Jeremiah 4:23
I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.
Original Language Analysis
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I beheld
H7200
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I beheld
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תֹ֖הוּ
and lo it was without form
H8414
תֹ֖הוּ
and lo it was without form
Strong's:
H8414
Word #:
5 of 10
a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
וָבֹ֑הוּ
and void
H922
וָבֹ֑הוּ
and void
Strong's:
H922
Word #:
6 of 10
a vacuity, i.e., (superficially) an undistinguishable ruin
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
and the heavens
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
and the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
8 of 10
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
Cross References
Matthew 24:29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:Isaiah 13:10For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.Genesis 1:2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.Amos 8:9And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:Joel 2:10The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:Isaiah 5:30And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.Revelation 20:11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.Jeremiah 9:10For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through them; neither can men hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beast are fled; they are gone.
Historical Context
Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 4:23, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jeremiah 4:23 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
- What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:23 for your walk with Christ today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:23 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.