Jeremiah 23:19
Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יָֽצְאָ֔ה
is gone forth
H3318
יָֽצְאָ֔ה
is gone forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יָחֽוּל׃
even a grievous
H2342
יָחֽוּל׃
even a grievous
Strong's:
H2342
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
עַ֛ל
H5921
עַ֛ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹ֥אשׁ
upon the head
H7218
רֹ֥אשׁ
upon the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
9 of 11
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Cross References
Jeremiah 30:23Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.Jeremiah 25:32Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.Amos 1:14But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:Isaiah 21:1The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.Proverbs 10:25As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
Historical Context
The Babylonian invasion (605-586 BC) swept through the ancient Near East like a whirlwind. Ezekiel saw similar storm-theophany (Ezekiel 1:4). Archaeological evidence confirms systematic destruction of Judean cities during this period—the metaphorical whirlwind became literal military devastation.
Questions for Reflection
- What whirlwind of consequences approaches areas of unrepented sin in your life?
- How does understanding divine wrath as unstoppable force create urgency for repentance?
- Where do you see judgment approaching in contemporary events?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury—divine judgment comes as an unstoppable storm (סְעָרָה, se'arah) filled with wrath (חֵמָה, chemah). The verb חוּל (chul, 'writhe/whirl') describes violent circular motion like a tornado. It shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked—judgment strikes directly, personally. No negotiation exists with divine fury once released.
The meteorological metaphor conveys inevitability. Jesus used similar imagery of wind and storm against the foolish builder (Matthew 7:27). The wicked (רְשָׁעִים, r'sha'im) will experience God's fury crushingly 'upon the head.' When false prophets promise peace, God's whirlwind of judgment is already in motion, unstoppable and comprehensive.