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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Jeremiah 44  › Jeremiah 44:18

Jeremiah 44:18

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Jeremiah 44:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But from the time we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been perishing by sword and famine.”

King James Version KJV

But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.

American Standard Version ASV

But since we left off burning incense to the queen of heaven, and pouring out drink-offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But from the time when we gave up burning perfumes to the queen of heaven and draining out drink offerings to her, we have been in need of all things, and have been wasted by the sword and by need of food.

Free Bible Version FBV

But ever since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to worship her, we've lost everything and have been dying as a result of war and famine.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But since wee left off to burne incense to the Queene of heauen, and to powre out drinke offerings vnto her, we haue had scarcenesse of all things, and haue beene consumed by the sworde and by the famine.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And from the time we have ceased to make perfume to the queen of the heavens, and to pour out to her libations, we have lacked all, and by sword and by famine we have been consumed,

World English Bible WEB

But since we stopped burning incense to the queen of the sky, and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But since we ceased to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings to her, we have wanted all things , and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But since we left off to offer sacrifice to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings to her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword, and by famine.

Translation for Translators T4T

But ever since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and giving her offerings of wine, we have had many troubles, and some of our people have been killed by our enemies’ swords and some have died from hunger.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 44:18

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 44:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מִן אָ֡ז חָדַ֜לְנוּ לְ/קַטֵּ֨ר לִ/מְלֶ֧כֶת הַ/שָּׁמַ֛יִם וְ/הַסֵּֽךְ לָ֥/הּ נְסָכִ֖ים חָסַ֣רְנוּ כֹ֑ל וּ/בַ/חֶ֥רֶב וּ/בָ/רָעָ֖ב תָּֽמְנוּ
וּ/מִן min H4480 from Conj | Prep
אָ֡ז ʼâz H227 then Adv
חָדַ֜לְנוּ châdal H2308 to cease V-Qal-Perf-1cp
לְ/קַטֵּ֨ר qâṭar H6999 to offer Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
לִ/מְלֶ֧כֶת mᵉleketh H4446 queen Prep | N-fs
הַ/שָּׁמַ֛יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp
וְ/הַסֵּֽךְ nâçak H5258 to pour Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc
לָ֥/הּ Prep | Suff
נְסָכִ֖ים neçek H5262 drink offering N-mp
חָסַ֣רְנוּ châçêr H2637 to lack V-Qal-Perf-1cp
כֹ֑ל kôl H3605 all N-ms
וּ/בַ/חֶ֥רֶב chereb H2719 sword Conj | Prep | N-fs
וּ/בָ/רָעָ֖ב râʻâb H7458 famine Conj | Prep | N-ms
תָּֽמְנוּ tâmam H8552 to finish V-Qal-Perf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 44:18

וּ/מִן min H4480 "from" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
אָ֡ז ʼâz H227 "then" Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
חָדַ֜לְנוּ châdal H2308 "to cease" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
לְ/קַטֵּ֨ר qâṭar H6999 "to offer" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.
Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.
לִ/מְלֶ֧כֶת mᵉleketh H4446 "queen" Prep | N-fs
This word means queen, referring to a female ruler or monarch. It is used to describe a woman of high rank and authority.
Definition: queen
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: queen. See also: Jeremiah 7:18; Jeremiah 44:18; Jeremiah 44:17.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֛יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וְ/הַסֵּֽךְ nâçak H5258 "to pour" Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to pour out or install, often used for setting up a king or offering a sacrifice. It appears in Exodus and Numbers, describing rituals and ceremonies. The word is also used for melting metal.
Definition: 1) to pour out, pour, offer, cast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour out 1a2) to cast metal images 1a3) to anoint (a king) 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed 1c) (Piel) to pour out (as a libation) 1d) (Hiphil) to pour out libations 1e) (Hophal) to be poured out Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "to pour" H5260)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, melt, offer, (cause to) pour (out), set (up). See also: Genesis 35:14; Isaiah 30:1; Psalms 2:6.
לָ֥/הּ "" Prep | Suff
נְסָכִ֖ים neçek H5262 "drink offering" N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a drink offering, where a liquid is poured out as a sacrifice to God, often in a ceremonial context, as seen in Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) drink offering, libation, molten image, something poured out 1a) drink offering 1b) molten images Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "drink offering" H5261)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cover, drink offering, molten image. See also: Genesis 35:14; Numbers 29:27; Psalms 16:4.
חָסַ֣רְנוּ châçêr H2637 "to lack" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To lack or be without something is what this word means. It describes a state of need or shortage, often used in stories of struggle or hardship. The Bible talks about lack in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lack 1a2) to be lacking 1a3) to diminish, decrease 1b) (Piel) to cause to lack 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have) lack, make lower, want. See also: Genesis 8:3; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 8:6.
כֹ֑ל 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.
וּ/בַ/חֶ֥רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" Conj | Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וּ/בָ/רָעָ֖ב râʻâb H7458 "famine" Conj | Prep | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
תָּֽמְנוּ tâmam H8552 "to finish" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 44:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Malachi 3:13–15 “Your words against Me have been harsh,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”
2 Numbers 11:5–6 We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!”
3 Job 21:14–15 Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’
4 Jeremiah 40:12 they all returned from all the places to which they had been banished and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah. And they gathered an abundance of wine grapes and summer fruit.
5 Psalms 73:9–15 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.

