Jeremiah 14:5
Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
יָלְדָ֖ה
also calved
H3205
יָלְדָ֖ה
also calved
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
5 of 10
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The hind was proverbially devoted to offspring (Job 39:1-4; Psalm 29:9). For such a creature to abandon its calf indicated extreme environmental stress, making the drought's severity vivid and undeniable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does human sin's effect on innocent creatures demonstrate sin's cosmic scope?
- What does creation's suffering under judgment teach about the seriousness of covenant breaking?
- How should awareness that our sins affect others motivate righteous living?
Analysis & Commentary
Even wildlife suffers: 'Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass.' The hind (deer), known for devoted maternal care, abandons her newborn due to drought's severity. This demonstrates judgment's cosmic scope—innocent animals suffer due to human covenant breaking. The detail intensifies the tragedy: even strong maternal instincts yield to starvation. This recalls Romans 8:20-22, where creation groans under human sin's curse. Reformed theology recognizes that sin's consequences extend beyond sinners to affect all creation.