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Jeremiah 15:3 I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
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href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />“I will send four kinds of destroyers against them,” declares the LORD, “the sword to kill and the dogs to drag away and the birds and the wild animals to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“I will send four kinds of destroyers against them,” says the LORD. “I will send the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, the vultures to devour, and the wild animals to finish up what is left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to tear, and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“And I will appoint over them four forms <i>of destruction,</i>” says the LORD: “the sword to slay, the dogs to drag, the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And I will appoint over them four kinds <i>of doom,</i>” declares the LORD: “the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the sky and the animals of the earth to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“I will appoint over them four kinds of doom,” declares the LORD: “the sword to slay, the dogs to drag off, and the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And I shall appoint over them four kinds <i>of doom,</i>” declares the LORD: “the sword to slay, the dogs to drag off, and the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I will appoint over them four kinds <i>of doom</i>,” declares Yahweh: “the sword to kill, the dogs to drag off, and the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and bring to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I will appoint four kinds of destroyers over them,” says the LORD, “the sword to slay, the dogs to tear <i>and</i> drag away, and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and to destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I will ordain four kinds of judgment for them”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I will ordain four kinds of judgment for them"—this is the LORD’s declaration—"the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land to devour and destroy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith Jehovah: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the birds of the heavens, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and to destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I will punish you in four different ways: You will be killed in war and your bodies dragged off by dogs, your flesh will be eaten by birds, and your bones will be chewed on by wild animals. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and to destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"I will devise four ways to punish them," declares the LORD. "I will send swords to kill, dogs to drag away, and birds and animals to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I, the LORD, have decided that four terrible things will happen to them: they will be killed in war; their bodies will be dragged off by dogs; birds will eat them, and wild animals will devour what is left over. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I'll appoint four kinds of judgment for them," declares the LORD: "the sword to kill, the dogs to drag off, the birds of the sky to devour, and the animals of the land to destroy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"I will punish them in four different ways: I will have war kill them. I will have dogs drag off their dead bodies. I will have birds and wild beasts devour and destroy their corpses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I will appoint over them four kinds, says the LORD: the sword to kill, and the dogs to tear, and the birds of the sky, and the animals of the earth, to devour and to destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“I will appoint over them four kinds,” says Yahweh: “the sword to kill, the dogs to tear, the birds of the sky, and the animals of the earth, to devour and to destroy. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I have appointed four kinds over them,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “The sword to slay, and the dogs to drag, "" And the bird of the heavens, "" And the beast of the earth, to consume and to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I have appointed over them four kinds, an affirmation of Jehovah, The sword to slay, and the dogs to drag, And the fowl of the heavens, And the beast of the earth, to consume and to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I reviewed over them four kinds, says Jehovah: the sword to kill, and dogs to tear in pieces, and the birds of the heavens, and the beasts of the earth, to consume and destroy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I will visit them with four kinds, saith the Lord: The sword to kill, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the air, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I will visit against them in four ways, says the Lord: by the sword, to kill; and by dogs, to tear apart; and by the birds of the air and by the beasts of the earth, to devour and to scatter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Four kinds of scourge I have decreed against them—oracle of the LORD—the sword to kill them; dogs to drag them off; the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, says the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and the wild animals of the earth to devour and destroy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And I will decree against them four kinds of afflictions, says the LORD: The sword to slay, the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the air and the wild beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I shall order four plagues upon them, says LORD JEHOVAH: the sword to kill, and dogs to tear, and the bird of the sky and the beast of the Earth to devour and to destroy<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to drag, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and to destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I will punish them with four kinds <i>of death</i>, saith the Lord, the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the wild beasts of the earth, and the birds of the sky to devour and destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=4474" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/15.htm">Judgment to Continue</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: ū·p̄ā·qaḏ·tî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">I will appoint</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over them</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: ’ar·ba‘ (Number-fs) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">four</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: miš·pā·ḥō·wṯ (N-fp) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people.">kinds of destroyers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um- (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">declares</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD:</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ha·ḥe·reḇ (Art:: N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">the sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: la·hă·rōḡ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">to kill,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3611.htm" title="3611: hak·kə·lā·ḇîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A dog. From an unused root means. To yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence a male prostitute.">the dogs</a> <a href="/hebrew/5498.htm" title="5498: lis·ḥōḇ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To drag. A primitive root; to trail along.">to drag away,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5775.htm" title="5775: ‘ō·wp̄ (N-msc) -- Flying creatures. From uwph; a bird, often collectively.">and the birds</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">of the air</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: be·hĕ·maṯ (N-fsc) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">and beasts</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">of the earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵōl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to devour</a> <a href="/hebrew/7843.htm" title="7843: ū·lə·haš·ḥîṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- Perhaps to go to ruin. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. ruin.">and destroy.