Jeremiah 44:18 Summary

[This verse shows that the people of Judah thought that their idolatrous practices were the reason for their prosperity, but in reality, God was the one who provided for them. When they stopped worshipping the 'Queen of Heaven', they began to experience hardship and suffering, but this was not because God was punishing them for stopping their idolatry, as seen in Jeremiah 44:17. Instead, it was because they had turned away from the one true God, who is the source of all good things, as seen in James 1:17. We can learn from their mistake by trusting in God alone for our provision and security, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Queen of Heaven' that the people are referring to in Jeremiah 44:18?

The 'Queen of Heaven' is likely a reference to the pagan goddess Ishtar or Ashtoreth, who was worshipped by the ancient Babylonians and other surrounding nations, as mentioned in Jeremiah 7:18 and Deuteronomy 12:2-3.

Why did the people think that stopping their idolatrous practices led to their suffering?

The people mistakenly believed that their economic and military prosperity was directly tied to their worship of the 'Queen of Heaven', as they had 'plenty of food and good things' when they were actively engaging in these practices, as seen in Jeremiah 44:17.

Is this verse suggesting that God is not able to provide for His people unless they engage in idolatrous practices?

No, this verse is actually highlighting the people's misunderstanding of God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3 and Matthew 6:33, which teach that God provides for those who trust in Him, not those who engage in idolatry.

What can we learn from the people's mistake in Jeremiah 44:18?

We can learn that true prosperity and security come from trusting in the one true God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 17:7-8, rather than relying on idols or other false sources of comfort and provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be seeking comfort or security in things other than God, and how can I redirect my trust to Him?
  2. How can I balance my desire for prosperity and well-being with the biblical teaching that God's ways are not always easy or straightforward, as seen in Jeremiah 44:18?
  3. In what ways can I practically apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, as the people in Jeremiah 44:18 were experiencing?
  4. What role does gratitude play in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate a sense of thankfulness, even in the midst of challenges, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 44:18

But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven,.... Or were restrained from it, as the Targum, through the force of the prophet's sermons, or by the authority of their governors: this

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 44:18

But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 44:18

Jeremiah 44:18 But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all [things], and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. Ver. 18. But since we have left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, we have wanted all things.] This was non causa pro causa. Not unlike hereunto was that gross mistake of certain Lutheran ministers, who not long since, consulting at Hamburg about the causes and cure of Germany’ s calamities, concluded it was because their images in churches were not adorned enough, which therefore they would procure done. Burroughs on Hos., tom. i. p. 465.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 44:18

(18) To burn incense to the queen of heaven.—This form of worship, characterised specially by its offerings of crescent-shaped cakes, would seem to have been the dominant fashion of the idolatry of the time. (See Note on Jeremiah 7:18.) The men who felt themselves condemned by the prophet’s words vindicate their line of action. They had practised this worship of old, and would practise it still, and they set their experience of the prosperity of those past days against the prophet’s picture of the evil that had followed. Might they not argue, as the Romans did in the calamities that fell on the Empire (Tertull. Apol. c. 40; August. De Civ. Dei, I. c. 36), that they suffered because they had left off the worship under the influence of a different teaching?

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 44:18

18. See introd. note on Jeremiah 7:16-20. The v. alludes to the misfortunes reaching from Josiah’s death at Megiddo to the flight into Egypt. The passage is important “as shewing the view taken of these misfortunes by Jews of the average type. Jeremiah regarded the misfortunes of his country as proofs of the displeasure of Jehovah: these Jews on the other hand of His impotence.” Cheyne, ad loc. It also shews the popular opposition to Josiah’s reform and its superficiality.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 44:18

The suppression of this popular idolatry had apparently been regarded with much ill-will in Josiah’s time, and many may even have ascribed to it his defeat at Megiddo.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 44:18

18. We have wanted all things — True, but the fact that a given evil followed a certain action is not proof that the evil was the result of that action.

Sermons on Jeremiah 44:18

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson The Sin That Makes God Cry by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses how the people of God had become weary and bored with their worship and service. They doubted God's love for them and questioned where the ev
Carter Conlon When the Enemy Comes in Like a Flood - Part 2 by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the futility of seeking happiness and peace in worldly pursuits, highlighting the emptiness and temporary nature of such endeavors. It delves into the societ
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Malachi by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of giving and receiving in accordance with a divine spiritual law. He compares it to the natural laws that govern our universe, s
Alan Andrews Brokenness by Alan Andrews In this sermon, the speaker discusses three themes: brokenness, integrity, and clarity of vision. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing brokenness in order to effectively mi
Chuck Smith Malachi 3:13 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith addresses God's controversy with man as depicted in Malachi, emphasizing the people's misguided accusations against God, claiming that serving Him is futile and that th
G. Campbell Morgan The Complaints of Jehovah by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan addresses the seven complaints of God against His people, emphasizing their formalism and self-satisfaction. He highlights issues such as profanity, sacrilege, g
Joseph Alleine An Alarm to the Unconverted 2 of 5 by Joseph Alleine In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-examination and the danger of being deceived about one's spiritual state. He challenges the listeners to honestly ass
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