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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 18:17 I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/18-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/24_Jer_18_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 18:17 - The Potter and the Clay" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/18-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/18-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/18-16.htm" title="Jeremiah 18:16">◄</a> Jeremiah 18:17 <a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm" title="Jeremiah 18:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a 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/18.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/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Like a wind from the east, I will scatter them before their enemies; I will show them my back and not my face in the day of their disaster.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I will scatter my people before their enemies as the east wind scatters dust. And in all their trouble I will turn my back on them and refuse to notice their distress.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like the east wind I will scatter them before the enemy. I will show them my back, not my face, in the day of their calamity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back and not the face In the day of their calamity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />‘Like an east wind I will scatter them Before the enemy; I will show them My back and not <i>My</i> face In the day of their disaster.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like an east wind I will scatter them Before the enemy; I will show them My back and not My face In the day of their calamity.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘Like an east wind I will scatter them Before the enemy; I will show them My back and not <i>My</i> face In the day of their calamity.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Like an east wind I will scatter them Before the enemy; I will show them My back and not <i>My</i> face In the day of their disaster.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />‘I will scatter them like an east wind Before the enemy; I will show them My back and not My face In the day of their disaster [says the LORD].’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them my back and not my face on the day of their calamity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face on the day of their calamity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When your enemies attack, I will scatter you like dust blown by an eastern wind. Then, on that day of disaster, I will turn my back on you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will look upon their back, and not their face, in the day of their calamity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Like the east wind I will scatter them in front of the enemy. On the day of their disaster, I will show them my back, not my face."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I will scatter my people before their enemies, like dust blown by the east wind. I will turn my back on them; I will not help them when the disaster comes." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Like the east wind, I'll scatter them before the enemy. I'll show them my back and not my face, on the day of their downfall.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I will scatter them before their enemies like dust blowing in front of a burning east wind. I will turn my back on them and not look favorably on them when disaster strikes them." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy. I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I scatter them before an enemy as with an east wind, "" I show them the neck and not the face, "" In the day of their calamity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As an east wind I scatter them before an enemy, The neck, and not the face, I shew them, In the day of their calamity.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As the east wind I will scatter them before the face of the enemy; I will cause them to see the neck and not the face, in the day of their destruction.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As a burning will I scatter them before the enemy: I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their destruction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Like a burning wind, I will disperse them in the sight the enemy. I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their perdition.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Like the east wind, I will scatter them before their enemies; I will show them my back, not my face, in their day of disaster. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like the wind from the east, I will scatter them before the enemy. I will show them my back, not my face, in the day of their calamity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them my back and not my face, in the day of their calamity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Like the hot wind, I shall scatter them before the enemies. I shall show them the back and not the face in the day of their distress<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I will scatter them as with an east wind Before the enemy; I will look upon their back, and not their face, In the day of their calamity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I will scatter them before their enemies like an east wind; I will shew them the day of their destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/18-17.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=5480" 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/18.htm">The Potter and the Clay</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6327.htm" title="6327: ’ă·p̄î·ṣêm (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To be dispersed or scattered. A primitive root; to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively.">I will scatter them</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ’ō·w·yêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">the enemy</a> <a href="/hebrew/6921.htm" title="6921: qā·ḏîm (N-ms) -- East, east wind. Or qadim; from qadam; the fore or front part; hence the East.">like the east</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: kə·rū·aḥ- (Prep-k:: N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">wind.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ’er·’êm (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">I will show them</a> <a href="/hebrew/6203.htm" title="6203: ‘ō·rep̄ (N-ms) -- Back of the neck, neck. From araph; the nape or back of the neck; hence, the back generally.">My back</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: p̄ā·nîm (N-mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">My face</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bə·yō·wm (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">in the day</a> <a href="/hebrew/343.htm" title="343: ’ê·ḏām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Distress, calamity. From the same as 'uwd; oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin.">of their calamity.”