Jeremiah 8:7
Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בַשָּׁמַ֗יִם
in the heaven
H8064
בַשָּׁמַ֗יִם
in the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
3 of 18
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
יָֽדְע֔וּ
know
H3045
יָֽדְע֔וּ
know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מֽוֹעֲדֶ֔יהָ
her appointed times
H4150
מֽוֹעֲדֶ֔יהָ
her appointed times
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וְתֹ֤ר
and the turtle
H8449
וְתֹ֤ר
and the turtle
Strong's:
H8449
Word #:
6 of 18
a ring-dove, often (figuratively) as a term of endearment
שָׁמְר֖וּ
observe
H8104
שָׁמְר֖וּ
observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵ֣ת
the time
H6256
עֵ֣ת
the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
11 of 18
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
בֹּאָ֑נָה
of their coming
H935
בֹּאָ֑נָה
of their coming
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
12 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְעַמִּ֕י
but my people
H5971
וְעַמִּ֕י
but my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָֽדְע֔וּ
know
H3045
יָֽדְע֔וּ
know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
15 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Isaiah 1:3The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.Isaiah 5:12And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.Song of Solomon 2:12The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
Historical Context
Palestine lies on major migratory bird routes between Africa and Europe. Ancient Israelites observed these seasonal patterns closely. The stork's Hebrew name reflects its perceived loyal family behavior. These observations became wisdom tradition metaphors, appearing also in Job 39:26. Jeremiah's contemporary audience would immediately grasp the shaming comparison—irrational creatures surpass them in responding to their Creator.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the example of migratory birds obeying natural law shame our failure to obey revealed spiritual law?
- What 'appointed times' and divine ordinances should characterize Christian faithfulness today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse introduces a powerful nature contrast: 'Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times.' The Hebrew chasidah (חֲסִידָה, stork) derives from chesed (חֶסֶד), emphasizing the bird's faithful, loyal nature in following migratory patterns. 'The turtle, and the crane, and the swallow observe the time of their coming' (tor, agur, sis)—three more migratory birds instinctively following God's natural order. 'But my people know not the judgment of the LORD' creates devastating contrast. Birds possess natural instinct (yada, יָדַע, know) to follow divine order; God's covenant people, with Scripture, temple, prophets, and direct revelation, fail to recognize (yada) God's mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט, judgment, ordinance, way). Creatures without reason obey their Creator more faithfully than rational beings with revelation.