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/28-26.htm">Deuteronomy 28:26</a></span><br />Your corpses will be food for all the birds of the air and beasts of the earth, with no one to scare them away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/26-22.htm">Leviticus 26:22</a></span><br />I will send wild animals against you to rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and reduce your numbers, until your roads lie desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/5-17.htm">Ezekiel 5:17</a></span><br />I will send famine and wild beasts against you, and they will leave you childless. Plague and bloodshed will sweep through you, and I will bring a sword against you. I, the LORD, have spoken.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/14-21.htm">Ezekiel 14:21</a></span><br />For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem My four dire judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague—in order to cut off from it both man and beast?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-25.htm">2 Kings 17:25-26</a></span><br />Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. / So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The peoples that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the God of the land. Because of this, He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-24.htm">2 Kings 2:24</a></span><br />Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-9.htm">Isaiah 56:9</a></span><br />Come, all you beasts of the field; eat greedily, all you beasts of the forest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Hosea 13:8</a></span><br />Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Revelation 6:8</a></span><br />Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-17.htm">Revelation 19:17-18</a></span><br />Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, / so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-28.htm">Matthew 24:28</a></span><br />Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-37.htm">Luke 17:37</a></span><br />“Where, Lord?” they asked. Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-27.htm">Ezekiel 33:27</a></span><br />Tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, those in the ruins will fall by the sword, those in the open field I will give to be devoured by wild animals, and those in the strongholds and caves will die by plague.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/39-4.htm">Ezekiel 39:4</a></span><br />On the mountains of Israel you will fall—you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to every kind of ravenous bird and wild beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-33.htm">Jeremiah 7:33</a></span><br />The corpses of this people will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to scare them away.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And I will appoint over them four kinds, said the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.</p><p class="hdg">I will.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/7-33.htm">Jeremiah 7:33</a></b></br> And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray <i>them</i> away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-16.htm">Leviticus 26:16,22,25</a></b></br> I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-26.htm">Deuteronomy 28:26</a></b></br> And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray <i>them</i> away.</p><p class="hdg">kinds.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/14-6.htm">Air</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-9.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-9.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-9.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-22.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-15.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-22.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-25.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-12.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-12.htm">Destroyers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-12.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/psalms/104-19.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-11.htm">Dogs</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-15.htm">Doom</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-3.htm">Drag</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-4.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-15.htm">End</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-18.htm">Food</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-6.htm">Four</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-33.htm">Fowls</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-22.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/songs/7-13.htm">Kinds</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-9.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-22.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-2.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-17.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-10.htm">Visit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Air</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-16.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Death</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-6.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-6.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-7.htm">Destroyers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-27.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Dogs</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-9.htm">Doom</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-20.htm">Drag</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-4.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">End</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Food</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-23.htm">Four</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Fowls</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-23.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/ezekiel/8-10.htm">Kinds</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-6.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-23.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-9.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-7.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-15.htm">Visit</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/15-1.htm">The utter rejection and manifold judgments of the people.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/15-10.htm">Jeremiah, complaining of their spite, receives a promise for himself;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/15-12.htm">and a threatening for them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/15-15.htm">He prays;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/15-19.htm">and receives a gracious promise.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The number four often symbolizes completeness in the Bible, suggesting a total and comprehensive judgment. This reflects the covenant curses outlined in <a href="/leviticus/26.htm">Leviticus 26</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where disobedience to God's law results in severe consequences. The use of "declares the LORD" emphasizes the authority and certainty of this pronouncement.<p><b>the sword to kill,</b><br>The sword represents warfare and violence, a common method of divine judgment throughout the Old Testament. This is reminiscent of the Babylonian invasion, where the sword was a literal tool of destruction. Historically, the Babylonian army was known for its military prowess, and this phrase foreshadows the impending doom that would come upon Judah due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion against God.<p><b>the dogs to drag away,</b><br>Dogs in ancient Near Eastern culture were often seen as scavengers, not the domesticated pets we know today. They were associated with uncleanness and disgrace. This imagery suggests a lack of proper burial, which was a significant dishonor in ancient Israelite society. The dragging away by dogs symbolizes the complete humiliation and desecration of the people, as seen in the fate of Jezebel in <a href="/2_kings/9-36.htm">2 Kings 9:36-37</a>.<p><b>and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.