Jeremiah 6:23 Meaning and Explanation
“They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The invaders are fierce warriors—armed, merciless, roaring like the sea, riding in military formation against Jerusalem.
The Context of Jeremiah 6:23
The military character of the approaching force is made terrifyingly real.
What Does Jeremiah 6:23 Mean?
Bow and spear, horses in array—these convey military professionalism and overwhelming force. Cruel and have no mercy emphasize their hardness toward captives and the defeated. The voice roars like the sea captures the noise and tumult of advancing armies, unstoppable and all-consuming.
This vivid description is both warning and explanation: Judah faces not bandits or raiders but a disciplined, relentless force. The comparison to roaring sea evokes the chaos and terror of conquest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 6:23
What does Jeremiah 6:23 mean?
The invaders are fierce warriors—armed, merciless, roaring like the sea, riding in military formation against Jerusalem.
What is the context of Jeremiah 6:23?
The military character of the approaching force is made terrifyingly real.