Jeremiah 14:6
And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass.
Original Language Analysis
עָמְד֣וּ
did stand
H5975
עָמְד֣וּ
did stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
2 of 12
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׁפָיִ֔ם
in the high places
H8205
שְׁפָיִ֔ם
in the high places
Strong's:
H8205
Word #:
4 of 12
bareness; concretely, a bare hill or plain
שָׁאֲפ֥וּ
they snuffed up
H7602
שָׁאֲפ֥וּ
they snuffed up
Strong's:
H7602
Word #:
5 of 12
to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten
ר֖וּחַ
the wind
H7307
ר֖וּחַ
the wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
6 of 12
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
כַּתַּנִּ֑ים
like dragons
H8577
כַּתַּנִּ֑ים
like dragons
Strong's:
H8577
Word #:
7 of 12
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
כָּל֥וּ
did fail
H3615
כָּל֥וּ
did fail
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
8 of 12
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
עֵינֵיהֶ֖ם
their eyes
H5869
עֵינֵיהֶ֖ם
their eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
9 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:24A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.Joel 1:18How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
Historical Context
Wild asses (onagers) were known for enduring harsh conditions (Job 39:5-8). Their suffering indicated drought beyond normal seasonal variation, pointing to supernatural judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the suffering of even hardy, adapted creatures teach about judgment's severity?
- How do God's judgments often exceed natural explanation, pointing to supernatural intervention?
- What warning does creation's distress provide about impending or present divine judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
The description continues: 'And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass.' Wild asses, adapted to harsh environments, stand on heights desperately seeking moisture, 'snuffing up the wind' (possibly for rain scent or from heat). The comparison to 'dragons' (likely jackals) emphasizes their panting thirst. The phrase 'their eyes did fail' depicts desperation and exhaustion. If creatures adapted to desert conditions suffer, the drought must be extreme. This reinforces that God's judgment, when it comes, is thorough and severe.