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If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/12-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/24_Jer_12_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 12:5 - God's Answer to Jeremiah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? 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If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan? <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> “If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan? <a href="/esv/jeremiah/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> “If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? <a href="/bsb/jeremiah/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan? <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/12.htm">King James Bible</a> If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? <a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/12.htm">New King James Version</a> “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, In which you trusted, they wearied you, Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan? <a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “If you have run with infantrymen and they have tired you out, How can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace, How will you do in the thicket by the Jordan? <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out, Then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace, How will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? <a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out, Then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace, How will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? <a href="/lsb/jeremiah/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out, Then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace, How will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? <a href="/amp/jeremiah/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> [The LORD rebukes Jeremiah for his impatience, saying] “If you have raced with men on foot and they have tired you out, Then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace [where you feel secure], Then how will you do [among the lions] in the [flooded] thicket beside the Jordan? <a href="/csb/jeremiah/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If you have raced with runners and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, what will you do in the thickets of the Jordan? <a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If you have raced with runners and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, what will you do in the thickets of the Jordan? <a href="/asv/jeremiah/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and though in a land of peace thou art secure, yet how wilt thou do in the pride of the Jordan? <a href="/cev/jeremiah/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jeremiah, if you get tired in a race against people, how can you possibly run against horses? If you fall in open fields, what will happen in the forest along the Jordan River? <a href="/erv/jeremiah/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and though in a land of peace thou art secure, yet how wilt thou do in the pride of Jordan? <a href="/gwt/jeremiah/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "If you have raced against others on foot, and they have tired you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in open country, how can you live in the jungle along the Jordan River? <a href="/gnt/jeremiah/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> The LORD said, "Jeremiah, if you get tired racing against people, how can you race against horses? If you can't even stand up in open country, how will you manage in the jungle by the Jordan? <a href="/isv/jeremiah/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Indeed, if you run with others on foot, and they tire you out, how can you compete with horses? You are secure in a land at peace, but how will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? <a href="/net/jeremiah/12.htm">NET Bible</a> The LORD answered, "If you have raced on foot against men and they have worn you out, how will you be able to compete with horses? And if you feel secure only in safe and open country, how will you manage in the thick undergrowth along the Jordan River? <a href="/nheb/jeremiah/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And though in a land of peace you are secure, yet how will you do in the pride of the Jordan? <a href="/wbt/jeremiah/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, in which thou hast trusted, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/jeremiah/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan? <a href="/web/jeremiah/12.htm">World English Bible</a> “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? Though in a land of peace you are secure, yet how will you do in the pride of the Jordan? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “For you have run with footmen, "" And they weary you, "" And how you fret yourself with horses! Even in the land of peace, "" [In which] you are confident—And how will you do in the rising of Jordan? <a href="/ylt/jeremiah/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For -- with footmen thou hast run, And they weary thee, And how dost thou fret thyself with horses! Even in the land of peace, In which thou art confident -- And how dost thou in the rising of Jordan! <a href="/slt/jeremiah/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If thou didst run with the footmen and they will weary thee, and how wilt thou contend with horses? and in the land of peace thou trustest, and how wilt thou do in the grandeur of Jordan.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/jeremiah/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If thou hast wearied with running with footmen, how canst thou contend with horses? and if thou hast been secure in a land of peace, what wilt thou do in the swelling of the Jordan? <a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “If you have struggled to run on foot, how will you be able to compete with horses? And if you have been secure in a land of peace, what will you do about the arrogance of the Jordan? <a href="/nabre/jeremiah/12.htm">New American Bible</a> If running against men has wearied you, how will you race against horses? And if you are safe only on a level stretch, what will you do in the jungle of the Jordan? <a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If you have raced with foot-runners and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you fall down, how will you fare in the thickets of the Jordan?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If you have run with footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you run with horses? And if on the level land, where you have confidence, they have wearied you, then how will you cross the raging Jordan? <a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Behold, you had run with the footmen, and they wore you out, and how will you contend with horses? And you trust in the land of peace, and how will you cross in the force of Jordan?