Jeremiah 15:20
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וּנְתַתִּ֜יךָ
And I will make
H5414
וּנְתַתִּ֜יךָ
And I will make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לָעָ֣ם
thee unto this people
H5971
לָעָ֣ם
thee unto this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֗ה
H2088
נְחֹ֙שֶׁת֙
brasen
H5178
נְחֹ֙שֶׁת֙
brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
5 of 18
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
בְּצוּרָ֔ה
a fenced
H1219
בְּצוּרָ֔ה
a fenced
Strong's:
H1219
Word #:
6 of 18
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
וְנִלְחֲמ֥וּ
and they shall fight
H3898
וְנִלְחֲמ֥וּ
and they shall fight
Strong's:
H3898
Word #:
7 of 18
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
י֣וּכְלוּ
against thee but they shall not prevail
H3201
י֣וּכְלוּ
against thee but they shall not prevail
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
10 of 18
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִתְּךָ֥
H854
אִתְּךָ֥
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לְהוֹשִֽׁיעֲךָ֥
against thee for I am with thee to save
H3467
לְהוֹשִֽׁיעֲךָ֥
against thee for I am with thee to save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
Cross References
Ezekiel 3:9As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Psalms 46:11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Psalms 46:7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Jeremiah 1:8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 6:27I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way.2 Timothy 4:22The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Historical Context
Throughout his ministry, Jeremiah suffered persecution while his prophecies seemed slow to fulfill. This created crisis of faith: was God truly faithful? Would protection promised actually come?
Questions for Reflection
- How do we understand the propriety of such bold complaints to God in Scripture?
- What does the 'failing waters' metaphor teach about disappointment with God during suffering?
- How should believers process times when God's promises seem unfulfilled?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jeremiah's anguish deepens: 'Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?' The questions express profound suffering: perpetual pain, incurable wounds, refusal of healing. The bold accusation—will God be 'as a liar, and as waters that fail'—protests apparent unfulfillment of God's promises of protection. This represents the darkest point of Jeremiah's complaint, where circumstances seem to contradict God's character. The 'waters that fail' metaphor describes wadis (intermittent streams) that dry up when most needed. Jeremiah feels God has proven unreliable like a seasonal stream.