</a> </span><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/28-25.htm">Deuteronomy 28:25</a></span><br />The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/26-17.htm">Leviticus 26:17</a></span><br />And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a></span><br />But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/1-8.htm">Lamentations 1:8</a></span><br />Jerusalem has sinned greatly; therefore she has become an object of scorn. All who honored her now despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/5-8.htm">Ezekiel 5:8-10</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself am against you, Jerusalem, and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations. / Because of all your abominations, I will do to you what I have never done before and will never do again. / As a result, fathers among you will eat their sons, and sons will eat their fathers. I will execute judgments against you and scatter all your remnant to every wind.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-16.htm">Hosea 13:16</a></span><br />Samaria will bear her guilt because she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-18.htm">2 Kings 17:18-20</a></span><br />So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained, / and even Judah did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God, but lived according to the customs Israel had introduced. / So the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel. He afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of plunderers, until He had banished them from His presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-10.htm">Psalm 44:10-11</a></span><br />You have made us retreat from the foe, and those who hate us have plundered us. / You have given us up as sheep to be devoured; You have scattered us among the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-17.htm">Isaiah 30:17</a></span><br />A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a></span><br />When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37-38</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34-35</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Romans 11:7-10</a></span><br />What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, / as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” / And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-9.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:9</a></span><br />They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-16.htm">Revelation 6:16-17</a></span><br />And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. / For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.</p><p class="hdg">scatter.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/13-24.htm">Jeremiah 13:24</a></b></br> Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-25.htm">Deuteronomy 28:25,64</a></b></br> The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/27-21.htm">Job 27:21</a></b></br> The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place.</p><p class="hdg">shew.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/2-27.htm">Jeremiah 2:27</a></b></br> Saying to a stock, Thou <i>art</i> my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned <i>their</i> back unto me, and not <i>their</i> face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/32-33.htm">Jeremiah 32:33</a></b></br> And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching <i>them</i>, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/31-17.htm">Deuteronomy 31:17</a></b></br> Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God <i>is</i> not among us?</p><p class="hdg">the day.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/46-21.htm">Jeremiah 46:21</a></b></br> Also her hired men <i>are</i> in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, <i>and</i> are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, <i>and</i> the time of their visitation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-25.htm">Proverbs 7:25,26</a></b></br> Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/6-25.htm">Attacker</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-8.htm">Calamity</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-8.htm">Disaster</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-19.htm">Downfall</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-19.htm">East</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-4.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-11.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-16.htm">Face</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-23.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-24.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-13.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-13.htm">Show</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-7.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/48-8.htm">Attacker</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-12.htm">Calamity</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-12.htm">Disaster</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-18.htm">Downfall</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-2.htm">East</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-7.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-2.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-10.htm">Face</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-35.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-15.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-3.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-18.htm">Show</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-22.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/18-1.htm">Under the type of a potter is shown God's absolute power in disposing of nations.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/18-11.htm">Judgments threatened to Judah for her strange revolt.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah prays against his conspirators.</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/18.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/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind.</b><br>This phrase indicates a divine judgment where God promises to disperse the people of Judah before their adversaries. The imagery of scattering is often used in the Bible to describe the dispersion of a people as a form of punishment (e.g., <a href="/leviticus/26-33.htm">Leviticus 26:33</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/28-64.htm">Deuteronomy 28:64</a>). The "east wind" is a powerful and destructive force in the Middle East, often associated with bringing desolation and ruin (<a href="/exodus/10-13.htm">Exodus 10:13</a>, <a href="/job/27-21.htm">Job 27:21</a>). It symbolizes the swiftness and severity of God's judgment. Historically, the east wind would have been understood as a hot, dry wind from the desert, capable of withering crops and causing devastation, much like the impending Babylonian invasion that would lead to the exile of Judah.<p><b>I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity.”</b><br>In biblical terms, God's "face" represents His favor and presence (<a href="/numbers/6-24.htm">Numbers 6:24-26</a>). To see God's face is to experience His blessing and protection. Conversely, showing His "back" signifies rejection and the withdrawal of His presence. This is a severe form of judgment, indicating that God will not listen to their cries or intervene on their behalf during their time of distress. This concept is echoed in other scriptures where God hides His face as a response to the people's sin and rebellion (<a href="/deuteronomy/31-17.htm">Deuteronomy 31:17-18</a>, <a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a>). The "day of their calamity" refers to the impending disaster and suffering due to their disobedience, specifically the Babylonian conquest and exile. This phrase underscores the seriousness of turning away from God and the consequences of persistent unfaithfulness.