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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 4:9 "In that day," declares the LORD, "the king and officials will lose their courage. The priests will tremble in fear, and the prophets will be astounded."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/4-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/24_Jer_04_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 4:9 - Disaster from the North" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In that day, declares the LORD, the king and officials will lose their courage. 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The priests will be struck with horror, and the prophets will be appalled.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“In that day, declares the LORD, courage shall fail both king and officials. The priests shall be appalled and the prophets astounded.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“In that day,” declares the LORD, “the king and officials will lose their courage. The priests will tremble in fear, and the prophets will be astounded.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass at that day, saith the LORD, <i>that</i> the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“And it shall come to pass in that day,” says the LORD, “<i>That</i> the heart of the king shall perish, And the heart of the princes; The priests shall be astonished, And the prophets shall wonder.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“And it shall come about on that day,” declares the LORD, “that the heart of the king and the hearts of the leaders will fail; and the priests will tremble, and the prophets will be astonished.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220It shall come about in that day,&#8221 declares the LORD, &#8220that the heart of the king and the heart of the princes will fail; and the priests will be appalled and the prophets will be astounded.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And it shall come about in that day,” declares the LORD, “that the heart of the king and the heart of the princes will fail; and the priests will be appalled, and the prophets will be astounded.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“It will be in that day,” declares Yahweh, “<i>that</i> the heart of the king and the heart of the princes will perish; and the priests will be appalled, and the prophets will be astonished.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“It shall come about in that day,” says the LORD, “that the heart <i>and</i> courage of the king will fail (be paralyzed), and also the heart of the princes; the priests will be appalled and the prophets will be astounded <i>and</i> horrified.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“On that day”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“the king and the officials will lose their courage. The priests will tremble in fear, and the prophets will be scared speechless.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220On that day"—this is the LORD&#8217s declaration—"the king and the officials will lose their courage. The priests will tremble in fear, and the prophets will be scared speechless.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass at that day, saith Jehovah, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD said, "When all this happens, the king and his officials, the prophets and the priests will be shocked and terrified." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass at that day, saith the LORD, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"When that day comes," declares the LORD, "the king and the leaders will lose their courage. The priests will be stunned. The prophets will be amazed and astonished."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD said, "On that day kings and officials will lose their courage; priests will be shocked and prophets will be astonished." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"On that day," declares the LORD, "the courage of the king and the leaders will fail. The priests will be appalled and the prophets astounded."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?In that day,? declares the LORD, ?the king and officials will lose their courage. The priests will tremble in fear, and the prophets will be astounded.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"When this happens," says the LORD, "the king and his officials will lose their courage. The priests will be struck with horror, and the prophets will be speechless in astonishment." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"It shall happen at that day," says the LORD, "that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the officials; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass at that day, saith the LORD, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“It will happen at that day,” says Yahweh, “that the heart of the king will perish, along with the heart of the princes. The priests will be astonished, and the prophets will wonder.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“And it has come to pass in that day,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “The heart of the king perishes, "" And the heart of the princes, "" And the priests have been astonished, "" And the prophets wonder.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it hath come to pass, in that day, An affirmation of Jehovah: 'Perish doth the heart of the king, And the heart of the princes, And astonished have been the priests, And the prophets do wonder.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was in that day, says Jehovah, the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the chiefs; and the priests were astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord: That the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes: and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall be amazed <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And this shall be in that day, says the Lord: The heart of the king will perish, with the heart of the princes. And the priests will be stupefied, and the prophets will be in consternation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />In that day—oracle of the LORD— The king will lose heart, and the princes; the priests will be horrified, and the prophets stunned. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />On that day, says the LORD, courage shall fail the king and the officials; the priests shall be appalled and the prophets astounded.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass at that day, says the LORD, that the hearts of kings shall fail, and the hearts of princes; and the priests shall be astonished and the prophets shall wonder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And it shall be in that day, says LORD JEHOVAH, the heart of the King will be destroyed, and the heart of the Rulers, and the Priests shall be astonished and the Prophets shall marvel<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass at that day, Saith the LORD, That the heart of the king shall fail, And the heart of the princes; And the priests shall be astonished, And the prophets shall wonder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be amazed, and the prophets shall wonder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/4-9.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=1085" 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/4.htm">Disaster from the North</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>So put on sackcloth, mourn and wail, for the fierce anger of the LORD has not turned away from us.” <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">“In that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: ḇay·yō·wm- (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day,”</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/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">“the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: wə·lêḇ (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: haś·śā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">and officials</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: yō·ḇaḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">will lose</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ- (N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">their courage.