Jeremiah 8:22
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
Original Language Analysis
בְּגִלְעָ֔ד
in Gilead
H1568
בְּגִלְעָ֔ד
in Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
3 of 14
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
רֹפֵ֖א
is there no physician
H7495
רֹפֵ֖א
is there no physician
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
שָׁ֑ם
H8033
כִּ֗י
there why then
H3588
כִּ֗י
there why then
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מַדּ֙וּעַ֙
H4069
מַדּ֙וּעַ֙
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
9 of 14
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָֽלְתָ֔ה
recovered
H5927
עָֽלְתָ֔ה
recovered
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
11 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Cross References
Jeremiah 46:11Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.Genesis 37:25And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.Jeremiah 51:8Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.Luke 8:43And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,Genesis 43:11And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
Historical Context
Gilead's balm was extracted from the resin of the balsam tree (Commiphora gileadensis), highly valued for wound treatment and exported to Egypt and throughout the ancient Near East. Genesis 37:25 mentions Ishmaelite traders carrying it to Egypt. The phrase became proverbial for healing resources. Jeremiah's question suggests that despite available spiritual resources (Torah, temple, prophets), Judah's sickness was terminal because they refused the remedy.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual 'balm' is available to heal our wounds, and why do we sometimes refuse it?
- How does this verse anticipate Christ as the true Physician who provides complete healing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This famous verse cries out for healing: 'Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no physician there?' Gilead, the Transjordanian region, was renowned for medicinal balm exported throughout the ancient world. The Hebrew tseori (צֳרִי, balm, balsam) was a precious healing ointment. 'Physician' (rophe, רֹפֵא) indicates professional healers. The questions expect positive answers—yes, there is balm; yes, there are physicians. Yet the perplexing conclusion: 'Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?' If healing resources exist, why does the wound remain fatal? The implied answer: the wound is too deep, the patient refuses treatment, or sin has made healing impossible apart from radical intervention.