Jeremiah 47:6 Meaning and Explanation
“O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The prophet addresses the divine sword as an instrument of judgment, pleading for its rest.
The Context of Jeremiah 47:6
Poetic address to the instrument of judgment.
What Does Jeremiah 47:6 Mean?
The 'sword of the LORD' personifies divine judgment. The poetic address treats it as an agent with agency, asking when it will cease its work. The request—put it into the scabbard, rest, be still—is a plea for an end to the violence and destruction. Jeremiah empathizes with the suffering even as he announces judgment.
This rhetorical question reveals the prophet's emotional stance: judgment has been pronounced and will come to pass, but the prophet himself feels the weight of it. The sword cannot rest until its work is done (as verse 7 will clarify), yet Jeremiah gives voice to the longing for peace that all parties share.
Jeremiah 47:6 in the Original Language
chereb (חֶרֶב), 'sword'—also connotes warfare, slaughter; a metonymy for the entire destructive power of judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 47:6
What does Jeremiah 47:6 mean?
The prophet addresses the divine sword as an instrument of judgment, pleading for its rest.
What is the context of Jeremiah 47:6?
Poetic address to the instrument of judgment.