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hă·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">The priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/8074.htm" title="8074: wə·nā·šam·mū (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To be desolated or appalled. A primitive root; to stun, i.e. Devastate or stupefy.">will tremble in fear,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: wə·han·nə·ḇî·’îm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">and the prophets</a> <a href="/hebrew/8539.htm" title="8539: yiṯ·mā·hū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To be astounded or dumbfounded. A primitive root; to be in consternation.">will be astounded.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, how completely You have deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying, ‘You will have peace,’ while a sword is at our throats.”…<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="/isaiah/3-1.htm">Isaiah 3:1-3</a></span><br />For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, / the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, / the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/2-9.htm">Lamentations 2:9</a></span><br />Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/7-26.htm">Ezekiel 7:26</a></span><br />Disaster upon disaster will come, and rumor after rumor. Then they will seek a vision from a prophet, but instruction from the priests will perish, as will counsel from the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-5.htm">Hosea 4:5</a></span><br />You will stumble by day, and the prophet will stumble with you by night; so I will destroy your mother—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-6.htm">Micah 3:6-7</a></span><br />Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. / Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/1-17.htm">Zephaniah 1:17</a></span><br />I will bring such distress on mankind that they will walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their flesh like dung.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/25-4.htm">2 Kings 25:4-5</a></span><br />Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, / but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-17.htm">2 Chronicles 36:17</a></span><br />So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10</a></span><br />For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/8-9.htm">Amos 8:9-10</a></span><br />And in that day, declares the Lord GOD, I will make the sun go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the daytime. / I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation. I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved. I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and its outcome like a bitter day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Matthew 24:29</a></span><br />Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-25.htm">Luke 21:25-26</a></span><br />There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. / Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-24.htm">Mark 13:24-25</a></span><br />But in those days, after that tribulation: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; / the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Revelation 6:12-14</a></span><br />And I watched as the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, / and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. / The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-45.htm">Matthew 27:45</a></span><br />From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it shall come to pass at that day, said the LORD, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.</p><p class="hdg">that the heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/39-4.htm">Jeremiah 39:4,5</a></b></br> And it came to pass, <i>that</i> when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he went out the way of the plain… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/52-7.htm">Jeremiah 52:7</a></b></br> Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which <i>was</i> by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans <i>were</i> by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-37.htm">1 Samuel 25:37,38</a></b></br> But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became <i>as</i> a stone… </p><p class="hdg">and the priests</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Jeremiah 5:31</a></b></br> The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love <i>to have it</i> so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/6-13.htm">Jeremiah 6:13,14</a></b></br> For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one <i>is</i> given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/37-19.htm">Jeremiah 37:19</a></b></br> Where <i>are</i> now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/4-1.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-12.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-12.htm">Appalled</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-12.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-9.htm">Astounded</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-6.htm">Courage</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-24.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-1.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-11.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-17.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-13.htm">Horrified</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-9.htm">Lose</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-26.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-12.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-12.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-26.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-26.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-30.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-26.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-12.htm">Wonder</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/4-17.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-10.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-8.htm">Appalled</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-9.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/daniel/3-24.htm">Astounded</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-16.htm">Courage</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-28.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-15.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-6.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-14.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-23.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-16.htm">Horrified</a> <a href="/daniel/11-30.htm">Lose</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-1.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-21.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-1.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-13.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-1.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-30.htm">Wonder</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/4-1.htm">God calls Israel by his promise</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/4-3.htm">He exhorts Judah to repentance by fearful judgments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/4-19.htm">A grievous lamentation for Judah</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jeremiah/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“In that day,” declares the LORD,</b><br>This phrase indicates a specific time of judgment and calamity, often used in prophetic literature to denote a future event ordained by God. It reflects the certainty and authority of God's pronouncement. The phrase "declares the LORD" emphasizes the divine origin of the message, underscoring that it is not merely a human prediction but a sovereign decree. This aligns with other prophetic declarations found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Isaiah and Ezekiel, where God announces forthcoming judgment or deliverance.