Jeremiah 18:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The question challenges Israel's failure to cling to God, using the steadiness of nature's water sources as a contrast.
The Context of Jeremiah 18:14
Nature's constancy contrasts with Israel's abandonment of God.
What Does Jeremiah 18:14 Mean?
This verse asks a rhetorical question about nature's constancy: Does a man forsake the reliable snow-fed waters of Lebanon? Would anyone abandon the cold, flowing waters that come from a steady source? The answer is no—these natural water sources are essential and reliable, so no one would abandon them.
The implication is stinging: if people trust nature's consistent water supply, how much more should Israel trust God, whose faithfulness is infinitely greater? Yet Israel has done the unthinkable—abandoned the living waters (God) for broken cisterns (idols). This makes their choice not just foolish but perverse against nature itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 18:14
What does Jeremiah 18:14 mean?
The question challenges Israel's failure to cling to God, using the steadiness of nature's water sources as a contrast.
What is the context of Jeremiah 18:14?
Nature's constancy contrasts with Israel's abandonment of God.