</b><br>This phrase completes the picture of total devastation. Birds and beasts consuming the dead bodies further emphasize the disgrace and totality of the judgment. This imagery is consistent with the covenant curses, where the land would become desolate, and the people would be left as carrion for animals (<a href="/deuteronomy/28-26.htm">Deuteronomy 28:26</a>). It also echoes the apocalyptic language found in Revelation, where birds are called to feast on the flesh of the defeated enemies of God (<a href="/revelation/19-17.htm">Revelation 19:17-18</a>). This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the ultimate victory of divine justice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry took place during a time of great turmoil and impending judgment due to the people's persistent sin.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing God's judgment due to its idolatry and disobedience. Jeremiah's prophecies were directed primarily at this kingdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who is both just and merciful. In this passage, He declares the judgment that will come upon Judah for their sins.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sword,_dogs,_birds,_and_beasts.htm">The Sword, Dogs, Birds, and Beasts</a></b><br>These are the instruments of God's judgment. Each represents a different form of destruction that will come upon the people as a consequence of their rebellion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonian_invasion.htm">Babylonian Invasion</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the historical context involves the impending invasion by Babylon, which would fulfill God's judgment on Judah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_sin.htm">The Seriousness of Sin</a></b><br>Sin has severe consequences, and God's judgment is a response to persistent disobedience. We must take sin seriously and seek repentance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>God appoints specific means of judgment, demonstrating His control over all creation. We can trust that His judgments are just and purposeful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/call_to_repentance.htm">Call to Repentance</a></b><br>Even in judgment, there is an implicit call to repentance. God's desire is for His people to turn back to Him and avoid the consequences of sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_divine_justice.htm">The Reality of Divine Justice</a></b><br>God's justice is a reality that cannot be ignored. It serves as a warning and a call to live righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_beyond_judgment.htm">Hope Beyond Judgment</a></b><br>While this passage focuses on judgment, the broader context of Jeremiah includes promises of restoration and hope for those who return to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_jer._15_3_punishments_conflict_with_god's_love.htm">The graphic punishments in Jeremiah 15:3 seem excessively harsh. Do they conflict with the concept of a just and loving God found elsewhere in the Bible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_say_zedekiah_won't_die_by_sword.htm">Jeremiah 34:3 - How could God promise Zedekiah would not die by the sword if 2 Kings 25:7 says Nebuchadnezzar blinded him and took him captive?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_god's_changeability.htm">In Jeremiah 15:6, God says, 'I am weary with relenting,' yet other scriptures present Him as unchanging (e.g., Malachi 3:6). How do we reconcile this apparent contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/love_or_destroy_enemies.htm">Should enemies be loved or destroyed? (Matthew 5:44 vs. 1 Samuel 15:3)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Four kinds.</span>--The sword, as the direct instrument of death, is followed by those that follow up its work, the beasts and birds of prey that feed on the corpses of the slain. The latter feature has naturally been from the earliest stages of human history the crowning horror of defeat. So Homer, <span class= "ital">Il. i.</span> 4 :--<p>"And many mighty souls of heroes sent<p>To Hades, and their bodies made a prey<p>To dogs and to all birds."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Appoint</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> give full power to them as my vicegerents (<a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Jeremiah 1:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Four kinds</span>; literally, <span class="accented">families</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> kinds of things. The first-mentioned has reference to the living; the remaining ones to the unburied corpses (<a href="/jeremiah/14-16.htm">Jeremiah 14:16</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/19-7.htm">Jeremiah 19:7</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/34-20.htm">Jeremiah 34:20</a>). <span class="cmt_word">To tear</span>; rather, <span class="accented">to drag along</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">I will appoint</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפָקַדְתִּ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ā·qaḏ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over them</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלֵיהֶ֜ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">four</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְבַּ֤ע</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ba‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kinds of destroyers,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפָּחוֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pā·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4940.htm">Strong's 4940: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people</span><br /><br /><span class="word">declares</span><br /><span class="heb">נְאֻם־</span> <span class="translit">(nə·’um-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> </span><span class="str2">An oracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD:</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sword</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֶ֣רֶב</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥe·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to kill,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽהֲרֹ֔ג</span> <span class="translit">(la·hă·rōḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the dogs</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכְּלָבִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kə·lā·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3611.htm">Strong's 3611: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dog, a male prostitute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to drag away,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִסְחֹ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(lis·ḥōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5498.htm">Strong's 5498: </a> </span><span class="str2">To trail along</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the birds</span><br /><span class="heb">ע֧וֹף</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·wp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5775.htm">Strong's 5775: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flying creatures</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the air</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and beasts</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּהֱמַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(be·hĕ·maṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the earth</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֖רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to devour</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶאֱכֹ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(le·’ĕ·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and destroy.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְהַשְׁחִֽית׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·haš·ḥîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7843.htm">Strong's 7843: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps to go to ruin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Jeremiah 15:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/15-3.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 15:3 I will appoint over them four kinds (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/15-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 15:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 15:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/15-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 15:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 15:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>