<p><b>“the king and officials will lose their courage.</b><br>The king and officials represent the political leadership of Judah. In the context of Jeremiah's ministry, this likely refers to the reign of King Jehoiakim or Zedekiah, during a time when Babylonian threats were imminent. The loss of courage among leaders signifies a complete breakdown of human confidence and authority in the face of divine judgment. This echoes the broader biblical theme that human strength and wisdom are insufficient without reliance on God, as seen in Psalms and Proverbs.<p><b>The priests will tremble in fear,</b><br>The priests, responsible for spiritual leadership and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people, are depicted as trembling. This indicates a failure in their spiritual duties and a recognition of their inability to intercede effectively in the face of God's judgment. Historically, the priesthood had become corrupt, as seen in the critiques by prophets like Malachi. Their fear reflects the realization of their own inadequacy and the impending divine retribution.<p><b>and the prophets will be astounded.”</b><br>The prophets, who were supposed to be the mouthpieces of God, are described as being astounded. This suggests a failure in their prophetic role, either through false prophecies or a lack of true divine insight. In Jeremiah's time, many prophets were misleading the people with messages of peace and security, contrary to God's true warnings. This astonishment highlights the contrast between false assurances and the reality of God's judgment. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of true prophecy, as fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet who perfectly reveals God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking through Jeremiah, declaring the consequences of the people's disobedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king_and_officials.htm">The King and Officials</a></b><br>The political leaders of Judah who are expected to guide and protect the nation but will find themselves powerless and without courage.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_priests.htm">The Priests</a></b><br>Religious leaders responsible for spiritual guidance and temple rituals, who will be overcome with fear.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_prophets.htm">The Prophets</a></b><br>Those who claim to speak for God, who will be left speechless and astounded by the unfolding events.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>God's judgment is a direct result of persistent disobedience and unfaithfulness. The leaders' loss of courage signifies the failure of human strength without divine support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leaders.htm">The Role of Leaders</a></b><br>Spiritual and political leaders are accountable to God. Their failure to lead righteously results in fear and confusion, emphasizing the need for godly leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_false_security.htm">The Futility of False Security</a></b><br>Reliance on human wisdom and false prophets leads to a false sense of security. True security is found only in obedience to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_true_prophecy.htm">The Importance of True Prophecy</a></b><br>Prophets must speak God's truth, not what is popular or pleasing. The silence of the prophets in this passage underscores the danger of false prophecy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>God's declarations through Jeremiah remind us of His ultimate control over nations and leaders. His plans will prevail despite human resistance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_judah_resistance_in_daniel_1.htm">Why doesn't Daniel 1 mention any resistance from Judah's religious authorities against the Babylonian cultural assimilation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_vocational_ministry.htm">What defines vocational ministry?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/notable_bible_paradoxes.htm">What messages do the prophets convey about faith and justice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proof_of_northern_invasion_in_jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah 4:5–9: What solid proof exists for the invasion from the north that supposedly led to widespread panic and ruin? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">The heart of the king shall perish.</span>--The heart, as representing the mind generally. Judgment and wisdom were to give way to panic and fear.<span class= "bld"><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The heart... shall perish</span>; i.e. they shall lose their reason. The same verb in Ethiopic means "to be mad." The "heart" in Old Testament language is the center of the intellectual as well as of the moral life (comp. <a href="/hosea/4-11.htm">Hosea 4:11</a>; <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Job 12:24</a>; <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a>). So St. Ephrem the Syrian says ('Works,' in Syriac, 2:316, quoted by Delitzsch), "The reason expatiates in the heart as in a palace." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/4-9.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">“In that</span><br /><span class="heb">הַהוּא֙</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day,”</span><br /><span class="heb">בַיּוֹם־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇay·yō·wm-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</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 king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and officials</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׂרִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(haś·śā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will lose</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹאבַ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḇaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wander away, lose oneself, to perish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their courage.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵב־</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">The priests</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·hă·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will tremble in fear,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנָשַׁ֙מּוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·šam·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8074.htm">Strong's 8074: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stun, devastate, stupefy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the prophets</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַנְּבִיאִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·han·nə·ḇî·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> </span><span class="str2">A spokesman, speaker, prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be astounded.”</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְמָֽהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·mā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8539.htm">Strong's 8539: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be astounded or dumbfounded</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/4-9.htm">Jeremiah 4:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/4-9.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 4:9 It shall happen at that day says (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/4-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 4:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 4:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/4-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 4:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 4:10" /></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>