Jeremiah 47:2

Jeremiah 47:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

This is what the LORD says: “See how the waters are rising from the north and becoming an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and its fullness, the cities and their inhabitants. The people will cry out, and all who dwell in the land will wail

King James Version KJV

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.

American Standard Version ASV

Thus saith Jehovah: Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall become an overflowing stream, and shall overflow the land and all that is therein, the city and them that dwell therein; and the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall wail.

Bible in Basic English BBE

This is what the Lord has said: See, waters are coming up out of the north, and will become an overflowing stream, overflowing the land and everything in it, the town and those who are living in it; and men will give a cry, and all the people of the land will be crying out in pain.

Free Bible Version FBV

This is what the Lord says: Look at the waters rising from the north! They will become an overflowing river that sweeps across the country and everything in it, flooding the towns and everyone's homes. The people will cry out for help; everyone who lives in the country will weep,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thus saith the Lord, Beholde, waters rise vp out of the North, and shalbe as a swelling flood, and shall ouerflowe the land, and all that is therein, and the cities with them that dwell therein: then the men shall crie, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howle,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Thus said Jehovah: Lo, waters are coming up from the north, And have been for an overflowing stream, And they overflow the land and its fulness, The city, and the inhabitants in it, And men have cried out, And howled hath every inhabitant of the land.

World English Bible WEB

The LORD says: “Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and will become an overflowing stream, and will overflow the land and all that is therein, the city and those who dwell therein. The men will cry, and all the inhabitants of the land will wail.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is in it; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thus saith the Lord: Behold there come up waters out of the north, and they shall be as an overflowing torrent, and they shall cover the land, and all that is therein, the city and the inhabitants thereof: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl,

Translation for Translators T4T

This is what Yahweh said: “An army [MET] will be coming from the northeast that will cover the land like a flood. They will destroy the land and everything in it; they will destroy people and cities. People will scream; everyone in the land will wail.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 47:2

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 47:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כֹּ֣ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֗ה הִנֵּה מַ֜יִם עֹלִ֤ים מִ/צָּפוֹן֙ וְ/הָיוּ֙ לְ/נַ֣חַל שׁוֹטֵ֔ף וְ/יִשְׁטְפוּ֙ אֶ֣רֶץ וּ/מְלוֹאָ֔/הּ עִ֖יר וְ/יֹ֣שְׁבֵי בָ֑/הּ וְ/זָֽעֲקוּ֙ הָֽ/אָדָ֔ם וְ/הֵילִ֕ל כֹּ֖ל יוֹשֵׁ֥ב הָ/אָֽרֶץ

כֹּ֣ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

מַ֜יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

עֹלִ֤ים ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal

מִ/צָּפוֹן֙ tsâphôwn H6828 Zaphon Prep | N-fs

וְ/הָיוּ֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3cp

לְ/נַ֣חַל nachal H5158 Brook Prep | N-ms

שׁוֹטֵ֔ף shâṭaph H7857 to overflow V-Qal

וְ/יִשְׁטְפוּ֙ shâṭaph H7857 to overflow Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

וּ/מְלוֹאָ֔/הּ mᵉlôʼ H4393 fullness Conj | N-ms | Suff

עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fs

וְ/יֹ֣שְׁבֵי yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal

בָ֑/הּ Prep | Suff

וְ/זָֽעֲקוּ֙ zâʻaq H2199 to cry out Conj | V-Qal-3cp

הָֽ/אָדָ֔ם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) Art | N-ms

וְ/הֵילִ֕ל yâlal H3213 to wail Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יוֹשֵׁ֥ב yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 47:2

כֹּ֣ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֗ה 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.

הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

מַ֜יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

עֹלִ֤ים ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

מִ/צָּפוֹן֙ tsâphôwn H6828 "Zaphon" Prep | N-fs

This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.

Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)

Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.

וְ/הָיוּ֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-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.

לְ/נַ֣חַל nachal H5158 "Brook" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.

Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.

שׁוֹטֵ֔ף shâṭaph H7857 "to overflow" V-Qal

This verb means to overflow or gush, often used to describe a strong flow of water. It can also imply cleansing or conquering, as seen in various Old Testament passages, including Psalm 69. The word is used to describe powerful natural events.

Definition: 1) to wash, rinse, overflow, engulf, rinse or wash off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overflow 1a2) to flow, run 1a3) to rinse or wash off 1b) (Niphal) to be swept away, be rinsed out 1c) (Pual) to be rinsed, be scoured and rinsed

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: drown, (over-) flow(-whelm, rinse, run, rush, (throughly) wash (away). See also: Leviticus 6:21; Isaiah 28:17; Psalms 69:3.

