Jeremiah 5:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will bring a powerful, foreign nation whose language and culture are unfamiliar to execute judgment on Israel.
The Context of Jeremiah 5:15
God will send a distant, mighty nation whose language Israel cannot understand to execute judgment.
What Does Jeremiah 5:15 Mean?
God announces the agent of judgment: a nation from afar—historically understood as Babylon. This nation is described with emphasis on its power and antiquity. The repetition of 'nation' and the stacking of qualifiers stress its formidability and the overwhelming nature of the threat. Importantly, it is a nation whose language Israel does not know and whose ways they do not understand, making communication and negotiation impossible.
The foreignness of the invaders serves multiple purposes. It strips away any possibility of Israelite pride; they will face a power they cannot match through diplomacy or cultural negotiation. The language barrier symbolizes their complete isolation and helplessness. This verse shifts from internal corruption and spiritual blindness to external, military judgment. God uses historical and political events as instruments of His justice. The invaders become unwitting agents of divine judgment on an unfaithful covenant people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 5:15
What does Jeremiah 5:15 mean?
God will bring a powerful, foreign nation whose language and culture are unfamiliar to execute judgment on Israel.
What is the context of Jeremiah 5:15?
God will send a distant, mighty nation whose language Israel cannot understand to execute judgment.