Jeremiah 4:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The invader arrives with overwhelming speed and power; Israel despairs of spoilation.
The Context of Jeremiah 4:13
Vivid, terrifying description of the invading army's arrival.
What Does Jeremiah 4:13 Mean?
The enemy—Babylon and its armies—comes like clouds (sudden, massive, obscuring the sky) and chariots as a whirlwind (violent, unstoppable swirling motion). Horses swifter than eagles convey superhuman speed and inevitability. No defensive measure can match this force.
'Woe unto us! for we are spoiled' is the cry of those witnessing invasion and knowing the end. Spoiled (destroyed, plundered, overcome) acknowledges complete defeat. The exclamation captures the moment when hope dies and reality crashes down.
Jeremiah 4:13 in the Original Language
spoil (שׁדד), 'spoiled'—plundered, destroyed, overcome by force.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 4:13
What does Jeremiah 4:13 mean?
The invader arrives with overwhelming speed and power; Israel despairs of spoilation.
What is the context of Jeremiah 4:13?
Vivid, terrifying description of the invading army's arrival.