וְ/יִשְׁטְפוּ֙ shâṭaph H7857 "to overflow" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: drown, (over-) flow(-whelm, rinse, run, rush, (throughly) wash (away). See also: Leviticus 6:21; Isaiah 28:17; Psalms 69:3.

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" 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.

וּ/מְלוֹאָ֔/הּ mᵉlôʼ H4393 "fullness" Conj | N-ms | Suff

Fullness means having everything that is needed, like a full container or a complete amount. It can also mean a large quantity, like a multitude of things.

Definition: 1) fulness, that which fills 1a) fulness, handful 1b) mass, multitude 1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents 1d) full length, full line

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] all along, [idiom] all that is (there-) in, fill, ([idiom] that whereof...was) full, fulness, (hand-) full, multitude. See also: Genesis 48:19; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 24:1.

עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

וְ/יֹ֣שְׁבֵי yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

בָ֑/הּ "" Prep | Suff

וְ/זָֽעֲקוּ֙ zâʻaq H2199 "to cry out" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.

Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)

Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.

הָֽ/אָדָ֔ם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" Art | N-ms

Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being

Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.

וְ/הֵילִ֕ל yâlal H3213 "to wail" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

This word means to wail or howl, expressing strong emotions like sadness or pain, used to describe a loud, mournful cry.

Definition: (Hiphil) to howl, wail, make a howling

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (make to) howl, be howling. See also: Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 48:31; Isaiah 14:31.

כֹּ֖ל 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.

יוֹשֵׁ֥ב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

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.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 47:2

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Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 47:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 47:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 47:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 47:2
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 47:2
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2
Sermons on Jeremiah 47:2

Context — Judgment on the Philistines

1This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet about the Philistines before Pharaoh struck down Gaza.

2This is what the LORD says: “See how the waters are rising from the north and becoming an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and its fullness, the cities and their inhabitants. The people will cry out, and all who dwell in the land will wail

3at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions, the rumbling of chariots, and the clatter of their wheels. The fathers will not turn back for their sons; their hands will hang limp. 4For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 46:20	Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly from the north is coming against her.
2	Jeremiah 8:16	The snorting of enemy horses is heard from Dan. At the sound of the neighing of mighty steeds, the whole land quakes. They come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who dwell in it.
3	Isaiah 8:7–8	the Lord will surely bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates — the king of Assyria and all his pomp. It will overflow its channels and overrun its banks. It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel!
4	Isaiah 15:2–5	Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within. My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim.
5	Jeremiah 1:14	Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster from the north will be poured out on all who live in the land.
6	Isaiah 28:17	I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place.
7	James 5:1	Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.
8	Isaiah 22:1	This is the burden against the Valley of Vision: What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the rooftops,
9	Jeremiah 48:39	“How shattered it is! How they wail! How Moab has turned his back in shame! Moab has become an object of ridicule and horror to all those around him.”
10	Jeremiah 46:6–8	“The swift cannot flee, and the warrior cannot escape! In the north by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall. Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters churn? Egypt rises like the Nile, and its waters churn like rivers, boasting, ‘I will rise and cover the earth; I will destroy the cities and their people.’

Jeremiah 47:2 Summary

[Jeremiah 47:2 is a warning of God's judgment on the Philistines, where He compares the invading armies to rising waters that will overflow and destroy the land. This is a reminder that God is the one who ultimately brings judgment and salvation, as seen in Isaiah 45:5-7. Just like the people in Jeremiah 47:2, we can cry out to God in times of trouble and trust in His power to save us, as promised in Psalm 107:13-14 and Psalm 138:7-8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of the 'waters rising from the north' in Jeremiah 47:2?

The 'waters rising from the north' in Jeremiah 47:2 symbolize the invading armies that will bring destruction and chaos to the land, as seen in other biblical passages such as Isaiah 8:7-8 and Jeremiah 1:14-15.

Who are the people that will cry out and wail in Jeremiah 47:2?

The people who will cry out and wail are the inhabitants of the land, including the Philistines, who will be affected by the invading armies, as mentioned in Jeremiah 47:1 and Jeremiah 47:4.

What is the significance of the land and its fullness being overflowed in Jeremiah 47:2?

The land and its fullness being overflowed represents the complete and utter destruction that will come upon the land, leaving nothing untouched, much like the flood in Genesis 6-9, where the earth was completely flooded.

