Jeremiah 6:25
Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּֽצְאיּ֙
Go not forth
H3318
תֵּֽצְאיּ֙
Go not forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וּבַדֶּ֖רֶךְ
by the way
H1870
וּבַדֶּ֖רֶךְ
by the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 11
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 11
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּלֵ֑כיּ
H1980
תֵּלֵ֑כיּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חֶ֣רֶב
for the sword
H2719
חֶ֣רֶב
for the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
8 of 11
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
Cross References
Jeremiah 49:29Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side.Psalms 31:13For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.Job 18:11Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.Jeremiah 14:18If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.Jeremiah 20:10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
Historical Context
During the Babylonian siege and conquest, Judeans faced danger everywhere—inside the city from famine and disease, outside from enemy forces. Normal economic and social life became impossible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment affect every dimension of life, not just spiritual matters?
- What does comprehensive insecurity teach about the totality of sin's consequences?
- How should this verse inform our understanding of true security and where it is found?
Analysis & Commentary
The warning against normal activity—'Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way'—indicates that danger is everywhere. The specific threat, 'the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side,' shows comprehensive danger. The Hebrew phrase 'magor missabib' (fear/terror on every side) becomes a recurring theme in Jeremiah's prophecy. This total insecurity illustrates life under God's judgment: no safe spaces remain. The command to avoid normal activities shows how judgment disrupts everyday life. This reflects the covenant curse where leaving your city brings death (Deuteronomy 28:25).