<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/jeremiah/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, Then how canst thou contend with horses? And though in a land of peace thou art secure, Yet how wilt thou do in the thickets of the Jordan? <a href="/sep/jeremiah/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Thy feet run, and they cause thee to faint; how wilt thou prepare to ride upon horses? and thou hast been confident in the land of thy peace? how wilt thou do in the roaring of Jordan? <a href="/parallel/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=3690" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/12.htm">God's Answer to Jeremiah</a> 5<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: raṣ·tāh (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">you have raced</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/7273.htm" title="7273: raḡ·lîm (Adj-mp) -- On foot. From regel; a footman.">men on foot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3811.htm" title="3811: way·yal·’ū·ḵā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 2ms) -- To be weary or impatient. A primitive root; to tire; to be disgusted.">and they have worn you out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/349.htm" title="349: wə·’êḵ (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- How?. Also eykah; and teykakah; prolonged from 'ay; how? Or how!; also where.">how</a> <a href="/hebrew/8474.htm" title="8474: tə·ṯa·ḥă·reh (V-Hitpael-Imperf-2ms) -- To vie with a, rival. A facitious root from charah through the idea of the heat of jealousy; to vie with a rival.">can you compete</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: has·sū·sîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">horses?</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">If you</a> <a href="/hebrew/982.htm" title="982: ḇō·w·ṭê·aḥ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To trust. A primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure.">stumble</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šā·lō·wm (N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">in a peaceful</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ū·ḇə·’e·reṣ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">land,</a> <a href="/hebrew/349.htm" title="349: wə·’êḵ (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- How?. Also eykah; and teykakah; prolonged from 'ay; how? Or how!; also where.">how</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">will you do</a> <a href="/hebrew/1347.htm" title="1347: biḡ·’ō·wn (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Arrogance, majesty, ornament. From ga'ah; the same as ga'avah.">in the thickets</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">of the Jordan?</a> 6Even your brothers—your own father’s household—even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-3</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. / Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a> Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ... <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a> But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. <a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">2 Timothy 2:3-5</a> Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. / A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. / Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a> Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. <a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a> Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. <a href="/matthew/24-13.htm">Matthew 24:13</a> But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. <a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13-14</a> Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. <a href="/revelation/3-10.htm">Revelation 3:10</a> Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. <a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-4</a> Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">2 Corinthians 4:16-18</a> Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. <a href="/psalms/27-14.htm">Psalm 27:14</a> Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! <a href="/proverbs/24-10.htm">Proverbs 24:10</a> If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength! <a href="/isaiah/30-15.htm">Isaiah 30:15</a> For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing.” <a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Habakkuk 2:3-4</a> For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. / Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the swelling of Jordan?thou hast.<a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Proverbs 3:11</a> My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:<a href="/proverbs/24-10.htm">Proverbs 24:10</a> If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.<a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm">Hebrews 12:3,4</a> For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds… canst.<a href="/jeremiah/26-8.htm">Jeremiah 26:8</a> Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.<a href="/jeremiah/36-26.htm">Jeremiah 36:26</a> But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.<a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4-6</a> Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt… swelling.<a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm">Jeremiah 49:19</a> Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?<a href="/jeremiah/50-44.htm">Jeremiah 50:44</a> Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?<a href="/joshua/3-15.htm">Joshua 3:15</a> And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/11-11.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Compete</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-4.htm">Country</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-22.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-6.htm">Fighting-Men</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-21.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-18.htm">Footmen</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-21.htm">Fret</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Growth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-16.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-1.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-3.htm">Jungle</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Manage</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-8.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-8.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-18.htm">Run</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-23.htm">Running</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-15.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-10.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-8.htm">Security</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-4.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-13.htm">Swelling</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-31.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-7.htm">Thicket</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-29.htm">Thickets</a> <a href="/psalms/8-4.htm">Thinkest</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-26.