How does Jeremiah 47:2 relate to God's judgment on nations?

Jeremiah 47:2 is an example of God's judgment on nations, as seen in other passages such as Jeremiah 25:15-38 and Revelation 6:1-17, where God uses invading armies to punish wicked nations for their sins.

Reflection Questions

What are the things in my life that are like the 'waters rising from the north', threatening to overwhelm me, and how can I trust God to be my refuge?
In what ways can I be a source of comfort and hope to those around me who are crying out and wailing, just like the people in Jeremiah 47:2?
How can I apply the lesson of Jeremiah 47:2 to my own life, recognizing that God is the one who ultimately brings judgment and salvation, as seen in Isaiah 45:5-7?
What are some ways that I can prepare myself for the 'overflowing torrent' of challenges that will come my way, and how can I stand firm in my faith like the psalmist in Psalm 46:1-3?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 47:2

Thus saith the Lord, behold, waters rise up out of the north,.... Meaning an army of men, which should come in great numbers, and with great force and rapidity, like an overflowing flood.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 47:2

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2

Calamities and afflictions are often in Scripture set out under the notion of waters; and as the miseries of Egypt were set out by the overflowings of their great river Nilus, so the calamities of the Philistines are expressed by the overflowings of the great river Euphrates; these miseries coming upon them by the Chaldeans, which were a northern people, their waters are said to rise up out of the north. It is said to be an overflowing flood that should overflow the land, because it was to be a sweeping judgment, which like a flood should carry all before it, which should produce amongst the inhabitants of Gaza a great howling and lamentation.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2

Jeremiah 47:2 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.Ver. 2. Behold, waters rise up out of the north.] The Chaldean, as a mighty torrent, shall overflow the whole country, and bury all as it were in one universal grave of waters, as once at the deluge. So Isaiah 8:7. This seemeth to have been done somewhat before Egypt was destroyed, when Moab, Ammon, and Syria, and therein Palestine, drank of the same cup.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2

(2) Behold, waters rise up out of the north.—The reference to the north indicates that the invasion which the prophet contemplates is that of Nebuchadnezzar, not of Pharaoh-necho. For the metaphor of the overflowing river see Jeremiah 46:7; Isaiah 8:7. For “the land and all that is therein” read, as in the margin, “the land and the fulness thereof.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2

Verse 2. Waters rise up out of the north] Waters is a common prophetic image for a multitude of people. The north here, as in other places of this prophecy, means Chaldea.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 47:2

2–7. The Prophecy regarding Philistia 2. waters rise up] In Jeremiah 46:8 the same figure was used for an army. Cp. Isaiah 8:7 (on which Co. thinks this v. to be based), where the Assyrian army is likened to the floods of the Euphrates. an overflowing stream] a river suddenly swelling up through the effect of the winter rains; a frequent occurrence in Palestine. and the men … shall howl] Co. rejects this part of the v. both as over-passing the proper limits of the metre, and suggesting a universal judgement, which would be, according to him, a later conception.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 47:2

Waters rise up - A metaphor for the assembling of an army (compare the marginal references). Out of the north - The Chaldaean army must cross the Euphrates at Carchemish.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:2

2. Waters rise up — The comparison of a hostile army to an inundating flood spreading devastation over the land is repeatedly used. See Jeremiah 46:7-8; Isaiah 8:7, etc.

Sermons on Jeremiah 47:2

	Sermon	Description
	Epistle 56 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about the importance of heeding the light of Christ within, which calls our minds away from worldly lusts and evil desires, and towards God for renewal and wors
	A Prophecy - Wall of Fire by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson shares a prophetic vision of a 'Wall of Fire' that God will create to protect His people amidst the moral decay and increasing evil in society. He reflects on the d
	Attributes of God (Series 1): The Justice of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a judge being caught between mercy and justice. He uses the example of a man torn between his love for a woman and his sense o
	Attributes of God (Series 2): God's Perfect Justice by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of atonement for our sins. He explains that every moral inequity will be judged unless covered by sufficient atonement. He hi
	To God Be Glory in the Church by Art Katz	In this sermon entitled "To God Be Glory In The Church," Arthur Katz emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with the perfect standard that comes from heaven. He encourages
	The Holiness and Righteousness of God by Richard Langworthy	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using Jesus Christ as the measuring line and plum line for justice and righteousness. He references Isaiah 28 to support t
	Attributes of God #4 "God's Justice" by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the essential nature of God's justice, asserting that it is not merely an attribute but the very essence of God Himself. He explains that God's justice is per