Jeremiah 12 5

Jeremiah 12:5 kjv

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

Jeremiah 12:5 nkjv

"If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, In which you trusted, they wearied you, Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?

Jeremiah 12:5 niv

"If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?

Jeremiah 12:5 esv

"If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

Jeremiah 12:5 nlt

"If racing against mere men makes you tired,
how will you race against horses?
If you stumble and fall on open ground,
what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?

Jeremiah 12 verses

Jeremiah 12 5 Meaning

This verse is a divine statement of disappointment and warning. God questions Jeremiah’s readiness to face opposition from his own countrymen. It highlights the stark contrast between the challenges Jeremiah might face in the "land of peace" compared to the immediate, overwhelming danger from his own people, implying a severe and personal betrayal.

Jeremiah 12 5 Context

This verse appears within the broader context of Jeremiah's ministry, where he was tasked with delivering a difficult message of judgment to Judah. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 12:1-4) describe Jeremiah's lament to God regarding the prosperity of the wicked. In response, God challenges Jeremiah, asking if he can run with the footmen, and if not, how he will fare against horsemen. This verse serves as a specific illustration of the severe opposition Jeremiah would face, even from those closest to him. Historically, this refers to the intense opposition Jeremiah faced from his own people, including priests, prophets, and the general populace, who rejected his prophecies of doom and actively sought to silence him.

Jeremiah 12 5 Word Analysis

• If ( Hebrew: im - אם ): Conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical situation.
• you ( Hebrew: ratah - רַצְתָּ ) : Second person masculine singular imperfect of the verb "to run" or "to contend". It conveys a sense of readiness and ability to keep pace.
• with ( Hebrew: `eth - אֶת ): Preposition indicating association or accompaniment.
• the ( Hebrew: ham-merkazmim - הַמַּרְכְּבִים ) : Definite article.
• runners ( Hebrew: merkazmim - רָצִים ) : Plural of "runner," referring to men in active service, messengers, or footmen, perhaps trained runners in a military context.
• and ( Hebrew: `eth - אֶת ): Conjunction.
• they ( Hebrew: ha - הֵמָּה ) : Third person masculine plural pronoun.
• have ( Hebrew: yi-ratsū - יִרְצוּ ) : Third person masculine plural imperfect of the verb "to run".
• made ( Hebrew: `eth - אֶת ): Used here as part of the construction for making something.
• you ( Hebrew: ram - רַמֵּךְ ) : Second person masculine singular suffix, referring to Jeremiah.
• tired ( Hebrew: ram-mamem - רָמְמָם ): This is not a standard Hebrew word for "tired." The actual Hebrew is mamem (מַמּוּמִים), which is the plural of ma'um (מָאוּם), meaning weary, exhausted, or causing weariness/exhaustion. So, the phrase translates to "caused you weariness" or "wearied you."
• in ( Hebrew: `al - עַל ) : Preposition indicating "upon" or "over."
• the ( Hebrew: ha - הַ ) : Definite article.
• land ( Hebrew: `erets - אָרֶץ ) : Hebrew for land or earth.
• of ( Hebrew: sade - שָׂדֵה ) : Indicates possession or belonging; here it likely refers to the "fields" or "countryside".
• peace ( Hebrew: shalom` - שָׁלוֹם ) : Shalom, meaning peace, well-being, prosperity, completeness. The verse sarcastically refers to Judah as a "land of peace" because it was not currently facing outright invasion, despite internal corruption.
• then ( Hebrew: `im - כִּי ) : Conjunction introducing a consequence or cause.
• how ( Hebrew: `eykah` - אֵיכָה ) : Interrogative adverb, asking "how" or "in what way."
• will you ( Hebrew: taasoh` - תַּעֲשֶׂה ) : Second person masculine singular imperfect of the verb "to do" or "to make."
• contend ( Hebrew: yaron` - יָרוֹן ) : Second person masculine singular imperfect of the verb "to contend," "to strive," or "to prevail."
• with ( Hebrew: baa-dei - בַּעֲדֵי ) : Preposition indicating "in the presence of," "against," or "before."
• the ( Hebrew: ha - הַ ) : Definite article.
• horses ( Hebrew: susim - סוּסִים ) : Hebrew for horses.
• ?

Word/Phrase Group Analysis:

• runners... made you tired: This imagery signifies facing lesser opponents or challenges. If Jeremiah finds difficulty even against those of lesser capability, he is not prepared for more significant opposition. The contrast implies that his current discouragement from his own people is more profound than a physical race.
• land of peace: This is a deeply ironic statement. Judah, while not under immediate foreign siege, was internally corrupt and morally bankrupt. God sarcastically refers to it as a "land of peace" to highlight Jeremiah's deeper tribulation from his own nation's hostility, contrasting with potential external threats.
• contend with the horses: This represents facing the most powerful, formidable enemies. If Jeremiah cannot even stand against his own countrymen (the "runners" who weary him), he certainly cannot withstand the mightier forces symbolized by "horses." This sets a grim precedent for the magnitude of his future struggles.

Jeremiah 12 5 Bonus Section

The sentiment expressed here is echoed in Jesus’ statement that a prophet is not without honor except in his own hometown (Matthew 13:57). The betrayal by one's own people often cuts deeper than opposition from outsiders. This verse also prepares the reader for the profound loneliness and isolation Jeremiah would experience, a theme pervasive throughout his prophetic writings. The juxtaposition of "runners" and "horses" illustrates a progression of conflict, suggesting that the opposition Jeremiah faces will escalate significantly. His inability to contend with the former predicts his struggles against the latter.

Jeremiah 12 5 Commentary

God is challenging Jeremiah's perceived overwhelm by his own people. If he is unable to cope with the spiritual and emotional weariness caused by those he should find common ground with, how will he endure far greater trials. This verse underscores the unique pain of rejection by one's own community. It suggests that the opposition from within the nation was more insidious and difficult for Jeremiah than any external military threat. God is testing Jeremiah’s resilience, indicating that his mission demands a strength that can withstand the harshest criticism and personal opposition, even when disguised in familiar settings. The "land of peace" is a land at ease, but not necessarily a land that is right with God, making the internal betrayal even more significant.