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-24.htm">Tired</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-17.htm">Trusted</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-17.htm">Trustedst</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-31.htm">Wearied</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-5.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-14.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-30.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/psalms/69-3.htm">Worn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/13-23.htm">Able</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-15.htm">Compete</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-19.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-15.htm">Country</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-18.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-21.htm">Fighting-Men</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-17.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/numbers/11-21.htm">Footmen</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Fret</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-2.htm">Growth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-25.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-3.htm">Jungle</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Manage</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-12.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-9.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-17.htm">Run</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Running</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-21.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-21.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-6.htm">Security</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-16.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm">Swelling</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-12.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/hosea/2-12.htm">Thicket</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm">Thickets</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Thinkest</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-21.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-13.htm">Tired</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-25.htm">Trusted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-52.htm">Trustedst</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Wearied</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-6.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-19.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-21.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-11.htm">Worn</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 12</div>1. <a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah, complaining of the prosperity of the wicked, by faith sees their ruin.</a> 5. <a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">God admonishes him of his brothers' treachery against him;</a> 7. <a href="/jeremiah/12-7.htm">and laments his heritage.</a> 14. <a href="/jeremiah/12-14.htm">He promises to the penitent return from captivity.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/12.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/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out This phrase uses the metaphor of a footrace to illustrate the challenges Jeremiah faces. The "men on foot" represent the current trials and adversaries Jeremiah encounters. The imagery suggests that if Jeremiah is struggling with these relatively minor challenges, he will be overwhelmed by greater ones. This reflects the broader biblical theme of perseverance and preparation for greater trials, as seen in passages like <a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a>, which encourages believers to "run with endurance the race set before us."how can you compete with horses? The "horses" symbolize more formidable challenges and adversaries. In ancient times, horses were associated with strength, speed, and warfare, often used by powerful armies. This imagery suggests that Jeremiah must prepare for more intense trials. The comparison to horses emphasizes the need for divine strength and reliance on God, as human strength alone is insufficient. This echoes the biblical principle found in <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a>, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," indicating reliance on God's power.If you stumble in a peaceful land The "peaceful land" refers to a time or place of relative safety and ease. This phrase suggests that if Jeremiah falters during times of peace, he will struggle even more during times of turmoil. The peaceful land can be seen as a metaphor for the current state of Judah before the full onset of Babylonian invasion. It highlights the importance of spiritual vigilance and strength even when circumstances seem favorable, as seen in <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>, which warns believers to be sober and vigilant.how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan? The "thickets of the Jordan" refers to the dense, often dangerous brush along the Jordan River, known for being a habitat for wild animals like lions. This imagery represents more severe trials and adversities. The Jordan River is significant in biblical history, symbolizing transitions and challenges, such as the Israelites crossing into the Promised Land (Joshua 3). The thickets suggest a place of testing and danger, emphasizing the need for faith and courage. This can be seen as a type of the trials Jesus faced, who, like Jeremiah, was tested in the wilderness (<a href="/matthew/4.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a>), yet emerged victorious through reliance on God's word.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a> A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He often faced opposition and persecution for his prophecies. 2. <a href="/topical/m/men_on_foot.htm">Men on Foot</a> Symbolic of the challenges and adversities Jeremiah faced in his prophetic ministry, representing human-level struggles. 3. <a href="/topical/h/horses.htm">Horses</a> Symbolic of greater challenges and more intense trials that Jeremiah would face in the future, suggesting a need for greater endurance and faith. 4. <a href="/topical/p/peaceful_land.htm">Peaceful Land</a> Represents the current, less challenging circumstances in which Jeremiah finds himself, implying that more difficult times are ahead. 5. <a href="/topical/t/thickets_of_the_jordan.htm">Thickets of the Jordan</a> A metaphor for more dangerous and difficult situations, possibly referring to the dense and challenging terrain near the Jordan River, symbolizing future trials.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/endurance_in_faith.htm">Endurance in Faith</a> Just as Jeremiah was called to endure greater challenges, believers are encouraged to build spiritual endurance through daily faithfulness and reliance on God. