Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They are armed with bow and spear; they are cruel and show no mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation to attack you, Daughter Zion.” New Living Translation They are armed with bows and spears. They are cruel and show no mercy. They sound like a roaring sea as they ride forward on horses. They are coming in battle formation, planning to destroy you, beautiful Jerusalem.” English Standard Version They lay hold on bow and javelin; they are cruel and have no mercy; the sound of them is like the roaring sea; they ride on horses, set in array as a man for battle, against you, O daughter of Zion!” Berean Standard Bible They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.” Berean Literal Bible Bow and spear they hold firmly—they are cruel, and they do not have compassion; their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, arrayed as men for the battle, against you, O daughter of Zion!” King James Bible They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion. New King James Version They will lay hold on bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea; And they ride on horses, As men of war set in array against you, O daughter of Zion.” New American Standard Bible “They seize bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea, And they ride on horses, Lined up as a man for the battle Against you, daughter of Zion!” NASB 1995 “They seize bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea, And they ride on horses, Arrayed as a man for the battle Against you, O daughter of Zion!” NASB 1977 “They seize bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea, And they ride on horses, Arrayed as a man for the battle Against you, O daughter of Zion!” Legacy Standard Bible They take hold of bow and spear; They are cruel and have no compassion; Their voice roars like the sea, And they ride on horses, Arranged as a man for the battle Against you, O daughter of Zion!” Amplified Bible “They seize bow and spear; They are cruel and inhuman and have no mercy. Their voice sounds like the roaring sea; They ride [in formation] on horses, Arrayed as a man for battle Against you, O Daughter of Zion (Jerusalem)!” Berean Annotated Bible They grasp the bow and spear (javelin); they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion. Christian Standard Bible They grasp bow and javelin. They are cruel and show no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, lined up like men in battle formation against you, Daughter Zion. Holman Christian Standard Bible They grasp bow and javelin. They are cruel and show no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, lined up like men in battle formation against you, Daughter Zion. American Standard Version They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea, and they ride upon horses, every one set in array, as a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Zion. Contemporary English Version Its well-armed troops are cruel and never show mercy. Their galloping horses sound like ocean waves pounding on the shore. This army will attack you, lovely Jerusalem." English Revised Version They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea, and they ride upon horses; every one set in array, as a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Zion. GOD'S WORD® Translation Its people take hold of bows and spears. They are cruel and have no compassion. They sound like the roaring sea. They ride on horses. They march like soldiers ready for battle against my people Zion. Good News Translation They have taken up their bows and swords; they are cruel and merciless. They sound like the roaring sea, as they ride their horses. They are ready for battle against Jerusalem." International Standard Version They grab bow and spear; they're cruel and show no mercy. Their sound roars like the sea as they ride on horses, deployed like men ready for battle against you, daughter of Zion." NET Bible Its soldiers are armed with bows and spears. They are cruel and show no mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride forth on their horses. Lined up in formation like men going into battle to attack you, Daughter Zion.'" New Heart English Bible They take hold of bow and spear. They are cruel, and have no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, everyone set in array, as a man to the battle, against you, daughter of Zion.'" Webster's Bible Translation They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.” World English Bible They take hold of bow and spear. They are cruel, and have no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, everyone set in array, as a man to the battle, against you, daughter of Zion.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThey take hold of bow and javelin, "" It [is] fierce, and they have no mercy, "" Their voice sounds as a sea, "" And they ride on horses, "" Set in array as a man of war, "" Against you, O daughter of Zion.” Berean Literal Bible Bow and spear they hold firmly—they are cruel, and they do not have compassion; their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, arrayed as men for the battle, against you, O daughter of Zion!” Young's Literal Translation Bow and javelin they take hold of, Fierce it is, and they have no mercy, Their voice as a sea doth sound, And on horses they ride, set in array as a man of war, Against thee, O daughter of Zion. Smith's Literal Translation They shall lay hold of bow and javelin; it is fierce and they will not pity; their voice will roar as the sea, and they will ride upon horses arranged as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey shall lay hold on arrow and shield: they are cruel, and will have no mercy. Their voice shall roar like the sea: and they shall mount upon horses, prepared as men for war, against thee, O daughter of Sion. Catholic Public Domain Version They will take hold of arrow and shield. They are cruel, and they will not take pity. Their voice will roar like the ocean. And they will climb upon horses, for they have been prepared like men for battle, against you, O daughter of Zion. New American Bible Bow and javelin they wield; cruel and pitiless are they. