Jeremiah 12:5
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?
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
רַ֙צְתָּה֙
If thou hast run
H7323
רַ֙צְתָּה֙
If thou hast run
Strong's:
H7323
Word #:
4 of 17
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
וַיַּלְא֔וּךָ
and they have wearied
H3811
וַיַּלְא֔וּךָ
and they have wearied
Strong's:
H3811
Word #:
5 of 17
to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וּבְאֶ֤רֶץ
and if in the land
H776
וּבְאֶ֤רֶץ
and if in the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
10 of 17
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
שָׁלוֹם֙
of peace
H7965
שָׁלוֹם֙
of peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
11 of 17
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
בוֹטֵ֔חַ
wherein thou trustedst
H982
בוֹטֵ֔חַ
wherein thou trustedst
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
they wearied thee then how wilt thou do
H6213
תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
they wearied thee then how wilt thou do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
15 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
1 Peter 4:12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:Proverbs 24:10If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.Psalms 42:7Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.Jeremiah 50:44Behold, 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?Jeremiah 49:19Behold, 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?Proverbs 3:11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:Joshua 3:15And 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,)Jeremiah 36:26But 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.Jeremiah 26:8Now 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.
Historical Context
The Jordan's 'swelling' refers to annual flooding that created dense thickets harboring lions and other predators (Jeremiah 49:19, 50:44, Zechariah 11:3). This dangerous terrain provided apt metaphor for severe trials. God's response doesn't explain the theodicy problem but prepares Jeremiah for intensified opposition. His ministry would include imprisonment, death threats, and witnessing Jerusalem's destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's response challenge rather than comfort Jeremiah's complaint?
- What does the escalating imagery (footmen to horses, peace to Jordan thickets) teach about progressive trials?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse contains God's challenging response: 'If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?' Instead of answering Jeremiah's complaint, God escalates the challenge. If Anathoth's conspiracy exhausted him, how will he handle worse opposition? 'And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?' 'Land of peace' (erets shalom) may mean Anathoth, his hometown; 'swelling of Jordan' (ge'on haYarden) describes the flooded Jordan valley's dangerous jungle where lions lurked (49:19). Present trials are minor compared to coming challenges.