Translations
Modern
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?
Traditional
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
Literal
“If you have run with those on foot and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And in a land of peace you are trusting—then how will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?
Latin
Si cum peditibus currens laborasti, quomodo contendere poteris cum equis? cum autem in terra pacis securus fueris, quid facies in superbia Jordanis?
Original
Hebrew
English
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?
Notes
Jeremiah's conflict with his family and friends was like racing against men. This was nothing compared to racing against horses, which would happen when the foreign army arrived. The coming war would be as difficult as navigating the dense bushes near the Jordan River.
The Lord corrected his messenger and answered his question by asking his own questions.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Jeremiahc. 628 BC
Places
Jordan: A river and region, significant in Israel's history
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Book of Jeremiah Horse Jeremiah (Person)
Topics
Confidence: False Jeremiah: The Prophet: Over the Prosperity of the Wicked Jordan: Swelling of, at Harvest Time the River Jordan: Overflowing of, Called the Swelling of Jordan