<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 warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by themes of repentance and judgment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_east_wind.htm">The East Wind</a></b><br>In the Hebrew context, the east wind is often associated with destruction and desolation. It is a metaphor for the judgment that God is bringing upon Judah.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_enemy.htm">The Enemy</a></b><br>Refers to the Babylonian forces that God would use as instruments of His judgment against Judah.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/calamity.htm">Calamity</a></b><br>The impending disaster and suffering that would come upon Judah as a result of their rebellion against God.<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 idolatry. Just as Judah faced consequences, we must be mindful of the spiritual repercussions of turning away from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_symbolism_of_the_east_wind.htm">The Symbolism of the East Wind</a></b><br>The east wind represents God's power to bring about change, whether through judgment or blessing. It serves as a reminder of His sovereignty over all creation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_and_absence.htm">God's Presence and Absence</a></b><br>The imagery of God showing His back instead of His face highlights the importance of seeking His presence. In times of trouble, we should strive to remain in His favor through obedience and repentance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_as_a_path_to_restoration.htm">Repentance as a Path to Restoration</a></b><br>While judgment is severe, God's ultimate desire is for His people to return to Him. Repentance opens the door to restoration and renewed relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a></b><br>Prophets like Jeremiah were tasked with delivering difficult messages. Their role underscores the importance of speaking truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_god_break_ships_naturally.htm">Psalm 48:7: How do we reconcile the claim that God breaks “the ships of Tarshish with an east wind” with natural explanations for maritime disasters? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_hosea_9_3_align_with_history.htm">In Hosea 9:3, how does the claim that Israel would return to Egypt align with historical records that show no major return after the Exodus?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_zech._6_chariots_fit_global_winds.htm">How do the four chariots in Zechariah 6:1-5 reconcile with our modern understanding of a spherical Earth and global winds?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_135_6-7_align_with_science.htm">In Psalm 135:6-7, how can we reconcile the claim that God directly controls weather events with modern scientific understanding?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">With an east wind.</span>--MSS. vary, some giving "with" and some "as an east wind." The difference does not much affect the meaning. The east wind blowing from the desert was the wind of storms, tempests, and parching heat (<a href="/jonah/4-8.htm" title="And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.">Jonah 4:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/48-7.htm" title="You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.">Psalm 48:7</a>; <a href="/isaiah/27-8.htm" title="In measure, when it shoots forth, you will debate with it: he stays his rough wind in the day of the east wind.">Isaiah 27:8</a>). I will shew them the back, and not the face.--The figure is boldly anthropomorphic. The light of God's countenance is the fulness of joy (<a href="/numbers/6-25.htm" title="The LORD make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you:">Numbers 6:25</a>). To turn away that light was to leave the people to the darkness of their misery. What was thus done by Jehovah was but a righteous retribution on the people who had "turned their back" and "not their face" to Him (<a href="/jeremiah/2-27.htm" title="Saying to a stock, You are my father; and to a stone, You have brought me forth: for they have turned their back to me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.">Jeremiah 2:27</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As with an east wind</span>. The east was a stormy wind (<a href="/psalms/48-7.htm">Psalm 48:7</a>; <a href="/job/27-21.htm">Job 27:21</a>). I wilt show them the back; as they have done to Jehovah (<a href="/jeremiah/2-27.htm">Jeremiah 2:27</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/32-33.htm">Jeremiah 32:33</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/18-17.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 scatter them</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲפִיצֵ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·p̄î·ṣêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6327.htm">Strong's 6327: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be dispersed or scattered</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the enemy</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹיֵ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·yêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hating, an adversary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like the east</span><br /><span class="heb">קָדִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(qā·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6921.htm">Strong's 6921: </a> </span><span class="str2">The fore, front part, the East</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wind.</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּרֽוּחַ־</span> <span class="translit">(kə·rū·aḥ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will show</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶרְאֵ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’er·’êm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them My back</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹ֧רֶף</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·rep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6203.htm">Strong's 6203: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nape, back of the neck, the back</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My face</span><br /><span class="heb">פָנִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the day</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּי֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<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">of their calamity.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵידָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_343.htm">Strong's 343: </a> </span><span class="str2">Oppression, misfortune, ruin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Jeremiah 18:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/18-17.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 18:17 I will scatter them as (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/18-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 18:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 18:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 18:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 18:18" /></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>