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride forth on horses, Each in his place for battle against you, daughter Zion. New Revised Standard Version They grasp the bow and the javelin, they are cruel and have no mercy, their sound is like the roaring sea; they ride on horses, equipped like a warrior for battle, against you, O daughter Zion! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey shall be armed with bows and spears; they are cruel and have no mercy; their voices roar like the sea; and they ride upon horses set in array as men for war against you, O daughter of Zion. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated With bows and with spears they are equipped; they are evil and have no compassion; their voice is like the sea that rages, and they ride upon horses, and they are prepared like mighty men for battle against you, daughter of Zion OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917They lay hold on bow and spear, They are cruel, and have no compassion; Their voice is like the roaring sea, And they ride upon horses; Set in array, as a man for war, Against thee, O daughter of Zion. Brenton Septuagint Translation They shall lay hold on bow and spear; the people is fierce, and will have no mercy; their voice is as the roaring sea; they shall array themselves for war against thee as fire on horses and chariots, O daughter of Sion. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context An Invasion from the North22This is what the LORD says: “Behold, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is stirred up from the ends of the earth. 23They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.” 24We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.… Cross References They grasp the bow and spear; Jeremiah 50:42 They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Babylon. Psalm 46:9 He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire. they are cruel and merciless. Deuteronomy 28:50 a ruthless nation with no respect for the old and no pity for the young. Lamentations 2:21 Both young and old lie together in the dust of the streets. My young men and maidens have fallen by the sword. You have slain them in the day of Your anger; You have slaughtered them without compassion. Their voice roars like the sea, Isaiah 5:30 In that day they will roar over it, like the roaring of the sea. If one looks over the land, he will see darkness and distress; even the light will be obscured by clouds. Isaiah 17:12 Alas, the tumult of many peoples; they rage like the roaring seas and clamoring nations; they rumble like the crashing of mighty waters. and they ride upon horses, Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. Jeremiah 46:4 Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor! lined up like men in formation Joel 2:7-8 They charge like mighty men; they scale the walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course. / They do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks. Jeremiah 50:14 Line up in formation around Babylon, all you who draw the bow! Shoot at her! Spare no arrows! For she has sinned against the LORD. against you, O Daughter of Zion.” Lamentations 2:8 The LORD determined to destroy the wall of the Daughter of Zion. He stretched out a measuring line and did not withdraw His hand from destroying. He made the ramparts and walls lament; together they waste away. Isaiah 1:8 And the Daughter of Zion is abandoned like a shelter in a vineyard, like a shack in a cucumber field, like a city besieged. Isaiah 10:32 Yet today they will halt at Nob, shaking a fist at the mount of Daughter Zion, at the hill of Jerusalem. Isaiah 5:26-30 He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come! / None of them grows weary or stumbles; no one slumbers or sleeps. No belt is loose and no sandal strap is broken. / Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. … Habakkuk 1:6-10 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans—that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own. / They are dreaded and feared; from themselves they derive justice and sovereignty. / Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. … Deuteronomy 28:49-50 The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand, / a ruthless nation with no respect for the old and no pity for the young. Treasury of Scripture They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roars like the sea; and they ride on horses, set in array as men for war against you, O daughter of Zion. They shall. Jeremiah 5:16 Their quiver is as an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men. Jeremiah 50:42 They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon. Isaiah 13:18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. cruel. Jeremiah 30:14 All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy sins were increased. Isaiah 13:18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. Isaiah 19:4 And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts. their. Jeremiah 4:13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled. Isaiah 5:26-30 And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly: … Luke 21:25,26 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; … Jump to Previous Array Battle Bow Compassion Cruel Daughter Hold Horses Lay Mercy Ride Roareth Roaring Roars Sea Seize Spear Voice War ZionJump to Next Array Battle Bow Compassion Cruel Daughter Hold Horses Lay Mercy Ride Roareth Roaring Roars Sea Seize Spear Voice War ZionJeremiah 6 1. The enemies sent against Judah,4. encourage themselves. 