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_greater_trials.htm">Preparation for Greater Trials</a> The verse serves as a reminder that current challenges are preparation for future, possibly more difficult, trials. Trust in God's strength is essential. <a href="/topical/p/perspective_on_challenges.htm">Perspective on Challenges</a> Understanding that current struggles are part of God's refining process can help believers maintain a positive perspective and trust in His plan. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_growth_through_trials.htm">Spiritual Growth through Trials</a> Trials are opportunities for growth. Embrace them as a means to deepen your faith and reliance on God. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Recognize that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and He equips His people to face whatever lies ahead.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 12</a> <a href="/q/is_inherited_sin_justifiable.htm">How can the concept of inherited sin be considered just?</a> <a href="/q/are_humans_born_sinful.htm">Are humans inherently sinful from birth?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_ufos.htm">What does the Bible mention about aliens and UFOs?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_genetic_engineering.htm">What is the Bible's stance on genetic engineering?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) If thou hast run with the footmen.--The prophet is compelled to make answer to himself, and the voice of Jehovah is heard in his inmost soul rebuking his impatience. What are the petty troubles that fall on him compared with what others suffer, with what might come on himself? The thought is not unlike that with which St. Paul comforts the Corinthians (<a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm" title="There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.">1Corinthians 10:13</a>), or what we find in <a href="/hebrews/12-4.htm" title="You have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin.">Hebrews 12:4</a>. The meaning of the first clause is plain enough. The man who was wearied in a foot-race should not venture (as Elijah, e.g., had done, <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm" title="And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.">1Kings 18:46</a>) to measure his speed against that of horses. The latter ("the swelling of Jordan") suggests the thoughts of the turbid stream of the river overflowing its banks in the time of harvest (<a href="/joshua/3-15.htm" title="And as they that bore the ark were come to Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bore the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overflows all his banks all the time of harvest,)">Joshua 3:15</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/12-15.htm" title="These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.">1Chronicles 12:15</a>). In <a href="/zechariah/11-3.htm" title="There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.">Zechariah 11:3</a>, however, the same phrase (there translated "the pride of Jordan") is used apparently in connection with the lions and other beasts of prey that haunted the jungle on its banks (<a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm" title="Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?">Jeremiah 49:19</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/50-44.htm" title="Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan to the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?">Jeremiah 50:44</a>), and that may be the thought here. Commentators differ, and there are no data for deciding. In any case, there is no need for the interpolated words of the English Version. The sentence should run, "In a land of peace thou art secure (i.e., it is easy to be tranquil when danger is not pressing). What wilt thou in the swelling (or, amid the pride) of Jordan? . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Jeremiah's impatience corrected. The expressions are evidently proverbial. The opposition to the prophet will reach a still higher pitch; and if he is so soon discouraged, how will he bear his impending trials? And if in the land of peace, etc.? a second figure, the translation of which needs amending. If (only) in a land of peace thou art confident, how wilt thou do in the pride of Jordan? The "pride of Jordan" means the thickets on its banks, which were notorious as the haunts of lions (<a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm">Jeremiah 49:19</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/50-44.htm">Jeremiah 50:44</a>; <a href="/zechariah/11-3.htm">Zechariah 11:3</a>). " Lions' bones have been found by Dr. Roth in the gravel of the Jordan. Lions are seldom or never found now west of the Euphrates, although they occasionally cross the river" (Revelation W. Houghton, 'Bible Educator,' 1:22). <a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“If כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you have raced רַ֙צְתָּה֙ (raṣ·tāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> To run with אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among men on foot רַגְלִ֥ים ׀ (raḡ·lîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7273.htm">Strong's 7273: </a> A footman and they have worn you out, וַיַּלְא֔וּךָ (way·yal·’ū·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3811.htm">Strong's 3811: </a> To tire, to be, disgusted how וְאֵ֥יךְ (wə·’êḵ) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_349.htm">Strong's 349: </a> How?, how!, where can you compete תְּתַֽחֲרֶ֖ה (tə·ṯa·ḥă·reh) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8474.htm">Strong's 8474: </a> To vie with a, rival with אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among horses? הַסּוּסִ֑ים (has·sū·sîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> A swallow, swift (type of bird) If you אַתָּ֣ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you stumble בוֹטֵ֔חַ (ḇō·w·ṭê·aḥ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_982.htm">Strong's 982: </a> To trust, be confident, sure in a peaceful שָׁלוֹם֙ (šā·lō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace land, וּבְאֶ֤רֶץ (ū·ḇə·’e·reṣ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land how וְאֵ֥יךְ (wə·’êḵ) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_349.htm">Strong's 349: </a> How?, how!, where will you do תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה (ta·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make in the thickets בִּגְא֥וֹן (biḡ·’ō·wn) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1347.htm">Strong's 1347: </a> Arrogance, majesty, ornament of the Jordan? הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃ (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 12:5 If you have run with the footmen (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/12-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 12:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 12:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/12-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 12:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 12:6" /></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>