Translations
Modern
How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field be withered? Because of the evil of its residents, the animals and birds have been swept away, for the people have said, “He cannot see what our end will be.”
Traditional
How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.
Literal
How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field wither? For the evil of those dwelling in it, the beasts and fowl have been swept away—because they said, “He will not see our final end!
Latin
Usquequo lugebit terra, et herba omnis regionis siccabitur, propter malitiam habitantium in ea? Consumptum est animal, et volucre, quoniam dixerunt: Non videbit novissima nostra.
Original
Hebrew
English
How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field be withered? Because of the evil of its residents, the animals and birds have been swept away, for the people have said, “He cannot see what our end will be.”
Notes
Jeremiah felt helpless because the Lord's plan to destroy the land seemed too harsh. Jeremiah understood that the people were wrong to mockingly say the Lord could not predict the future (compare Isaiah 46:10).
Jeremiah questioned why a fair God did not quickly punish the wicked. He could not tolerate ongoing evil, but he also felt sorrow for the severe human suffering he foresaw (Jeremiah 10:19–25).
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Jeremiahc. 628 BC
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah (Person) Prayer Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of
Topics
Animals: Suffer Under Divine Judgments, Sent Upon Man Birds: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Herbs: Found in The Fields Jeremiah: The Prophet: Over the Prosperity of the Wicked The Earth: Made to Mourn and Languish by Sin