6. God sets them on work because of their sins. 9. The prophet laments the judgments of God because of their sins. 18. He proclaims God's wrath. 26. He calls the people to mourn for the judgment on their sins. They grasp the bow and spear; This phrase highlights the military prowess and preparedness of the invading forces. The bow and spear were common weapons in ancient warfare, symbolizing both offensive and defensive capabilities. Historically, the Babylonians, who are the likely invaders in this context, were known for their skilled archers and formidable infantry. The use of these weapons indicates a well-equipped and organized army, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat against Judah. they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by his lamentations over the people's unfaithfulness. 2. Daughter of Zion A poetic term referring to the city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. It symbolizes the people of God who are under threat due to their disobedience. 3. The Invading Army This refers to the Babylonian forces that God used as instruments of judgment against Judah. They are described as cruel and merciless, emphasizing the severity of the impending judgment. 4. Bow and Spear These are weapons of war, symbolizing the military might and preparedness of the invading forces. 5. The Sea The roaring voice of the invaders is likened to the sea, symbolizing overwhelming power and unstoppable force. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod uses nations and events to fulfill His purposes. Understanding His sovereignty helps us trust His plans even when they involve difficult circumstances. The Consequences of Disobedience The judgment on Judah serves as a warning about the serious consequences of turning away from God. It calls us to examine our own lives for areas of disobedience. The Power of Repentance While judgment is pronounced, the broader context of Jeremiah includes calls to repentance. This highlights God's desire for His people to return to Him. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare The imagery of battle reminds us of the spiritual warfare we face. We must be prepared with the armor of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. Hope Amidst Judgment Even in the midst of judgment, God’s ultimate plan is for restoration and redemption. This gives us hope and assurance of His faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 6:23?2. How does Jeremiah 6:23 illustrate God's judgment against disobedience? 3. What can we learn about God's power from "they lay hold on bow and spear"? 4. How does Jeremiah 6:23 connect with God's warnings in Deuteronomy 28? 5. In what ways can we prepare spiritually for God's discipline today? 6. How should Jeremiah 6:23 influence our response to national and personal sin? 7. What historical events does Jeremiah 6:23 refer to in its description of invaders? 8. How does Jeremiah 6:23 reflect God's judgment on Israel? 9. What is the significance of the "bow and spear" in Jeremiah 6:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 6? 11. Is His Word prioritized over His Name? 12. What does the Bible say about early and latter rain? 13. How does the promise that God makes wars cease (Psalm 46:9) align with the unceasing record of global conflicts throughout history? 14. Psalm 87:5 - If Zion is divinely established, why do other ancient texts suggest multiple rival religious centers during that era? What Does Jeremiah 6:23 Mean They grasp the bow and spearJeremiah opens with graphic weaponry to underline that the invaders will arrive fully armed and ready. • The bow speaks of long-range assault; the spear of close-quarters combat. Together they cover every threat. • This is fulfilled in the Babylonian forces God raises up: “They seize bow and javelin; they are cruel and have no mercy” (Jeremiah 50:42). • Scripture consistently presents enemy nations as instruments in God’s hand when His people persist in sin (Isaiah 13:5; Habakkuk 1:6–8). they are cruel and merciless The character of the attackers intensifies the warning. • “Cruel” carries the idea of delighting in destruction—nothing sentimental will restrain them (2 Kings 24:10–14). • “Merciless” shows there will be no negotiating or sparing; Judah has exhausted God’s patience (2 Chronicles 36:15–17). • By revealing this ahead of time, the Lord removes any illusion that deliverance will come through alliance or clever strategy (Jeremiah 2:36–37). Their voice roars like the sea The approaching army sounds like crashing surf—unstoppable, deafening, and overwhelming. • Similar language describes Assyria in Isaiah 5:30: “If one looks to the land, there is darkness and distress; even the light is obscured by