebrew verb is ambiguous. curtains] tent-hangings. Cp. Jeremiah 10:20; Ca. Jeremiah 1:5; Isaiah 54:2.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:20
Destruction ... - Or, breaking upon breaking Jeremiah 4:6. The news of one breaking, one violent calamity, follows close upon another. My curtains - The curtains of the tent, put here for the tents themselves.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:20
20. Tents spoiled… curtains — These terms are used synonymously as corresponding members in the parallelism. Such passages as this indicate that tents were a common, if not the most common, form of Jewish habitations at this time.
Sermons on Jeremiah 4:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching the gospel in a challenging environment. He talks about how he spent time with gangsters and criminals, sharing the |
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Life Changing Message!!@! - His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the radical commitment to following Jesus, illustrated through personal stories of persecution, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. It highlights the importance |
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Trusting God Is Not an Option by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering every aspect of one's life to God. He encourages believers to wait on God with a diligent attitude, ready to |
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An Invitation to Follow Him by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound invitation from Jesus to follow Him, which transcends mere evangelism and calls for a life of obedience and surrender to God's will. He reflec |
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Knowing Christ Pt 4 by Philip Powell | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of knowing God and having eternal life. He emphasizes that the purpose of the book of 1 John is not to give us eternal life, b |
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Oh, the Depth by T. Austin Sparks by T. Austin-Sparks | This sermon delves into the concept of depth in spiritual life, contrasting the tragedy of shallowness with the profound depth of God's wisdom, knowledge, and love. It emphasizes t |
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Deep Calleth Unto Deep by John Follette | John Wright Follette preaches about the deep calling unto deep, exploring the profound depths of the human heart's need for God and the corresponding supply found in the great hear |