Jeremiah 4 28

Jeremiah 4:28 kjv

For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.

Jeremiah 4:28 nkjv

For this shall the earth mourn, And the heavens above be black, Because I have spoken. I have purposed and will not relent, Nor will I turn back from it.

Jeremiah 4:28 niv

Therefore the earth will mourn and the heavens above grow dark, because I have spoken and will not relent, I have decided and will not turn back."

Jeremiah 4:28 esv

"For this the earth shall mourn, and the heavens above be dark; for I have spoken; I have purposed; I have not relented, nor will I turn back."

Jeremiah 4:28 nlt

The earth will mourn
and the heavens will be draped in black
because of my decree against my people.
I have made up my mind and will not change it."

Jeremiah 4 verses

Jeremiah 4 28 Meaning

The land will mourn because of this great judgment. The people who once rejoiced will be utterly destroyed and scattered, leaving the land desolate and empty. The plans and actions of God are severe and unavoidable.

Jeremiah 4 28 Context

This verse is found within Jeremiah's prophecy, specifically during a time when Judah was facing imminent judgment from God due to their persistent sin and idolatry. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 4:11-27) describe a swift and devastating invasion by a northern enemy, symbolizing divine wrath. Jeremiah uses vivid imagery to convey the totality of this destruction, portraying the land as empty and devastated. Verse 28 serves as a pronouncement that this judgment is not a natural disaster but a direct consequence of God's intentional actions against a disobedient people. The chapter warns against turning away from God and emphasizes the seriousness of sin.

Jeremiah 4 28 Word Analysis

• עָצֵב (atzev): "to grieve," "to be distressed," "to be pained." In this context, it refers to the land itself mourning. This is a personification of the land, showing how deeply the divine judgment affects creation itself when God's people sin.
• קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh): "holy." Refers to God's holy character, which cannot tolerate sin and demands justice. His holiness means His judgment is righteous.
• דָּבָר (davar): "word," "thing," "matter." Here it refers to God's spoken word, His decree, His purpose, or His pronouncement of judgment.
• עַל־רָעָה (al-ra'ah): "concerning evil," "for wickedness." This signifies that God's action is a response to the sin of Judah. He has purposed evil (or disaster/calamity) against them because of their wickedness.
• שְׂרֵפָה (serefah): "burning," "consumption," "destruction by fire." It suggests a complete annihilation or devastation.
• יִהְיוּ (yihyu): "they shall be." A future tense verb indicating the certainty of what is coming.
• נָסוֹגוּ (nasogu): "they have turned back," "they have retreated." This highlights their turning away from God and now being pushed back or defeated.
• הִשְׁבַּחְתִּי (hishbachti): "I have spoken of reward," "I have commanded praise," "I have praised." In its causative Hiphil form here, it implies God will "appoint" or "decree" this complete devastation, as opposed to granting blessing or praise. Some understand it as "I have intended evil" or "I have decreed ruin."

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• "and it shall come to pass": Indicates the inevitable unfolding of God's plans.
• "that the land shall mourn": Personification of the land reflecting the consequences of human sin. The entire creation groans under the weight of sin (Romans 8:22).
• "and every city thereof shall be desolate": Signifies utter destruction, loss of habitation, and the end of community life due to judgment.
• "a strong city": Refers to Jerusalem or any fortified city that was meant to be a place of safety, now rendered useless.
• "because I have purposed evil against it": Emphasizes that the destruction is a divine, intentional act, not accidental. It is a judicial pronouncement.
• "because of all the evil which the house of Israel have done": The direct cause for God's action – their persistent disobedience and rebellion.

Jeremiah 4 28 Bonus Section

The Hebrew word translated as "purposed evil" (davar ala ra'ah) can also carry the meaning of "appointed doom" or "decreed destruction." This is a critical point because it emphasizes that God, in His sovereignty, directs and appoints the consequences of sin. While God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11), His justice and holiness require that sin be addressed. This verse shows God actively involved in bringing about the prophesied judgment as a direct result of the people's sustained rebellion. It's a demonstration of His power and His commitment to justice, even when that justice involves severe consequences. The severity of the judgment also serves as a stark warning for future generations.

Jeremiah 4 28 Commentary

Jeremiah 4:28 paints a grim picture of divine judgment, but it’s essential to see it not as arbitrary malice, but as a holy response to entrenched sin. God's purposes, described here as "evil" or calamity, are a judicial consequence of the "evil" done by Israel. The mourning of the land and the desolation of cities highlight the far-reaching effects of sin and God's judgment, impacting creation itself and human society. This verse underscores the solemn truth that God’s holiness necessitates a reaction to sin. The strong city falling illustrates that no human fortification or power can withstand God’s decree when His judgment is invoked due to persistent rebellion.