clouds.” • The sea image stresses vast numbers and continuous pressure, leaving no room for resistance (Psalm 18:4). • Judah will hear this roar as Babylon’s columns march southward, signaling the tide of judgment. they ride upon horses Mounted warriors mean speed, power, and the ability to strike where Judah feels secure. • Babylon’s cavalry was famed for rapid advance (Jeremiah 4:13; Ezekiel 23:23–24). • Horses multiply the terror: “Their horses are swifter than leopards” (Habakkuk 1:8). • Judah, largely a foot-soldier culture, cannot match this mobility, showing how decisively the Lord can humble proud defenses (Psalm 20:7). lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion The assault will be disciplined and deliberate, not a chaotic raid. • “Formation” pictures regimented ranks—no weak spots to exploit (Joel 2:7–9). • “O Daughter of Zion” personalizes the message: God’s own city is the target because covenant rebellion has reached a crisis point (Micah 4:10). • Even in judgment, God calls His people tenderly, reminding them who they are and inviting repentance before the siege closes in (Jeremiah 4:1). summary Jeremiah 6:23 paints an unflinching portrait of Babylon’s impending invasion: fully armed, pitiless troops surge toward Jerusalem with the thunder of the sea, mounted for speed, marching in unbreakable ranks. The verse underscores God’s righteous response to Judah’s persistent sin while still addressing His people affectionately as “Daughter of Zion,” urging them to turn while time remains. (23) Bow and spear.--As before (Jeremiah 5:16), the special weapons of the Chaldaeans. The "spear" was a javelin, shot or hurled against the enemy.Cruel.--The ferocity of the Chaldaeans seems to have been exceptional. Prisoners impaled, or flayed alive, or burnt in the furnace (Jeremiah 29:22; Daniel 3:11), were among the common incidents of their wars and sieges. They ride upon horses.--This appears to have been a novelty to the Israelites, accustomed to the war-chariots of Egypt and their own kings rather than to actual cavalry. (Comp. Jeremiah 8:16; Job 39:21-25; Habakkuk 1:8; Isaiah 30:16.) Both archers and horsemen appear as prominent in the armies of Gog and Magog, i.e., of the Scythians, in Ezekiel 38:4; Ezekiel 39:3. . . . Verse 23. - Spear; rather, javelin (or, lance). They are cruel. The cruelty of the Assyrians and Babylonians seems to have spread general dismay. Nahum calls Nineveh "the city of bloodshed" (Nahum 3:1); Habakkuk styles the Chaldeans "bitter and vehement, terrible and dreadful" (Habakkuk 1:6, 7). The customs brought out into view m the monuments justify this most amply, though Professor Rawlinson thinks we cannot call the Assyrians (with whom the Babylonians may of course be coupled) naturally hard. hearted. "The Assyrian listens to the enemy who asks for quarter; he prefers making prisoners go slaying.; he is very terrible in the battle and the assault, but afterwards he forgives and spares" ('Ancient Monarchies,' 1:243). Their voice roareth. The horrid roar of the advancing hosts seems to have greatly struck the Jews (comp. Isaiah 5:30; Isaiah 17:12, 13).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew They graspיַחֲזִ֗יקוּ (ya·ḥă·zî·qū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer the bow קֶ֣שֶׁת (qe·šeṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7198: A bow, for, shooting, the iris and spear. וְכִיד֞וֹן (wə·ḵî·ḏō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3591: Something to strike with, a dart They הוּא֙ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are are cruel אַכְזָרִ֥י (’aḵ·zā·rî) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 394: Terrible and show no וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no mercy. יְרַחֵ֔מוּ (yə·ra·ḥê·mū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7355: To fondle, to love, to compassionate Their voice קוֹלָם֙ (qō·w·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6963: A voice, sound roars יֶהֱמֶ֔ה (ye·hĕ·meh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1993: To make a, loud sound, commotion, tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor like the sea, כַּיָּ֣ם (kay·yām) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin and they ride יִרְכָּ֑בוּ (yir·kā·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7392: To ride, to place upon, to despatch upon וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against horses, סוּסִ֖ים (sū·sîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird) lined up עָר֗וּךְ (‘ā·rūḵ) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 6186: To set in a, row, arrange, put in order like men כְּאִישׁ֙ (kə·’îš) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person in formation לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war against you, עָלַ֖יִךְ (‘ā·la·yiḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against O Daughter בַּת־ (baṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1323: A daughter of Zion.” צִיּֽוֹן׃ (ṣî·yō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem Links Jeremiah 6:23 NIVJeremiah 6:23 NLT Jeremiah 6:23 ESV Jeremiah 6:23 NASB Jeremiah 6:23 KJV Jeremiah 6:23 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 6:23 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 6:23 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 6:23 French Bible Jeremiah 6:23 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 6:23 They lay hold on bow and spear (Jer.) |
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